Wat Pho? An absolute stunner. Bangkok has more than 400 temples to choose from, but few hold treasures within their walls quite like Wat Pho.
It is, in fact, one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok, built by the founder of the city, and it stood as a stronghold of the Buddhist faith while the modern metropolis grew up around it.
If you’re traveling to Bangkok, it should be right at the top of your list.
As one of the best temples in Bangkok, it can get very busy. Even so, the site is so vast, with so many things to see at Wat Pho, that you can sometimes still escape the crowds.
Wat Pho lies at the heart of the country’s royal district and at the center of Thai faith. Both are deeply important—some would say they always have been—because this is where they intersect with the city’s heritage.
Alright, you get it: this article is all about Wat Pho, so let’s dive in and learn more.
Visiting Wat Pho in Bangkok: here’s what you need to know! (2023)
The history of Wat Pho
Before we tell you how to visit Wat Pho, here’s a quick cultural overview of its history. It’ll be fast and painless, promise.
The first version of Wat Pho (officially Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihana, which we wouldn’t even dare try to pronounce) was built in the 16th century as a monastery during the late Ayutthaya period.
Originally known as Wat Pho Dharam, it was restored in 1788 by King Rama I, who had meanwhile built the Grand Palace next door and established Bangkok as the capital of Thailand.
Much of what travelers see today was completed during the reign of King Rama III, who expanded large parts of Wat Pho in 1832, especially the South Vihara and the West Vihara, where the famous Reclining Buddha is located.
The Reclining Buddha was completed in 1848 and remains the largest in Bangkok. The figure is modeled in plaster around a brick core and finished in gold leaf.
It was King Rama III who transformed Wat Pho into Bangkok’s first public university. The complex’s collection of sculptures and works of art, including more than 1,000 depictions of Buddha, was commissioned to help people learn about history, literature, and Buddhism.
Between 1831 and 1841, King Rama III and Thai scholars added around 1,431 stone inscriptions to preserve cultural heritage, including Thai massage, which is why Wat Pho remains the national center for the teaching of traditional Thai medicine.
The complex was last restored ahead of the celebration of Bangkok’s Bicentennial in 1982.
If you made it through the history lesson, you can carry on.
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What to see at Wat Pho
Wat Pho is located directly south of the Grand Palace, in the heart of the official Phra Nakhon district on Rattanakosin Island. It is very close to the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River.
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, the temple complex is vast and requires at least an hour (at a minimum!) to explore properly from end to end. Its various structures house artifacts and offer worshippers the chance to express their devotion.
The highlight of Wat Pho—of course—is the golden Reclining Buddha, 43 meters long and one of the largest in the world. It’s incredible: gigantic, and unlike anything else you’ll see elsewhere.
It takes an entire building to house it! The statue, which ‘rests’ in a peaceful pose, is adorned at the feet with a great number of images, specifically on the soles inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
Along the side of the Buddha, there are also 108 metal bowls where travelers can drop 108 coins.
When to visit Wat Pho
Take note: Wat Pho’s opening hours can vary, but the temple is generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while the wider complex stays open later. The best times to arrive are before 10:00 AM to avoid the tour buses, or around 4:00 PM to see the Reclining Buddha without too many people around.
Of course, weekdays are quieter than weekends, but it’s always a good idea to check public holidays in Thailand and neighboring countries. During Chinese New Year, for example, the temple can get extremely crowded.
The best advice is to visit during the cool season, from October to early December and in February. In April and May, temperatures rise in Bangkok, while from June to September it is rainy season, so expect late-afternoon downpours.
That said, since you’ll probably only spend about an hour there, the main thing is simply to see it—any time is a good time.
What to wear at Wat Pho
As throughout Thailand, there is a dress code for entering Wat Pho, but it is not excessively strict.
Common sense says you should always cover your shoulders and legs, especially when entering the temple of the Reclining Buddha (if necessary, shawls are available at the temple... but it’s best to come prepared).
If you decide to visit the Grand Palace on the same day, make sure you cover your ankles as well and do not wear leggings.
Finally, your shoes should also cover your toes (so save the flip-flops for the beach 😉).
In short, dress modestly.
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Conclusion
In this article, we’ve talked about Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s most iconic temples. By the way, did you know we’ve put together an amazing tour that—would you believe it—stops there too?
