Wat Pho Bangkok 2026: New Entrance Fees, Massage Prices & Tips
Wat Pho Temple (Wat Phra Chetuphon) is one of the most important landmarks of Bangkok and I would recommend you to add it to your Bangkok itinerary if it has not yet been included.
Wat Pho temple receives between 10000 and 15000 visitors a day and it is mostly due to an impressive gigantic Reclining Buddha statue. This post will prepare you for your visit to this temple and will tell you all you need to know.
From the temple opening hours, to the entrances fees, dress code and all other important information to facilitate your visit.
PRO TIP: If you’re visiting in the midday heat (which can reach 35°C!), the ticket lines at Wat Pho can be exhausting. To save time and stay cool, I recommend booking an Official Grand Palace & Wat Pho Combined Tour. These tours include skip the lines pre booked tickets and will make your experience more pleasant.
Is it What Pho temple worth a visit?
There many things to do in Bangkok and you will for sure need a few days to cover the most interesting places and Wat Pho temple should be a mandatory stop in your itinerary.
Check out this one month itinerary in Thailand if you are planning to travel the country further.
Most of the people are drawn to the temple in search of the Reclining Buddha image, which makes the visit really worth it. It is a huge golden Buddha statue with some very interesting engravings in its feet.
But it is not only the Buddha image the reason why you should visit this temple. The temple is really beautifully decorated with statues and paintings. It is one of the most stunning temples in Bangkok and really worth a visit.
Introduction to Wat Pho temple
The Wat Pho temple was originally the first public university in Thailand, where science, literature and religion were taught. There many inscriptions about medical science on marble around the temple complex and that is why I recommend you to visit the temple with a guide.
What Pho built date is unknown but it is believed that it happened during the XVI century. It was used as a Royal temple for King Rama I of the Chakri dinasty.
Nowadays What Pho is one of Bangkok;s most famous landmarks and a very well known traditional Thai massage and medicine centre. The temple became a world UNESCO heritage site in 2008.
What to see at the Wat Pho temple complex
As mentioned at the beginning of this post the most well known site of this temple complex is the reclining Buddha. The Buddha statue is covered in golden lead and it is gigantic, 15 meters tall and 46 meters long. The Buddha feet are 3 meters high and 4.5 meters long and they are decorated with 108 panels where Buddha related symbols are painted. At the center of each foot there is a “chakra” or wheel or energy.
You will need to leave your shoes at the entrance of the reclining Buddha hall.
In the corridor leading the to Buddha there are 108 bronze bowls that represent the 108 characters of the Buddha. 108 is a magic number is Eastern spirituality as well. You can get a bag with 108 coins at the entrance and drop them in each of the bowls. This will bring you good fortune, according to the Thai beliefs.
The Wat Pho temple is also home to several chedis and chapels and the residence of a former prince.
Wat Pho is considered the first public university for teaching Thai Massage and they also teach Thai medicine. You can get all type of Thai massage at the temple. The rates are not that great but they are usually fully booked due to the prestige of the school.
- Thai massage 30 min: 340 Baht (10 US$)
- Thai massage 1hr: 520 Baht (15.30 US$)
- Foot massage 30min: 340 Baht (10 US$)
- Foot massage 1 hr: 520 Baht (15.30 US$)
How to get to Wat Pho temple in Bangkok
Wat Pho Temple is located on the river banks, next to the riverboat pier, very close to the Grand Palace, across the river from Wat Arun and right behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The temple is walking distance from Kao Shan road so I would recommend you to walk along the Chao Praya river, passing the Thammasat university, and the you will find it on your left hand side.
You can also grab a Tuk Tuk to get to the temple but make sure to bargain the price as they usually ask for a very high amount of money for what it is a very small distance.
Wat Pho opening hours
Wat Pho temple is open every day from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM. The massage service is available until 6:00 PM.
Wat Pho temple dress code
Like most places of worship in Thailand the Wat Pho you need to cover your shoulders and knees to enter the Wat Pho temple complex. If you do not have adequate clothes with you, it is possible to get a bug sharong at the entrance to cover yourself.
