Wat Pho: The Temple of Reclining Buddha in Bangkok

by Tsvete Popp
Golden Reclining Buddha statue at Wat Pho temple in Bangkok, Thailand.

We crossed the Chao Phraya River from Wat Arun to reach our next stop: Wat Pho – The Temple of the Reclining Buddha! No spiritual or cultural journey in Bangkok would be complete without visiting Wat Pho Temple Complex, also known as the “Temple of the Reclining Buddha”.

While we were approaching the entrance, I was kind of shocked by the crowd waiting outside. Despite hundreds of people waiting in front of the complex, we could buy the tickets fast and enter the temple.

Tourists entering ornate temple entrance in Bangkok, Thailand.

Ornate temple spires and lush greenery in Bangkok, Thailand.

Intricate temple spire in Bangkok, Thailand, adorned with colorful floral tile patterns.

Colorful temple details and visitors at Wat Pho in Bangkok, Thailand.

! Did you know that ...
Wat Pho is the birthplace of the Thai massage and some of the most important ancient relaxation techniques that are still used today.

The temple is the oldest and one of the largest temple complexes in Bangkok, located just next to the Grand Palace! Built-in 1788, the Buddhist Temple has an area of 80,000 square meters and is home to more than a thousand Buddha statues collected during the reign of King Rama I. Wat Pho is also home to 91 chedis (stupas), 4 halls (viharas), and a central shrine (bot). Interesting to know is that Wat Pho is considered the centre of the preservation of traditional Thai massage. Another interesting fact is that Wat Pho is the oldest public university in Thailand!

Woman posing in front of a colorful pagoda at Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand.

Colorful stupa towers in Wat Pho temple, Bangkok, Thailand with tourists exploring.

Colorful stupas and temple architecture at Wat Pho, Bangkok.

Ornate stupas at Wat Pho temple in Bangkok, Thailand, surrounded by lush greenery.

 

The Reclining Buddha of Wat Pho

Despite all these interesting facts about Wat Pho, the most famous spot and highlight in the complex is the enormous, gold-plated reclining Buddha. The giant golden Buddha is about 46 m long and 15 m high – so large it feels like it has been squeezed into the building. Even the Buddha’s feet are 5 m long and 3 m tall! Just Amazing! … I still don’t know how they manage to put the statue into the building. Or maybe the statue was first, and then came the building?

! Did you know that ...
The reclining Buddha represents the final stage of Buddha’s illness just before joining Nirvana!

Gilded Reclining Buddha head at Wat Pho in Bangkok, showcasing intricate details.

Golden Reclining Buddha in Wat Pho, Bangkok.

Golden Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand.

In front of the giant Reclining Buddha, you will see 108 bronze bowls which line the length of the walls. These bowls symbolize the 108 auspicious characters of Buddha. Many people put coins into the bowl because they believe that this brings happiness and good fortune. You can purchase a bowl of coins at the entrance.

Gilded Reclining Buddha head at Wat Pho in Bangkok, showcasing intricate details.

Golden Reclining Buddha statue at Wat Pho temple in Bangkok, Thailand.

Golden toes of the Reclining Buddha statue in Bangkok, Thailand's Wat Pho temple.

Things to Know Before You Go

Official Name: Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn

Address: 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Subdistrict, Pranakorn District, Bangkok 10200

Opening Hours: Wat Pho is open every day from Monday-Sunday – 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Tickets: 100 baht (2,50 €)

Ticketing Service: From 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Hotels Near Wat Pho: Find the best deals here!

Ornate pagodas and temple structures at Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand, under a cloudy sky.

! Did you know that ...
… The temple is also considered the first public university in Thailand. Thanks to the many murals and sculptures, students can learn more about the literature, science and religion of Thailand.

Ornate pagodas and trees in a temple courtyard in Bangkok, Thailand.

 

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