Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok: Everything you need to know about the Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho: The temple with the giant Reclining Buddha

Right in the heart of the historic centre of Rattanakosin Island lies one of Bangkok’s highlights and an oasis of tranquillity: Wat Phra Chetuphon, or Wat Pho, the temple home to the giant reclining Buddha.

The much less commonly used official name of this temple is almost impossible for the uninitiated to pronounce: Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkhlaram Ratwonmahawihan.

The historic heart of Bangkok, or Krung Thep as the Thais call the city, is Rattanakosin Island. This historic area, with all its fairytale temples and palaces, is a veritable open-air museum. Within a small area, you’ll find many of the most important and interesting sights, such as Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. The historic Rattanakosin area is one of the highlights of any visit to Thailand, Bangkok.

Wat Pho is not only one of the oldest temples in the city, but also one of Thailand’s first universities, where subjects including Buddhism are taught. It is also the centre of traditional Thai massage. This form of traditional medicine remains very popular amongst Thais to this day. During the restoration of the temple by King Rama III, engravings with medical inscriptions were placed around the temple. Wat Pho is a royal temple of the highest order and, at 80,000 square metres, is the largest temple complex in Bangkok, housing more than a thousand Buddha images, more than any other temple in the country.

Wat Pho is definitely one of Bangkok’s ‘must-sees’. Together with the Grand Palace, which is nearby, these are the two main attractions you really must visit in Bangkok.

As well as visiting Wat Pho, there are plenty of other sights in Bangkok that you shouldn’t miss.

Haven’t booked a hotel in Bangkok yet? Check out our guide to the best hotels in Bangkok.

Phra Buddha Saiyas: The colossal statue of the Reclining Buddha

The temple is world-famous for its colossal gilded statue of the Reclining Buddha, also known as Phra Buddhasaiyas. This Reclining Buddha is a statue from the early Bangkok period, designed during the reign of King Rama III, and symbolises the transition to ‘Nirvana or the afterlife’ in Buddhism. The statue is made of brick and stucco, lacquered and then entirely covered in gold leaf. The Buddha statue is 46 metres long and 15 metres high at its highest point, from the base to the hair knot. The face, from the hairline to the chin, is 5 metres long and 2.50 metres wide. The feet of the Buddha statue cover no less than three by five metres and are inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The images on the soles of the feet are the 108 symbols of prosperity and happiness associated with a Buddha. The inlaid pattern is a harmonious blend of Thai, Indian and Chinese religious symbols. The background behind the gilded statue is adorned with beautiful murals.

The reclining Buddha is deeply revered by both Thai and foreign Buddhists. The Buddha image is an important object of worship, and paying homage or showing respect to Phra Buddha Saiyas is said to ‘bring good fortune’ to devout Buddhists.

The 108 symbols of good luck on the soles of the feet

The belief in the 108 characteristics or symbols of prosperity and good fortune associated with a Buddha originated in the ancient scriptures of Sri Lanka. Brahmin priests are said to have seen these on the soles of Prince Siddhartha’s feet five days after his birth. However, no such footprints can be found in Sri Lanka. The Buddha’s footprint first arrived in Thailand via Burma. One of the most revered and important footprints of the Buddha in Thailand can be found in the town of Saraburi, in the Wat Phra Puttabat temple. At Wat Pho, Buddhist visitors can make offerings to these 108 symbols of good fortune. There are 108 alms bowls set out, and Buddhists place a coin in each bowl, which they have purchased in the temple alongside other offerings.

The 108 symbols of good luck can be divided into various groups:

• Symbols of good luck and prosperity such as: a water jug, a pair of fish, the swastika, gemstones, and the lotus flower.
• Symbols of the grandeur of a king or emperor, such as the throne, royal regalia and royal artefacts.
• Symbols from religious cosmology such as: the universe, the ocean, the four continents, Mount Meru or Sumeru and the seven surrounding mountains, and the celestial forest.

Thailand’s Most Famous Buddha Statues

If you’re looking for Thailand’s most famous Buddha statues, three names come up again and again – and the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho tops the list. At 46 metres long, it’s the largest Buddha statue in Bangkok and one of the most iconic in the whole country.

A short distance from Wat Pho, inside the Grand Palace complex, you’ll find the Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaeo Morakot) in the Wat Phra Kaew temple. Despite standing just 66 cm tall, it’s Thailand’s most important religious symbol.

The third major name is the Golden Buddha (Phra Phuttha Maha Suwan Patimakon) at Wat Traimit temple, close to Chinatown. This statue is cast from solid gold and weighs more than 5 tonnes, making it the largest solid-gold Buddha statue in the world.