Wearing shoes is not allowed to enter the “reclining Buddha” image room. You can leave them at the door.
Wat Pho temple entrance fee
The entrance fee for foreigners is 300 Baht (approximately $8.50 – $9.00 USD).
- What’s included: Your ticket includes a small complimentary bottle of water, which you can collect at a designated kiosk inside the complex.
- Children: Entry is free for children under 120 cm (approx. 4 feet) in height.
- Payment: Note that the ticket counter usually requires cash (Thai Baht). While some larger temples are starting to accept cards, it is always safer to have cash ready for Wat Pho.
- Locals: Entry remains free for Thai citizens.
Note: Do not be confused by older guides or signs mentioning 100 or 200 Baht. The official price was increased to 300 Baht to help with the ongoing restoration of the stupas and murals.
HATE THE LINES? > If you don’t want to wait in a 30-minute queue under the sun, you can book a tour that includes your entry and takes you through the “Big Three” (Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun) in one go. It’s much more comfortable than navigating it yourself!
- This group tour is an excellent option to make your experience more comfortable and if you would like to stay with group the private option is also a great alternative.
- There some great Wat Pho tours here as well.
Why book a tour in 2026?
- Expert Storytelling: With over 1,000 Buddha images and 91 chedis, it’s easy to get “temple fatigue.” A guide points out the hidden details, like the mother-of-pearl carvings on the Reclining Buddha’s feet, that most solo travelers miss.
- Logistics & Cooling: The best tours include air-conditioned transport between sites and cold water—absolute essentials when the Bangkok humidity hits 35°C.
- Avoid Scams: Having a guide ensures you won’t be targeted by the classic “the temple is closed today” scam often found near the gates.
Recommended Tours: For a seamless experience that covers all the highlights with pre-booked tickets, I recommend these top-rated options:
- Wat Pho, and Wat Arun Walking Tour – Perfect for small groups and includes a scenic ferry ride across the river.
- Bangkok City Tour: Iconic Temples & Palace– Best for families or those who want a more personal, flexible pace with hotel pickup.
For more tips about things to visit in Thailand check this 10 days in Thailand itinerary
Where to Stay Near Wat Pho
If you want to make the most of your time in Bangkok’s Old City, staying near Wat Pho is a great choice. You’ll be walking distance to the Grand Palace and the river piers. Here are my top recommendations:
1. Baan Wang Lang Riverside (The View Choice)
Located just across the river with a free shuttle boat, this hotel offers incredible views of the Grand Palace and Wat Pho at night. It features a rooftop bar that is perfect for sunset.
- Style: Riverside Boutique
- Best for: Views and romantic atmosphere
- Book your stay here
2. Centara Life Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon (The Comfort Choice)
A very modern, 4-star hotel in the heart of the Old City. It’s clean, has a beautiful outdoor pool to cool off in after temple hopping, and is highly rated for its service.
- Style: Modern 4-Star
- Best for: Families and travelers who want a pool.
- Book your stay here
3. Lub d Bangkok Chinatown (The Budget/Social Choice)
While located in Chinatown (a short Tuk Tuk ride from Wat Pho), this is one of the best-rated stays in the area. It’s vibrant, stylish, and perfect for meeting other travelers.
- Style: High-end Hostel/Hotel
- Best for: Solo travelers and budget-conscious adventurers.
- Book your stay here
More Bangkok And Thailand Guides
I have been several in Bangkok and have spent in total months there during several stays in the city arriving from Europe or just on the way to other several destination in Thailand. Check here some more Bangkok guides;
- Amulet market Bangkok, Thailand
- Wat Arun temple Bangkok: The complete 2024 guide
- Bangkok Canal Tour: All you need to know 2024
- The best Bangkok one day itinerary
- Bangkok 4 day itinerary
- 16 facts about Bangkok
And it is not only about Bangkok but Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world that I have travel extensively and I know quiet well. Check here some of the guides:
