Wat Pho is one of Bangkok's oldest temples, famous for its giant golden reclining Buddha, about 46 m long. It's also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, which you can try at the temple's massage school.
- Location: Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok (near the Grand Palace)
- Coordinates: 13.7465, 100.4927
- Admission: Foreign visitors pay (bottled water has been included at times; check when you visit)
- Best time: Dry season, November to February; right after opening
- Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Highlights
- Reclining Buddha: about 46 m long and golden, with mother-of-pearl inlay on the soles of the feet
- Chedis: large, colourful stupas
- Massage school: traditional Thai massage (separate fee)
Etiquette
Take off your shoes to enter the reclining Buddha hall, and the dress code (shoulders and knees must be covered) applies. It's customary to drop coins into a row of bowls as you walk round, so bring small change.
Nearby
- Grand Palace: on foot
- Wat Arun: across the river by ferry
- Tha Tien market and riverside cafés: food and rest
Tips
- Going right after opening helps beat the heat and crowds.
- Allow time for a traditional massage, and ask or book in advance.
- Combine it with the Grand Palace and Wat Arun for a temple route.
Wat Pho, rebuilt by King Rama I in 1788, is among the oldest temples in Bangkok; its centrepiece is the reclining Buddha, 46 m long and 15 m high. The 108 mother-of-pearl panels on its soles represent auspicious signs of the Buddha. The Wat Pho massage school (founded in 1955) is the home of traditional Thai massage, and you can have a 30- to 60-minute massage within the temple grounds. The Grand Palace is 5 minutes' walk away, so doing both in one morning is standard.
FAQ
Is there an admission fee?
Foreign visitors pay, and bottled water has been included at times (check when you visit).
Can I have a massage?
Yes, at the temple’s massage school, for a separate fee.
Do I need to take off my shoes?
Yes, to enter the reclining Buddha hall.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
Is it close to the Grand Palace?
Yes, a short walk away.
How long does it take?
1 to 2 hours covers the highlights.
Sources
- Tourism Authority of Thailand · TAT · accessed 2026-05-23
- Wikipedia: Wat Pho · Wikipedia · accessed 2026-05-23
Fees, opening days, dress codes and ferry services can change, so check official information before you visit.
Information was checked against the official sources listed above. Opening hours, fees and fares can change; please confirm with the venue or operator before you visit.