Buddha Postures and What They Mean

Buddha statues in Thailand appear in several different postures, each with its own symbolic meaning. The reclining Buddha, as seen at Wat Pho, represents the moment of the Buddha’s passing into Nirvana. A seated Buddha usually refers to meditation or the moment of enlightenment. A standing Buddha symbolises calm and protection, while a walking Buddha – less common – depicts the Buddha’s wisdom and grace on earth. Once you know this, you’ll recognise what a particular statue is trying to tell you as you travel around Thailand.

Wat Pho as a university for traditional Thai massage

Wat Pho had access to a wealth of ancient literature on traditional medicine, and this led to the establishment of the Kingdom of Thailand’s first open university. In Thai culture and society, traditional medicine, with its treatments using herbs and other ingredients, is of great importance.

In days gone by, there were two distinct types of doctor: a royal physician and a local doctor. At the start of the Rattanakosin period, King Rama III appointed Phraya Bamroer Rajaphat as royal physician, tasking him with recording the vital knowledge of traditional Thai medicine and the use of traditional herbs in engravings on the temple buildings of Wat Pho.

In 1856, King Rama V commissioned his royal physicians to translate the medical manual from Pali-Sanskrit into Thai.

In 1955, the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Medicine and Massage School was opened at Wat Pho. Traditional herbs are regarded as the foundation of Thai medicine. It is the first Thai medical school to be accredited by the Thai Ministry of Education.

Given the wealth of information and knowledge contained in the stone inscriptions at Wat Pho, and in view of their universal significance, which extends beyond Thai culture alone, Wat Pho was, amongst other things, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The rich history of Wat Phra Chetuphon

The original centre of Bangkok is Rattanakosin Island. This is the old district where the foundations of modern-day Bangkok were laid. In 1782, King Rama I, also known as Phra Buddha Yot Fa Chulalok the Great, moved his palace from Thon Buri on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River to the opposite side of the river. The move marked the start of the construction of the new capital, featuring architectural masterpieces, and the beginning of the restoration of many important buildings, including various palaces, forts and temples.

Wat Pho is regarded as one of the most important temples from the reign of King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty. In a stone inscription drawn up after the Royal Palace was moved to Rattanakosin Island, King Rama I refers to two ancient important temples situated on either side of the Royal Palace: Wat Salak (Wat Mahathat) to the north and Wat Phodharam to the south.

During the reign of King Rama I, the major restoration of Wat Phodharam took place under his patronage. The aim was to enhance the temple’s prestige by significantly expanding it. Work on the expansion and restoration began in 1788. The Wat Phodharam temple, dating from the Ayutthaya period, was situated on the site of what later became Wat Pho. It is worth noting that the ashes of King Rama I are still preserved in the main chapel of this temple. The ashes have been enshrined in the pedestal of the principal Buddha image in the temple’s main hall, the Phra Buddha Theva Patimakorn.

This first restoration took 7 years, 5 months and 28 days. In 1801, a celebration was held and the name ‘Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklavas’ was changed to ‘Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm’. However, the local people refer to the temple as Wat Pho.

The temple dates back to the reign of King Rama I, but the successors to the Chakri kings have emphasised the importance of preserving the temple’s original design by ensuring the upkeep of this historically significant Royal Temple.

A major restoration project that took 16 years to complete

A major restoration took place during the reign of King Rama III, who ordered the complex to be extended to the south and west. Over a period of more than 16 years and 7 months, the complex was expanded to include the hall that houses the world-famous reclining Buddha. All other important temple buildings, such as the viharns or viharas, were also restored.

A ‘viharn, vihara or wihan’ is a building within a temple complex, or ‘Wat’ in Thai. It is a place of worship and gathering where various activities can take place, such as: meditation, the daily meal, conversation between laypeople and monks, and the offering of alms to the monks, the sangha. The ‘viharn’ usually has its main entrance facing east. A temple may have several viharns or viharas.

The temple complex was also expanded to include the Missakawan Garden and prayer halls. One of the last major restoration projects was commissioned by King Bhumibol, or Rama IX, shortly before the Bangkok Bicentennial celebrations in 1982. Since then, only routine maintenance and a few minor repairs have been carried out on the temple

The Wat Pho complex covers an area of approximately 80,000 square metres to the south of the Royal Palace, or Grand Palace, and consists of two walled sections separated in an east-west direction by a street, Thanon Chetuphon. One section, the northern part, is where the shrines and temple buildings are located, the Buddhavas.
The other section, the southern part, is intended as a residence for the monks, the Sangghavas.

The temple grounds feature numerous chapels, pavilions and towers housing religious relics or remains of the Buddha, important monks and various Thai kings. The temple is artfully decorated with colourful porcelain, and wherever one looks, the gold glitters in the sunlight. Within the grounds of Wat Pho, there is also a row of stone pagodas built in the traditional Chinese style, known as ‘tah’.

Visitor information: Opening hours, prices and dress code

Wat Pho is open daily from 8.00 am to 6.30 pm, but please ensure you are dressed appropriately. Admission is 300 Baht per person.

