The Reclining Buddha
The statue is the reason you come, and it delivers. Forty-six metres of gold leaf laid over the Buddha's passing into Nirvana, in a hall that barely contains it, so you walk the length of the thing to take it in piece by piece. The feet are the detail people talk about most: 108 mother-of-pearl panels of auspicious symbols, three metres high. Expect a queue to get into the hall.
Don't treat the rest as filler. The compound spreads out into chedis, Thai pavilions and courtyards where people are actually worshipping, not posing, and there are food and souvenir stalls inside if you flag. Give it an hour minimum. One fair criticism from reviewers is that the site is big and the layout isn't obvious, so a map from the entrance saves some wandering in circles. Come at opening if you can. By late morning it's a shuffle.
Book tours & tickets in Bangkok
Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around The Reclining Buddha — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After The Reclining Buddha, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho is truly breathtaking. The moment you step inside the hall, the sheer size of the statue leaves you in awe. Stretching 46 meters long and covered in gold leaf, the Buddha radiates serenity and grandeur. One of the most beautiful details is the intricate mother-of-pearl inlay on the soles of the feet, depicting auspicious symbols. Walking along the length of the statue allows you to fully appreciate both its scale and craftsmanship. The atmosphere inside the temple is peaceful despite the number of visitors. The sound of coins being dropped into the metal bowls lining the wall adds a unique and meditative rhythm to the experience. Beyond the Reclining Buddha itself, the temple complex is stunning, with colorful chedis, traditional architecture, and beautifully maintained courtyards. If you’re visiting Bangkok, this is an essential cultural and spiritual landmark that should not be missed. Truly unforgettable.
Price 300 baht cash only. There is ATM at one of the entrances. Dress code for everyone shoulders and knees are covered. Gorgeous temple. Come early. The grounds of the temple are beautiful, take your time to wonder around. Don’t miss reclining Buddha, you will need to line up to go inside. There are a few food and souvenir stalls inside. Overall it was a very pleasant experience. The place is gorgeous!
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) in Bangkok is a premier, first-class royal temple renowned for its massive, 46-meter-long gold-plated statue representing Buddha’s passing into Nirvana. Located near the Grand Palace, this historic site is famous for its 3-meter-high, mother-of-pearl inlaid feet. One of the oldest and very important temple in Bangkok, it is any tourist's must go to itinerary. Being a large area it is very confusing to find your way around and asking other tourists I found my way to the main hall of the reclining Buddha but no route directions are given or can get any help from the guards and that remains a big bummer for me in Thailand. Very well maintained heritage property and also a very auspicious place. Please be mindful of the fact that this is an active religious site hence befitting respectful behaviour must be observed all time while visiting the temple.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 8,272 reviews on Google.
Also Popular in Bangkok
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Go at six in the morning, before the heat turns 15,000 stalls into an endurance test.
centralwOrld
Vast, air-conditioned and genuinely easy to navigate, with a top-floor food scene worth the trip alone.
Asiatique The Riverfront
Go at dusk, arrive by the free shuttle boat, and treat it as an evening out rather than a shopping trip.
MBK CENTER
Eight floors of small stalls and haggling, closer to an indoor market than a mall, and all the better for it.
The Reclining Buddha: Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Reclining Buddha worth visiting?
The Reclining Buddha holds a 4.8★ rating from 8,272 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Bangkok.
What are the opening hours of The Reclining Buddha?
The Reclining Buddha is typically open 08:00-19:30 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit The Reclining Buddha?
The best months to visit Bangkok are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December & January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April – May (peak heat).
Where is The Reclining Buddha located?
The Reclining Buddha is at 2 Thanon Sanam Chai, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand, in Bangkok. Getting around Bangkok: BTS Skytrain (most central areas); MRT Metro (underground).
Location Info
2 Thanon Sanam Chai, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand+66 83 057 7100www.watpho.com/enVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 34°C(77°F – 93°F)
Crowds
Peak: December & January
Getting there
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports serve Bangkok with direct flights from most major cities.
Getting around
- •BTS Skytrain (most central areas)
- •MRT Metro (underground)
- •Airport Rail Link (ARL)
- •Chao Phraya Express Boat
- •Grab (ride-hailing app)
- •Metered taxis — always use the meter
Where to stay near The Reclining Buddha
Find hotels in Bangkok on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Nearby Places
Wat Pho
Everyone comes for the 46-metre Reclining Buddha, but the stupas and courtyards are what stay with you.
Wat Arun Viewing Point
A riverside vantage point on Thanon Maha Rat offering striking views across the Chao Phraya to Wat Arun's iconic spires.
Royal Clock Tower
A replica of Siam's first clock tower, standing near Wat Pho as a tribute to King Rama IV's modernising vision.
The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
The Big Buddha, Phuket
A 45-metre marble Buddha on a hilltop, though the front is closed and you'll be viewing from behind.
Tha Phae Gate
Free, open all hours, and best after dark when the brick gate is lit and the square fills up.
Where to stay near The Reclining Buddha
Find hotels in Bangkok on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 34°C(77°F – 93°F)
Crowds
Peak: December & January
Getting there
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports serve Bangkok with direct flights from most major cities.
Getting around
- •BTS Skytrain (most central areas)
- •MRT Metro (underground)
- •Airport Rail Link (ARL)
- •Chao Phraya Express Boat
- •Grab (ride-hailing app)
- •Metered taxis — always use the meter