Wat Pho
Bangkok's Temple of the Reclining Buddha, a 46-meter golden statue beside the Grand Palace. ฿300, open daily 08:00 to 19:30, with Thai massage on site.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 08:00–19:30
- Entry
- ฿300
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.
How to visit Wat Pho
Wat Pho is easy on your own, and I'd do it that way. A guided tour makes sense only if you're also doing the Grand Palace and Wat Arun that day and want all three explained.
On your own
Entry is ฿300 and includes a bottle of water. The 46-meter gilded Reclining Buddha is the headline, and the mother-of-pearl soles are the detail to look for. Drop ฿20 in coins into the 108 bronze bowls along the wall, then wander the 91 chedis. The massage school on the east side charges ฿520 for an hour of Thai massage by its own price list.
With a guide
SponsoredGrand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun Guided Tour
It covers the same three temples our Bangkok itineraries put in one day, in the same order, with a guide explaining the murals and halls.
See this tour on GetYourGuide
Finding your way around Wat Pho
Layouts, fares and hours change. If something here has moved, use “Suggest a correction” at the bottom of the page.
Getting there and around
- Tha Tien pier on the Chao Phraya Express boat is a three-minute walk, and the ฿5 cross-river ferry to Wat Arun leaves from the same pier.
- MRT Sanam Chai on the Blue Line is the nearest station, a five-minute walk from the temple.
- The Grand Palace is about 700 m north, so most people pair the two on foot.
Details
- Phone
- +66 83 057 7100
- Website
- www.watpho.com/th/home#Page1
Full opening hours
Why go, and how to do it well
Wat Pho, officially Wat Phra Chetuphon, sits directly south of the Grand Palace on Rattanakosin Island, and most people know it as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The statue earns the fuss, 46 meters long and 15 high, gold-plated, with mother-of-pearl inlay on the soles of its feet. Most visitors photograph it and leave within twenty minutes, which is a waste, because the wider complex is where the temple lives, with four great chedis covered in colored tile, quieter halls and courtyards that stay calm even when the crowds thicken.
Admission is ฿300 for foreign visitors and free for children under 120 cm, and the temple is open daily from 08:00 to 19:30. Behind the Reclining Buddha there's a row of 108 bronze bowls for the coin ritual, worth doing slowly rather than as a photo op. Wat Pho is also the traditional home of Thai massage, and its school gives massages on site during the same hours, ฿520 for an hour by its own price list.
Shoulders and knees must be covered, and the temple asks women not to wear shorts above the knee. Late afternoon light is kinder than midday. Tha Tien pier, a three-minute walk away, has the ฿5 ferry across the river to Wat Arun, so the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun fit into one morning on foot.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
Stay within reach of Wat Pho
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Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat Pho, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 2 minNusaraRestaurants & Food · 160 m · 4.5★
- 2 minTHE SIXTH 6thRestaurants & Food · 180 m · 4.7★
- 2 minRoyal Clock TowerTemples & Culture · 180 m · 4.5★
- 3 minMake Me Mango Tha TianRestaurants & Food · 210 m · 4.7★
- 3 minPad Thai Kratong Thong by amaRestaurants & Food · 210 m · 4.7★
- 3 minWat Pho Thai Traditional Massage SchoolWellness & Spas · 230 m · 4.5★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Pho, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
is one of the most beautiful and peaceful temples in Bangkok. Located right next to Wat Phra Kaew and near the Grand Palace, this temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates Thai culture, history, and spirituality. The temple is famous for its magnificent Reclining Buddha, which is absolutely breathtaking. The statue is massive, covered in beautiful gold, and full of incredible detail. Seeing it in person is truly impressive and creates a calm, respectful feeling. The peaceful atmosphere inside the temple makes it a special place for reflection and appreciation. The temple grounds are large, clean, and beautifully maintained. There are many stunning buildings, golden chedis, and traditional Thai architectural details everywhere you look. Walking around the temple feels relaxing and inspiring, and every corner offers something unique and beautiful. The murals and designs reflect Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence. Wat Pho is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, which makes it even more special. The temple combines spiritual significance with wellness and healing traditions, creating a unique and meaningful experience. The atmosphere here is slightly more relaxed compared to Wat Phra Kaew, which makes it very enjoyable to explore at your own pace. The staff and overall organization are excellent, and everything is well preserved. I highly recommend visiting Wat Pho when you are in Bangkok. It is not only a historical and spiritual landmark but also a peaceful and beautiful place that leaves a lasting impression.
A great itinerary strategy is to visit Wat Pho right after Wat Arun. I recommend taking the ferry crossing at dusk; the view of Wat Arun lighting up from across the river is a spectacle in itself. While most people visit solely to see the iconic Reclining Buddha, the real highlight is exploring the entire complex, filled with colorful stupas and smaller temples. Inside the hall of the Reclining Buddha, make sure to participate in the coin ritual: right behind the statue, there are 108 bronze bowls lined up. You can buy a small bowl with the exact number of coins for 20 Baht and drop one in each; it is a symbolic gesture to bring good luck and support the temple. For animal lovers, a charming bonus is the many kittens that call the temple gardens home. Practical info: Both the entrance fee and the coin bowl are cash only.
Continuation of our quest to visit the most beautiful temples. Loved seeing Wat Pho and the spectacular architecture exhibited throughout the grounds. The pagodas are humongous and absolutely gorgeous. It is right beside the Reclining Buddha which you should definitely check out as well. Now for my standard comments. Location is very clean and well-kept. Can get a little crowded but somehow still easy to navigate smoothly.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 38,035 reviews on Google.
2 Thanon Sanam Chai, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within a 5-minute walk of Wat Pho.
Royal Clock Tower
Wat Arun Viewing Point
Museum Siam
The Grand Palace
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
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.
Go Early Morning
Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.
Wat Pho: Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the entrance fee for Wat Pho?
฿300 for foreign visitors, by the temple's own visit page. Children under 120 cm go in free.
What are Wat Pho's opening hours?
Daily from 08:00 to 19:30. The massage school on site keeps the same hours.
Can I wear shorts to Wat Pho?
The temple asks visitors to dress politely and says women shouldn't wear shorts above the knee. Cover shoulders and knees and you won't be turned back.
What is Wat Pho famous for?
The 46-meter Reclining Buddha, gold-plated with mother-of-pearl on the soles of its feet, and Thai massage. Wat Pho is the traditional home of Thai massage, and its school charges ฿520 for an hour.
Where is the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok?
Inside Wat Pho, in its own hall within the temple walls, so the ฿300 Wat Pho ticket covers it and there's no separate entrance. Shoes come off at the door of the hall.
Is Wat Pho worth visiting?
Wat Pho holds a 4.7★ rating from 38,035 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Bangkok.
When is the best time to visit Wat Pho?
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).
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