Wat Pho is one of Thailand’s most sacred and important sites. The dress code is similar to that required when visiting the Royal Palace.
Visitors must be dressed appropriately before entering the temple. Men must wear long trousers and a shirt with sleeves, no tank tops. Women must wear a long skirt and no short skirts, see-through clothing or bare shoulders. Shoulders must be covered!

Beware of scams

All around Wat Pho, you’ll come across smartly dressed people posing as government officials or university students. They will approach you in English and tell you that Wat Pho is (temporarily) closed. That’s nonsense; just politely ignore them and carry on walking. These people are trying to lure you into a (free) tour by tuk-tuk or minivan, taking you past tailors and other shops.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wat Pho

What are Wat Pho’s opening hours and admission price?

Wat Pho is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm. Admission is 300 baht per person. It is advisable to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and experience the temple in a more peaceful atmosphere.

What is the dress code for visiting Wat Pho?

As a royal temple of the highest order, Wat Pho enforces strict dress codes, similar to those at the Grand Palace. Men must wear long trousers and a shirt with sleeves (no tank tops). Women must wear a long skirt that does not expose the shoulders.

What are Thailand’s most famous Buddha statues?

Thailand has three particularly famous Buddha statues. The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho is the largest at 46 metres and represents the passing into Nirvana. The Emerald Buddha, in the Wat Phra Kaew temple within the Grand Palace complex, is just 66 cm tall but is considered Thailand’s most important religious symbol. The Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit temple, near Chinatown, is cast from solid gold and weighs more than 5 tonnes.

How big is the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho?

The famous Reclining Buddha (Phra Buddha Saiyas) is truly colossal: 46 metres long and 15 metres high at its highest point. The Buddha statue is made of brick and stucco, entirely covered in gold leaf. The feet alone measure three by five metres and are beautifully inlaid with mother-of-pearl featuring the 108 symbols of prosperity and happiness.

What are the 108 alms bowls by the reclining Buddha?

The 108 alms bowls refer to the 108 symbols of prosperity and happiness associated with the Buddha, which can also be seen on the soles of the statue’s feet. Buddhist visitors may place a coin in each alms bowl as an offering. This tradition stems from ancient Sri Lankan scriptures and symbolises paying respect to Phra Buddha Saiyas, which, according to belief, is said to bring good fortune.

Can I get a traditional Thai massage at Wat Pho?

Yes, Wat Pho is the heart of traditional Thai massage and has been home to a renowned massage school since 1955. It was the first Thai medical school to be approved by the Thai Ministry of Education. Here, you can enjoy an authentic traditional Thai massage administered by highly trained therapists. Knowledge of traditional medicine is even recorded in stone carvings within the temple buildings.

How can I avoid scams at Wat Pho?

In the area around Wat Pho, you’ll often come across smartly dressed people posing as government officials or students. They claim that the temple is temporarily closed and offer a ‘free’ tuk-tuk tour. This is a scam designed to lure you to tailors and shops. Wat Pho is open as usual during its regular opening hours (8:00–18:30). Please politely ignore these people and walk straight to the temple entrance.

Why a private tour of Wat Pho and the Grand Palace is a must

Wat Pho and the Grand Palace are among Bangkok’s absolute highlights, but visiting on your own means you’ll miss out on much of the rich history and hidden details. An experienced guide will share fascinating stories and cultural insights that will enrich your experience, truly bringing these iconic temples to life. This is the only way to get the most out of this Bangkok excursion.

Comfort and Safety First

A private tour offers you the ultimate in comfort as you explore Bangkok’s cultural treasures. You’ll travel safely and comfortably in a fully air-conditioned car or minivan, directly from your hotel to the sights and back again. No need to worry about finding a reliable taxi driver in Bangkok’s hectic traffic or figuring out public transport – your guide will take care of everything for you.

The Indispensable Expertise of a Local Guide

The real added value lies in your Thai guide’s in-depth knowledge. The Grand Palace is much more than just beautiful buildings, it is a complex steeped in symbolism, history and religious significance. You will discover not only the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, but also the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within the Grand Palace complex. Without expert commentary, these stories remain hidden.

What You Miss Without a Guide

• The symbolic significance behind the architectural details
• Stories about the Thai royal family and their history
• The religious rituals and traditions you observe
• The best photo spots and a culturally respectful code of conduct
• Practical tips on dress code and etiquette

Making the Most of Your Time

A private tour often combines several top attractions in a single half-day, allowing you to visit the main highlights efficiently. Your guide knows exactly when it’s least busy and can help you minimise waiting times.

Investing in a private tour makes all the difference between simply looking at beautiful buildings and truly understanding what they represent. Not only will you enjoy a comfortable experience, but you’ll also gain valuable cultural insights that will make your visit to Bangkok unforgettable.