WAT PHO TEMPLE BANGKOK, THE COMPLETE GUIDE
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.
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: 260 Baht (8.30 US$)
- Thai massage 1hr: 420 Baht (13.40 US$)
- Foot massage 30min: 280 Baht (9 US$)
- Foot massage 1 hr: 420 Baht (13.40 US$)
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 is 100 bahts and it includes a small water bottle. Your ticket allows you to visit everything in the temple complex without any extra fees. The massage is paid for separately. If you want to book a guide at the gates for around 400 baths.
You can purchase your ticket at the gate of pre book them on line.
Wat Pho temple tours
If you are an a tight schedule booking a Wat Pho tour in advance will save you quite a lot of time.
For more tips about things to visit in Thailand check this 10 days in Thailand itinerary
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