Wat Pho, officially named Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram, is one of the oldest and most impressive sights in Bangkok. Also known as the ‘Temple of the Reclining Buddha,’ it uniquely combines spiritual significance, historical depth, and cultural education.
Location and surroundings
It is located in the historic Rattanakosin district of Bangkok, just south of the Grand Palace and near the Chao Phraya River. The surrounding area is characterised by other cultural highlights, such as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) and Wat Arun. These sites are ideal for travellers looking to explore more of the area.
History and development
Wat Pho was originally built in the 16th century during the late Ayutthaya period as Wat Phra Chetuphon. Despite the devastation caused by the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, the temple gradually became more important. King Rama I had it extensively rebuilt in 1788 and it was renamed Wat Pho in 1801.
Under Rama III, Wat Pho underwent a second intensive expansion phase between 1831 and 1841, during which numerous buildings and educational programmes were realised. The addition of wall inscriptions containing knowledge about medicine, literature, botany, astrology and so on turned Wat Pho into a kind of ‘public university’.
In 2011, these epigraphic archives were included in the UNESCO ‘Memory of the World’ programme. Today, Wat Pho is one of the most important historical temple complexes in Thailand.
Architecture & sights
The temple complex covers approximately 9 hectares (22 acres) and is divided into two areas by a road. The northern part is open to the public and houses the magnificent Reclining Buddha and the central vihara. The southern part comprises monks’ cells and educational facilities.
The Reclining Buddha
The main attraction is the enormous, gold-covered statue of the reclining Buddha. Measuring approximately 46 metres in length and 15 metres in height, it is truly impressive. Its feet, each around 4.5 metres long and 3 metres high, are adorned with 108 intricately inlaid mother-of-pearl motifs, each representing one of Buddha’s qualities. Visitors can drop coins into 108 bronze bowls to let go of worldly suffering and promote good fortune.
Chedis, Buddha images & Bodhi tree
Wat Pho also houses Thailand’s largest collection of Buddha images. Noteworthy is the group of four large chedis (Phra Maha Chedi Si Ratchakan), each 42 metres high and richly decorated with coloured mosaics. They were erected by Rama I, III and IV, partly as a reminder of models from Ayutthaya. Another highlight is the Bodhi tree, which originated as a cutting from the sacred tree in Bodhgaya, India.
Cultural significance and Thai massage
Wat Pho is considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. It was systematised, taught, and further developed here. Under Rama III, it was promoted as an institution in order to preserve the knowledge. To this day, the temple houses a Thai massage school and a museum, where visitors can learn about the techniques and philosophy of this healing art.
Visitor information & tips
- Opening hours: Daily from approximately 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
- Admission: Approximately 300 baht per person, often including a bottle of water. Children under 120 cm often free.
- Dress code: Shoulders and knees covered; respectful clothing is mandatory.
- Getting there: We recommend taking the Chao Phraya Express boat to Tha Tien Pier or the MRT Blue Line to Sam Yot – only a few minutes’ walk away.
- Tip: Plan your Thai massage at the temple early – it can get very busy. It’s also worth visiting in combination with the Grand Palace, which is within walking distance.
Wat Pho is impressive for many reasons: its deep-rooted history, its richly decorated architecture, its incomparable cultural influence (especially in the fields of medicine, education, and spiritual art), and its central role in Bangkok. For visitors, the temple is much more than just a tourist attraction; it is a living museum, a spiritual sanctuary, and a place of learning. A visit provides fascinating and enduring insights into Thailand’s cultural heritage.
