If you’re planning your first trip to Bangkok, Wat Pho is one of the temples I’d actually recommend visiting. It’s located right next to the Grand Palace, just a short walk from the river, and it’s best known for the huge Reclining Buddha, which is probably one of the most impressive Buddha statues I’ve seen in Thailand.
Wat Pho Bangkok is touristy, of course, but I still think it’s worth your time. The temple grounds are beautiful, the location is easy to combine with other major sights, and I actually found the Reclining Buddha, which is nearly 50 meters long, more impressive than the small Emerald Buddha statue in the Grand Palace.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before visiting Wat Pho in Bangkok, including opening hours, tickets, dress code, how to get there, what to see inside, and my honest tips for making the most of your visit.
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Short On Time? Here’s My Quick Wat Pho Bangkok Overview
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Best known for | The huge golden Reclining Buddha |
| Location | Bangkok Old Town, next to the Grand Palace |
| Opening hours | Daily, 8 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Entrance fee | 300 THB, cash only |
| Best time to visit | Early morning, ideally around 8 AM |
| Time needed | Around 1 hour, longer if you want a massage |
| Dress code | Shoulders and knees covered |
| Best combined with | Grand Palace and Wat Arun |
| Closest MRT | Sanam Chai |
Is Wat Pho Worth Visiting? My Experience
Yes, Wat Pho is absolutely worth visiting. There are around 400 temples in Bangkok, and after visiting quite a few of them, I can tell you that they do kind of blend together. But Wat Pho is different, mainly because of its Reclining Buddha, which is very unique. It’s massive, nearly 50 metres long, and feels very peaceful. I also don’t really recall seeing a lying Buddha anywhere else.
But Wat Pho is not only about this humongous statue. The temple grounds are also worth exploring. You can admire stunning colourful stupas, small halls with golden Buddha statues, courtyards, and a little museums.
Would I say it’s a must-see in Bangkok? Yes, but not only because it’s one of the oldest and most important temple complexes in Bangkok. It’s also an important centre for traditional Thai medicine and Thai massage. There’s actually a little museum dedicated to the history of Thai massage, and you can even get a massage here from professionally trained masseuses.
Honestly, if I had to choose between the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, I’d go with Wat Pho.
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Get the maps · $12Wat Pho Opening Hours
Wat Pho is open every day from 8 AM to 7:30 PM, but the hours might change during holidays, special temple events, or official ceremonies.
I visited on a Saturday and managed to get there just before 9 AM, which was nice because there were only a few people around. When I was leaving an hour later, the place was starting to fill up with individual visitors as well as tour groups.
Wat Pho Tickets and Entrance Fee
The Wat Pho entrance fee is 300 THB, and children under 120 cm can enter for free. You can only pay in cash, and when I entered, there was a sign asking visitors to have the exact amount ready. I only had a 1,000 THB note, but it was fine.
As I was walking around the grounds, I noticed there were actually a few different entrances, which makes sense since the complex is quite huge.
I didn’t come across any independent guides offering tours like they do in front of the Grand Palace, so if you’re interested in the history and temple details, a guided tour can be a good idea, especially if you’re visiting the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun on the same day.
You can use your ticket to Wat Pho only once, but if for whatever reason you have to leave and want to come back later, just tell the staff.
Wat Pho Dress Code
Wat Pho is an active Buddhist temple, and I met quite a few monks walking around, so of course you need to dress respectfully.
Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees. Even torn trousers or a visible waistline aren’t allowed. I noticed they had some kind of cloths you can rent at the cashier. I like to be ready, so I wore a dress with sleeves and brought my own scarf, which I turned into a long skirt.
You’ll also need to take your shoes off before entering the temple buildings, including the hall with the Reclining Buddha. And at Wat Pho, I took my shoes off a lot! That’s why I wore shoes that were easy to slip on and off. If you’re squeamish about sharing the floor with other bare feet, bring some socks.
Best Time to Visit Wat Pho
If you’re like me and don’t enjoy crowds of people, come early. Ideally, arrive when Wat Pho opens at 8 AM, so you can take photos of the Reclining Buddha without too many people in them. It’s also better for avoiding the strongest heat.
Later in the afternoon is also a good time to visit Wat Pho. The temple is open until 7:30 PM, so I imagine golden hour would be lovely for taking photos.
If you want to combine it with the Grand Palace, which is right next door, I recommend starting at Wat Pho at 8 AM and moving to the Grand Palace around 9 AM.
How Long Do You Need at Wat Pho?
I spent about an hour at Wat Pho. I didn’t rush and saw everything I wanted to see. You can definitely do it much faster if you only want to see the Reclining Buddha but allow more time in your itinerary if you also want to get a massage on the premises.
What to See Inside Wat Pho
Reclining Buddha
This is the number one reason why many people visit Wat Pho, and I wasn’t an exception. This golden statue is almost 50 metres long, and it takes up almost the entire hall. There are spots toward the end of the Buddha where you can get a photo with the statue in the background, but of course everyone is doing that so you’ll have to wait for it.
One of the most beautiful parts is the Buddha’s feet, which are huge and decorated with mother-of-pearl details.
