The Wat Pho temple complex is located in the heart of Bangkok's old city on Rattanakosin Island and is best visited around 8:00 AM to avoid the biggest crowds. Entry costs 300 THB, but it's well worth the money and significantly cheaper than the nearby Grand Palace, which costs 500 THB. Wat Pho has been one of Bangkok's most popular attractions for decades and, despite its popularity, is still worth a visit today. The absolute highlight is the Reclining Buddha: a majestic, 46-meter-long gold statue.

We've visited Wat Pho several times and it never gets old. It always fits perfectly into our Bangkok plans, as it's only a 30-minute walk from Khao San Road (where we often stay). The walk takes you along boulevards lined with Thai flags and past imposing buildings like the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Defence. The area around the temple is bustling with life: tuk-tuks, massage parlors, and food stalls crowd together amidst the timeless yellow architecture. It's a wonderful introduction to Thailand.

Street food stalls in front of Wat Pho

The main sights at Wat Pho

The reclining Buddha

The reclining Buddha is not only 46 meters long but also 15 meters high, which further emphasizes its imposing size at first glance. The statue is covered in gold, bears intricate symbols on its feet, and has a blissful expression—an emblem of the state of Nirvana. Several alms bowls surround the statue, into which one can drop coins for good luck. On our last visit, we noticed some small cracks in the reclining Buddha, possibly a result of the recent earthquake, but it was still very impressive.

The four great Chedis

The Four Great Chedis, also known as Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn, are the next logical step in your exploration of Wat Pho. They are located south of the Reclining Buddha in the main courtyard. Here you will find four colorful stupas, each over 40 meters tall, decorated with mosaic tiles in green, white, yellow, and blue. We particularly like the Chinese-style gates and the imposing stone guardian statues.

The Phra Ubosot (ordination hall)

Ordination halls are generally considered the holiest places in Thai temples, and this is clearly evident at Wat Pho. In the Phra Ubosot, a golden Buddha statue rests on a three-tiered pedestal, beneath which lie the ashes of King Rama I. We recommend keeping a respectful distance during your visit and admiring the statue without pointing your feet at the Buddha, as this is considered disrespectful in Thai culture. Another highlight of the ordination hall is the massive teakwood doors adorned with reliefs depicting stories from the Ramakien epic. It is common for tour guides to discuss these works of art.

Phra Ubosot (ordination hall)

The rows of seated Buddhas

Not far from the ordination hall are covered walkways lined with Buddha statues. These statues were rescued from the ancient capitals of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai and restored. The rows of dark bronze sculptures juxtaposed with golden ones are particularly striking, creating a dramatic contrast. As you can imagine, you should definitely have your camera ready in this part of Wat Pho – there are almost 400 statues to photograph.

Authentic Thai massage at Wat Pho

Did you know that Thai massage was traditionally taught in temples? Wat Pho is even considered the "first university of Thailand." During a tour of the temple, you'll discover inscriptions carved into the walls about well-being and statues in artistic yoga poses. To this day, Wat Pho houses a massage school where aspiring therapists from all over Thailand (and even from around the world) take courses.

Most travelers are more interested in experiencing a Thai massage than in its theory – and that's where the massage pavilion on the temple grounds comes in. You can get a treatment there without an appointment, and if all the slots are taken, simply add your name to the waiting list. Beyond Wat Pho, there are dozens of massage parlors outside the temple offering equally good massages – some simpler, others more modern and exclusive. In any case, a traditional Thai massage is always a good choice.

Massage statues in Wat Pho

Visitor information for Wat Pho

Wat Pho is almost always open, daily from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Beware of the trick of being told the temple is "closed today." In this scenario, a tuk-tuk driver will take you not to Wat Pho, but to a dubious suit shop or an overpriced jewelry store, and try to sell you something. Entrance costs 300 THB for foreigners and can only be paid in cash. The dress code is the same as in all Thai temples: knees and shoulders must be covered.

How to get to Wat Pho

Wat Pho is easily accessible on foot from the central areas of the Old City. As mentioned, the walk from Khao San Road takes only 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the MRT: the blue line to Sanam Chai station. From there, it's just a 5-minute walk to Wat Pho. Another way to avoid traffic is to take the Chao Phraya Express boat to Tha Tian Pier. Tuk-tuk rides can be an experience, provided you agree on a fair price beforehand.

The perfect day in the old town

8:00 AM: Avoid the crowds at Wat Pho.

We can't stress enough how important it is to arrive at Wat Pho early – and by early, we mean at 8:00 a.m., as soon as the gates open. Even at 10:00 a.m., tour groups are already streaming in, and the chances of getting good photos are slim. We once tried arriving at 10:00 a.m. ourselves, and it was completely overcrowded, especially at the Reclining Buddha. A few hours are plenty, but you can extend your visit afterward with coffee and cake at A Pink Rabbit + Bob.

10:00 AM: Explore the Grand Palace

The Grand Palace, another landmark of the old city, is a 10-minute walk away. Spend most of your time at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and visit the Ramakien Gallery, the Royal Pantheon with its library, and the various golden chedis on the grounds. Two hours are plenty for the Grand Palace.

Read more: How to visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok: A detailed guide

12:00 PM: Lunch at Tha Tian Pier

After visiting two temples, you'll be hungry for lunch and a shady spot. Nearby is the Tha Tian Market with its cafes, small shops, and views of the Chao Phraya River. We recommend having lunch at a riverside restaurant, such as The Deck by Arun Residence. There you can try Thai classics like Tom Yum or Pad Thai and then enjoy the view of Wat Arun with a few ice-cold Singha beers.

2:00 PM: Crossing the river to Wat Arun

From Tha Tian Pier, it's a short (3-minute) and inexpensive (only 5 THB) ferry ride across the river to Wat Arun. While it can be hot in the afternoon sun, the bright light makes the porcelain lace shimmer – a spectacular subject for photography enthusiasts. Be sure to stroll along the central promenade for a lovely view of the river and the old city. If visiting three temples in one day seems too tiring, you can always book a private tour of Bangkok's "Big Three." This will make your day more efficient and stress-free.

From 4:00 PM: Rest and enjoy the night.

You've probably had your fill of temples by now and are longing for a few hours of relaxation, preferably by the pool. We recommend staying at Casa Vimaya, just a stone's throw from Khao San Road. There, you can take a refreshing dip before your evening swim. At night, the old city has so much to offer: you can watch Muay Thai fights at Rajadamnern Stadium, enjoy street food on every corner, and party all night long on Khao San Road. As they say, one night in Bangkok and the world is your oyster. You can find more impressive temples in the Thai capital in our article about Bangkok's most beautiful temples.