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Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)

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Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) (Thailand)

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Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) is a remarkable feature of the geography and culture of Thailand. A temple complex in Bangkok famous for its giant statue of a reclining Buddha, which is 46 meters long. Considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Houses more than one thousand Buddha images. One of the oldest temples in Bangkok. This site holds particular significance in the history of Thailand, from the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya kingdoms to modern Bangkok. Like many notable places in Thailand, it combines regional character with the legacy of the Chao Phraya, the Mekong and Buddhist tradition. Thus, this place contributes to the diverse profile of Thailand, between the Andaman coast, rice paddies and tropical forests.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272829303029282828272726
Rain mm211651721521521521552512214910

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Wat Pho is open daily, the giant reclining Buddha statue is inside the temple. Modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees) is required, shoes must be removed before buildings.
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Typical hours
The temple complex typically opens around 8:00 and closes at 18:30. These times may vary, so checking on-site is advisable.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout Wat Pho, including the reclining Buddha statue. Avoid flash to protect the statue and not disturb others.
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Time needed
Allow about 1 to 2 hours for visiting Wat Pho, to see the main hall, stupas, and traditional Thai massage area. Meditation corners deserve extra time.
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Combine with
Wat Pho is near the Grand Palace and Wat Arun on the opposite riverbank. Combining with these two attractions is well-suited for a day trip in Bangkok.
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Getting there
Wat Pho is easily reached by taxi or the Chao Phraya ferry (Tha Tien pier). From the Grand Palace it's just a five-minute walk.
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Insider tip
Visit Wat Pho early in the morning to avoid crowds. Treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage at the on-site massage school after your tour.

Geography

Coordinates
13.74660, 100.49310

Facts

  • A temple complex in Bangkok famous for its giant statue of a reclining Buddha, which is 46 meters long.
  • Located within the Kingdom of Thailand.
  • Shaped by the monsoon climate of Southeast Asia.
  • Linked to the heritage of the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya kingdoms.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Grand PalaceGrand Palace<1 km · SWExplore →
Wat Saket (Golden Mount)Wat Saket (Golden Mount)2 km · NExplore →
NonthaburiNonthaburi3 km · NWExplore →
Jim Thompson House MuseumJim Thompson House Museum4 km · NExplore →
Thai Beverage HeadquartersThai Beverage Headquarters6 km · NExplore →
Benchasiri ParkBenchasiri Park8 km · NExplore →
Erawan MuseumErawan Museum11 km · NExplore →
Chao Phraya RiverChao Phraya River12 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) (14)

Wat Dibayavari Vihara⛪ religious

A globally recognised Chinese-style Mahayana Buddhist temple with animated dragon motifs and ornate roof details.

Queen Sunanda Kumariratana Memorial🏺 historical

A globally recognised marble monument dedicated to the tragic passing of King Chulalongkorn's beloved queen consort.

🕒 Mo-Su 04:30-21:00

Phra Maha Chedi Dilokthama Kornkanithan🏺 historical

A highly decorated stupa within the Wat Pho complex, adorned with intricate floral tile mosaics.

Villa of Princess Phongpraphai🏰 castle

An elegant historical residence blending Thai and European architectural elements, once home to Thai royalty.

Pi Kun Bridge📍 landmark

A globally recognised pedestrian bridge spanning a canal, adorned with statues commemorating the year of the pig.

Wat Bophit Phimuk Worawihan⛪ religious

A globally recognised second-class royal monastery situated by the canal, featuring a large vihara and traditional Thai ordination hall.

Wat Ratchaburana Ratchaworawihan⛪ religious

A globally recognised royal temple built in the late 18th century, notable for its murals and classical Ayutthaya-style prang.

Memorial Bridge📍 landmark

A globally recognised bascule bridge over the Chao Phraya River, opened in 1932 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Chakri Dynasty.

Phra Pok Klao Bridge📍 landmark

A globally recognised modern concrete bridge that runs parallel to the Memorial Bridge to ease traffic across the Chao Phraya River.

Museum of Siam🏛 museum

A globally recognised discovery museum set in a neoclassical mansion, using interactive exhibits to explore Thai national identity.

🕒 Tu-Su 10:00-18:00

Inner Row House🏰 castle

A preserved row of historic fortress-like residential structures originally built to house members of the royal court.

Princess Mother Memorial Park🌳 park

This memorial park was established to honor the Princess Mother Srinagarindra.

I.C.P. Flower market🎭 culture

This lively marketplace is one of the main spots for trading fresh flowers in the district.

Pak Khlong Talat🎭 culture

As Bangkok's primary wholesale flower marketplace, it operates 24 hours a day with animated floral displays.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-17:00

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the highlight?
The huge, reclining, gilded Buddha statue.
What are the opening hours?
Usually daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Can you get a massage there?
Yes, Wat Pho is considered the cradle of Thai massage.
Is it very crowded?
Yes, especially at noon it is often very crowded.
Is entry free?
No, an entrance fee must be paid.
Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho): where is it located?
Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) is located in Thailand.
Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho): what is there to see?
Highlights include Wat Dibayavari Vihara, Queen Sunanda Kumariratana Memorial, Phra Maha Chedi Dilokthama Kornkanithan.
Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho): why is it worth visiting?
Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) is a remarkable feature of the geography and culture of Thailand.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Bangkok — Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) (Thailand)
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest city of Thailand, known for its ornate shrines and vibrant street life.

History & landmarks

Baiyoke Tower II — Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) (Thailand)
Baiyoke Tower II
An 88-story skyscraper in Bangkok, once the tallest building in Thailand, offering panoramic views of the city.

Nature

Chao Phraya River — Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) (Thailand)
Chao Phraya River
The main artery of Thailand, a cosmic river flowing through the heart of Bangkok.

More places

Grand Palace — Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) (Thailand)
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A complex of buildings in the heart of Bangkok which has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782.
Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) — Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) (Thailand)
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A Buddhist temple in Bangkok, its central prang is decorated with porcelain and ceramic pieces that glisten in the sun.
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A religious structure in the heart of Bangkok, formerly used for an annual Brahmin ceremony.
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A public monument in the center of Bangkok, commemorating the 1932 Siamese revolution which ended absolute monarchy.
Wat Saket (Golden Mount) — Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) (Thailand)
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A low man-made hill in Bangkok with a golden chedi on top, offering panoramic views of the city.
Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit) — Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) (Thailand)
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