Temple Courtyards
The courtyards around Wat Pho are full of smaller details, statues, tiled decorations, and colourful stupas. Thanks to these open areas, you don’t feel like you’re in a cramped space, and you can always find your own corner.
I actually think this is where Wat Pho becomes more enjoyable, because once you move away from the main hall, the crowds thin out a bit.
Wat Pho Museums
There are five mini museums located on the grounds: the Museum to Honour King Rama IX, the Gallery of Ceramic and Glass Ware, the Museum of Mother of Pearl Inlay Art, the Museum of Buddhist Offerings, and the Nuad Thai Museum, which was my favourite. It showcases the history and creation of Thai massage.
Some of these museums close at 5 PM, including the Nuad Thai Museum, so if they’re one of the reasons you want to visit, don’t come last minute.
Temple Halls
There was another temple hall, Phra Buddha Theva Patimakorn, which was the biggest one, and then a few other halls with many small golden Buddha statues lined up along the walls.
Wat Pho Massage Treatment Centre
As I mentioned above, Wat Pho is considered the home of Thai massage, and you can even find a massage centre on the premises. They offer Thai massage, foot massage, Thai massage with balm, and other options outside the temple. Please see the photo below for more details.
I went in the centre at 9:40 AM and wanted to get a 30-minute foot massage, but I was told the waiting time was 40 minutes, which I just didn’t want to sit around for. So if you want a massage, I recommend heading to the massage place first, making a reservation, going to see the Buddha, and then coming back when it’s your turn.
How to Get to Wat Pho
Wat Pho is located in Bangkok Old Town, right next to the Grand Palace and close to the Chao Phraya River. There are two entrances, from Chetuphon Road and Sanamchai Road, as well as exits, with an extra one on Thai Wang Road.
By MRT
This is how I got to Wat Pho, I took the metro from Sukhumvit to Sanam Chai and walked about 5 minutes from there.
By Boat
If you’re staying along the river, the best option is to take a boat. The closest pier is called Wat Pho Pier, or Tha Tien, from where you can then take a boat to Wat Arun.
By Grab or Taxi
You can also use Grab or take a taxi, but bear in mind that traffic in Bangkok can be very slow. Whenever I can, I always opt for public transport.
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Can You Visit the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun Together?
Yes, and it’s actually the most popular temple combo in Bangkok. The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun are all located close to each other, so you can easily visit them on the same day.
I recommend starting with Wat Pho, as it opens the earliest, then moving on to the Grand Palace, and after that taking a boat to Wat Arun. You can also make a lunch break in between and head to Wat Arun in the afternoon.
If you want to have everything planned for you, including a guide, then book a guided temple tour.
Things to Do Near Wat Pho
There are a few other amazing things to see and do around Wat Pho. Here’s my top list:
- Grand Palace: Located right next to Wat Pho, the Grand Palace is famous for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and its stunning architecture. I particularly loved the Queen Sirikit Museum, which is on the premises and included in your 500 THB ticket.
- Wat Arun: Located just across the river from Wat Pho. I like it because it looks so different from the golden temples you’ll see elsewhere.
- Museum Siam: A fun, interactive museum about what it means to be Thai, ideal for those who like to play.
- National Museum: A surprisingly good museum explaining the history of Thailand in a very comprehensive way. It also includes a temple, hundreds of different Buddha statues, and an exhibition explaining how royal children are born and brought up.
- Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market: This is the biggest flower market in Thailand, open 24 hours a day and full of stunning orchids and other types of flowers.
- Great cafés: The Old Town has some seriously good cafés. My favourites are SCR – Songwat Coffee Roasters, Farm to Table Hideout, which has delicious ice cream, and Craftsman Roastery at Old Town.
Where to Stay Near Wat Pho
If you want to stay near Wat Pho, look for hotels within walking distance of Sanam Chai MRT station. This will make it easier to travel around the city and connect to the BTS Skytrain. Staying near a ferry terminal can also work well.
However, if it’s your first time in Bangkok and you want easier access to the BTS, malls, restaurants, and nightlife, you may prefer Sukhumvit, Siam, or Silom instead.
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FAQ About Visiting Wat Pho Bangkok
How much is the entrance fee for Wat Pho?
It’s 300 THB for adults and children above 120 cm in height. There’s no need to pre-book tickets, and once you get to the temple, you have to pay in cash.
What is the difference between Wat Arun and Wat Pho?
I’ve visited both of them, and they’re very different. Wat Pho is famous for its 50-metre-long golden Reclining Buddha statue. The whole place has a lot of golden details, while Wat Arun is a riverfront pagoda decorated with colourful pieces of porcelain mosaic.
Can I wear shorts to Wat Pho?
No, you can’t. You need to cover your knees and shoulders when visiting Wat Pho. At the ticket counter, I noticed they had a bunch of sarongs for rent in case you forget to dress properly.
Can you get a massage at Wat Pho?
Yes, Wat Pho is known for its traditional Thai massage centre. Just keep in mind that it’s a popular place, so you might have to wait. I went to ask for a massage around 9:30 AM, and they told me the wait was 40 minutes.
Want to see more temples? Read my guide: 9 Best Temples in Bangkok: Which Ones Are Actually Worth Visiting?
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