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Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) 1
Temples Visitor information

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

Venue Summary

Home to the giant 46-meter Reclining Buddha and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

Directions
Why this place matters

Discover Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Wat Pho, formally Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram, is a first-class royal monastery immediately south of the Grand Palace. Although an older temple stood here, the complex was extensively rebuilt under King Rama I and enlarged under King Rama III as a centre of public learning. Its best-known work is the monumental Reclining Buddha, but reducing Wat Pho to that single hall misses much of the site: four great royal chedis, richly decorated cloisters, stone figures, inscriptions and diagrams preserve religious, literary and medical knowledge. Those inscriptions are closely connected with the temple's continuing reputation for traditional Thai medicine and massage. The grounds remain an active monastery, so visitors should distinguish worship spaces from museum-style displays, remove shoes where required and give ceremonies priority. A considered visit combines the Reclining Buddha hall with the ubosot, chedis and quieter courtyards rather than rushing directly back to the exit.

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What to see

The experiences you should not miss

01

Reclining Buddha statue

02

Four Royal Chedis

03

Thai Massage School

Everything you need for a smooth visit

Plan your visit

Opening arrangements can change for ceremonies, weather or maintenance. We date-check practical information and link the primary sources below.

Opening hours
Open daily 8:00 AM–7:30 PM according to the temple's current visit-planning page.
Tickets and admission
300 THB for foreign visitors; free for Thai nationals with valid Thai ID. Children under 120 cm enter free.
Best time to visit
Morning around 9:00 AM when it is less crowded.
Time to allow
Allow 1–2 hours; add extra time if booking a massage at the traditional medical school.
Getting there
Wat Pho is on Sanam Chai and Maharaj roads beside the Grand Palace, within walking distance of MRT Sanam Chai and Tha Tien river pier.
Accessibility
The official visit page does not give detailed step-free-access information. Temple thresholds, shoe-removal areas and uneven historic surfaces may affect some visitors; contact the temple before travelling if assistance is required.
What to wear
Dress politely. The temple specifically prohibits women from wearing shorts above the knee; shoulders and knees should be covered in worship areas.
Booking advice
General admission is purchased at the temple. Massage services have separate prices and availability; contact the Wat Pho traditional medical school for current bookings.

Insider planning advice

The Reclining Buddha hall is only one part of the complex. Continue through the courtyards and royal chedis, and expect to remove shoes before entering religious buildings.

  • Check current opening times before travelling.
  • Dress rules may apply. Cover shoulders and knees.
  • Carry cash for small fees, toilets, lockers or local transport.
  • Use official ticket counters and check current visitor information.

Know before you go

  • Remove shoes before entering religious buildings.
  • Do not climb on or touch Buddha images and monuments.
  • Women must not make physical contact with monks or novices.

Check the official information

Official websiteWat PhoWat PhoTourism Authority information

Visitor facts checked:

Photo credit: Emielwiki · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Temples in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) is located at 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200 in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok.