Wat Pho
Bangkok
Wat Pho
Thailand Tour Packages
Best time to visit
How to reach Wat Pho
- By Car/Taxi: Wat Pho is in the heart of Bangkok; it is located near the Grand Palace. The easiest and the most comfortable way to get there is a taxi or a Grab ride, which will take you 20-30 minutes in most areas of the city.
- By Train: Use the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station, then follow it with the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Tien Pier. It is an easy walking distance to Wat Pho.
- By Foot: Wat Pho is within walking distance of other nearby attractions such as the Grand Palace or Wat Arun, so it is easy to fit into a cultural strolling tour.
Opening hours
Suggested Duration - 1-3 HoursHighlights of Wat Pho
- Come to marvel at the giant 46-metre-long Reclining Buddha, which has been decorated in gold leaf, together with carefully designed mother-of-pearl soles as auspicious signs.
- Visit more than 1,000 Buddha images that have been gathered all over Thailand; Wat Pho is the largest and most diverse collection of Buddhas in the country.
- Appreciate the four grand stupas, or Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn, which are lined with colourful glazed tiles and used to witness the Chakri dynasty kings of Thailand
- See stone inscriptions that are several centuries old and were inscribed on stone by UNESCO in the ancient knowledge of Thais about medicine, massage, literature, and wisdom.
- Enjoy a traditional Thai massage in the famous school at the temple, as it is viewed as the cradle of Thai healing and wellness, accompanied by traditional Thai foods and snacks.
- Stroll through the temple compounds with their Chinese ballast figures, gaudy murals, and tranquil places that show their art and piety.
Point of Interests!
Reclining Buddha
Wat Pho is dominantly dominated by this awe-inspiring golden statue. Sitting at 46 metres in length and 15 metres high, it shows the Buddha being about to experience Nirvana. The massive feet of the statue have very elaborate mother-of-pearl decoration with auspicious symbols.
Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn
A set of 4 large coloured glazed tiled stupas. They were constructed as a tribute to the various rulers of the Chakri dynasty and feature fabulous craftwork with their intricate mosaics and patterns.
Phra Mondob, or Hor Trijaturamuk
This decorative library structure contains significant Buddhist texts. The thing that makes it one of the most beautiful architectural structures within Wat Pho is its elaborate roof as well as gilded decorations.
Chinese Ballast
The statues are of unique stones imported into China as ballast on trade shipments. These sculptures, mostly used to represent guardians or wise men, are also found all over the temple premises to enhance beauty and cultural diversity.
Como a Rockery, and Twisted Hermit
In this region, hermit statues in yogic postures are placed. The aim of these figures was to educate the visitors about the traditional Thai massage and healing using body positions and meditation.
Stone Inscriptions
In this temple there are inscriptions that are recognized by the UNESCO. They record ancient knowledge of medicine, massage, history, and literature, and they demonstrate Wat Pho as Thailand's first public university.
School of Traditional Medicine and Traditional Massage
The Wat Pho is famous and known around the world as the origin of the Thai massage. Patients may also pre-arrange a session with qualified masseurs in the traditional school where the practice of massage and healing technology is passed down to Julen men generation by generation.
Tips to visit Wat Pho
- It is best to come in the early morning before the crowds to enjoy serenity in the area.
- Skin should be conservatively covered, meaning no shoulders should be showing, and knees should also be covered, as it is a holy temple.
- Bring money to pay entrance fees and massage fees.
- Photography is permitted, but do respect the request and avoid flash photography in prayer halls.
- Combine your visit with other attractions such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.
- Be prepared to get plenty of water and bring comfortable shoes to navigate the expansive complex
- Book a massage in advance in case of busy times of the day so as not to waste time sitting down.
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