Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Home of the 46-metre gold Reclining Buddha and the birthplace of Thai massage — sprawling, gorgeous, and more relaxed than the Grand Palace next door. 300 baht (recently raised), open 8am–6:30pm daily, right by MRT Sanam Chai. Get a massage at the on-site school; it's the real thing at fair prices.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What's the dress code at Wat Pho?

Shoulders and knees covered, shoes off in the Reclining Buddha hall (free bags provided to carry them). Enforcement is slightly softer than the Grand Palace but dress properly anyway — it's an active royal temple.

Can I get a real Thai massage at Wat Pho?

Yes — Wat Pho is the traditional school of Thai medicine and massage, and the on-site pavilions offer massages by trained practitioners at fair fixed prices. Queues build midday; put your name down when you arrive and explore while you wait. It's firmer than spa massage — say so if you want it gentler.

What's the deal with the 108 bowls at Wat Pho?

Along the back wall of the Reclining Buddha hall are 108 bronze bowls; for a small donation you get a cup of coins to drop one-by-one into each bowl for merit and luck. The rhythmic clinking is the sound of the hall — do it, it's a lovely ritual and funds the temple.

How do I get to Wat Pho?

MRT to Sanam Chai station — it's a five-minute walk, and the station itself is decorated like a Rattanakosin throne hall. By river, the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Tien pier puts you two minutes from the entrance.

How much is Wat Pho's entrance fee?

300 baht for foreigners — it was raised from 200 fairly recently, so ignore older guides. Thais enter free, and children under 120cm are free. Open daily 8am to 6:30pm.

How big is the Reclining Buddha?

46 metres long and 15 metres high, gold-leafed head to toe, with mother-of-pearl soles inlaid with 108 auspicious symbols. It barely fits its hall — you view it in sections, which somehow makes it feel even bigger.

What else is there at Wat Pho besides the Reclining Buddha?

A lot — most visitors miss it. Four giant royal chedis in glittering mosaic, nearly 400 gilded Buddhas in the cloisters, stone Chinese guardian giants, and marble inscriptions of traditional medicine recognized by UNESCO. Give the wider grounds an hour; the Buddha hall is maybe 20 minutes.

Is Wat Pho better than the Grand Palace?

Different beasts: the Grand Palace is more spectacular, Wat Pho is more enjoyable — cheaper, calmer, and you can actually breathe. If you only have energy for one and you've seen grand temples before, honest answer: many travelers prefer Wat Pho. Ideally do both in one morning; they're ten minutes apart.

Nearby in Ask Bangkok

• Museum of SiamMuseum0.27 km · 3 min walk
• Supanniga Eating Room (Tha Tien)Restaurant0.3 km · 4 min walk
• Grand Palace & Wat Phra KaewAttraction0.42 km · 5 min walk
• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)Attraction0.54 km · 7 min walk
• Rattanakosin (Old Town)Neighborhood0.57 km · 7 min walk