Thailand

Bangkok seems like a treasure trove for those who love temples, stupas, or Buddhist sculptures. To convince yourself, take a stroll through the heart of Phra Nakhon, the famous historic district. Just steps away from the Grand Palace stands Wat Pho, a magnificent royal temple from the 18th century and undoubtedly one of Bangkok's must-visit temples. The place exudes an ineffable spirituality, especially when the crowd leaves the complex and the monks' chants rise in the evening silence. The temple's spectacular attraction is the 46-meter-long reclining Buddha, smiling as if awaiting his ascension to Nirvana. Apart from the Grand Reclining Buddha, the numerous statues in the gallery and the internationally renowned massage school contribute to Wat Pho's tourist success.

Historical notes

Wat Pho, pronounced "wat pho," is one of Bangkok's oldest places of worship. 1788 is often mentioned as the completion date of its construction. However, it overlooks the fact that a temple named Wat Photaram, or Podharam, once occupied the site. It is impossible to determine when the first temple was built or the identity of the master builder, but chroniclers place the beginning of construction during the reign of King Phetracha, in the second half of the 17th century.

Wat Pho began to gain importance in 1767 when King Taksin, relocating his capital to Thonburi, ordered the construction of a royal palace near the temple, on the other side of the Chao Phraya River. Declared a royal monastery, the temple would change its appearance according to the wishes of the Siamese sovereigns.

In 1790, King Rama I decided to completely restore the building. After 12 years of work, it was inaugurated again in 1801 under the name Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklavas. The temple's artistic inventory was enriched with a large quantity of Buddha figurines salvaged from the ruined stupas of Ayutthaya and other provinces of Thailand. King Rama I saved them from destruction by transporting them to Wat Pho. The ashes of the king are kept there.

However, it is from 1939 onward that Wat Pho owes most of its makeover. King Rama III carried out an unprecedented renovation process. The reclining Buddha and the chapel housing it date from this period. The temple's surface area was expanded to over eight hectares. The name Wat Phra Chetuphon, under which most people know it, was given by King Rama V.

Wat Pho today

Located in the heart of Phra Nakhon, south of the Grand Palace, Wat Pho Temple is one of the remarkable monuments that attract Bangkok's 22 million visitors. The number of visitors varies around 10,000 per day, reaching over 15,000 during the high season. According to TripAdvisor rankings, it is the most popular Buddhist temple in Thailand.

Wearing appropriate attire covering arms and legs, indulge in a guided tour of Wat Pho. The temple complex is built on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The northern part accessible to visitors includes an ordination hall, prayer chapels, viharas, and chedis set amidst lush gardens. The southern part is reserved for monk accommodations and teaching. Moving from one building to another, keep an eye out for decorative friezes, stuccos, marble, or ceramic tiles. Wat Pho presents itself as a model of refinement and architectural delicacy. 

Remarkable temple attractions

The reclining Buddha, adorned with gold leaf

As you move through the main temple, your eyes are drawn to an immense golden Buddha in a reclining position. It measures 46 meters long and 15 meters high. Everything revolves around this larger-than-life Buddha statue, which is both an artistic masterpiece and a religious symbol.

With its head resting on its right hand, the Enlightened One is depicted on his deathbed, about to ascend to Nirvana, the eternal bliss signifying the end of reincarnations. The resemblance to a sleeping lion is strong, especially since the idol is covered in gold leaf from head to toe and all over its limbs. Its pillows are adorned with glass fragments. Notice the mother-of-pearl inlays on the 4.5-meter-long soles of its feet. Beneath the feet, admire the 108 depictions of Buddha, representing his different manifestations when bestowing favor upon mankind.

As you stroll through the Vihara corridor, you'll see 108 bronze bowls with flower, tiger, or liturgical accessory motifs. It is customary to throw coins into them for good luck. While skeptics may see this as mere superstition, this donation helps fund the temple's maintenance.

The cloister galleries

Aside from this giant Buddha, Wat Pho is known for housing one of the world's richest collections of Buddha statues. No fewer than 400 seated Buddhas are displayed in the cloister, which is divided into two galleries. 

The institute of massage and traditional medicine

Wat Pho is also a major destination for medical tourism. This is because a massage school opened its doors in 1955 in the southern wing of the temple, aiming to teach the basics of Thai massage and traditional medicine. Accredited by the government and fully recognized by UNESCO since 2019, this massage institute is famous worldwide. Whether it's foot care, facials, aromatic herbal baths, or body massages, you'll be spoiled for choice. Massage helps restore energy, relieve muscle pain, and provide moments of relaxation by surrendering to the hands of wellness professionals.

Practical information

Opening hours

The site is open to visitors every day from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The massage institute closes at 6 p.m.

Admission fee

Access to the site is charged. A fee of 200 baht, equivalent to €5.6, will be required for visiting rights. If you wish to experience a traditional massage, you will need to pay an additional 250 baht (€7). Prices are subject to change over the years.

When to visit Wat Pho?

Wat Pho experiences its peak visitation between November and February, during Thailand's high tourist season. Visit early in the morning, at noon, or in the late afternoon to avoid crowds.

How to get there?

Getting to Wat Pho is very easy by taking the metro or ferry.

If you decide to take the boat, take the BTS line to Asok and get off at Saphan Taksin station. From there, board the Chao Phraya Express Boat, which stops at Tha Tien Pier. The temple is just a few meters from the pier. 

Alternatively, you can take the MRT subway, which was recently launched in July 2019. Getting off at Sanam Chai station, it's only a seven-minute walk to the temple.

Nearby…

Near Wat Pho, other landmarks await discovery in Bangkok's historic center:

• The Temple of Dawn, or Wat Arun;
• The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is located within the Grand Palace.
• The Siam Museum.

Continue your visit by exploring the flower market afterwards.