If you are planning to visit Bangkok, visiting Wat Pho is recommended as a part of your Chaophraya river cruising experience. Wat Pho is the common name of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan. The temple is known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha where it is one of the largest Reclining Buddha statue in Thailand.
The temple is also known as the birthplace of Thai massage from its dedicated knowledge preservation initiatives, especially for traditional Thai medicine.
Nowadays, Wat Pho is considered to be the “First university of the country” for its massive collection of knowledge with over 1,400 pieces of inscriptions covering 6 subjects, including Medicine, Literatures, Politics, History, Traditions and Buddhism knowledge. These inscriptions are displayed around the area of the temple and open for everyone to study for free since the old time.
Here are highlights and what you can do at Wat Pho.
Walking Around the Famous Reclining Buddha
The golden statue is 46 meters long and 15 meters high, lay in the narrow space which accentuates the immense size of the statue. The soles of the Buddha’s feet are also intricately inlaid with pearls, symbolising the abundance and power of a person who built.
Inside the hall where the Reclining Buddha is located, there is an activity to put the coin in the bowl around the hall. It is a great gimmick to let you focus on yourself and find some peace in your mind again after all the excitement you see around the temple. We recommend making a donation for a bowl of coin at the entrance, right after you see the Buddha’s feet. After you get a bowl of coins, slowly put a few coins from your bowl into 108 bronze bowls along the wall. Try to focus on yourself while you pick coins from yours and put it in another. Do not forget to let us know what you feel after you try it as well in the comment below.
You can also take photos inside the hall, but be sure to do it quietly and with no flash to preserve the colour of the mural paintings inside the hall.
Visit The Four Great Stupas
These Stupas were built by the first four Chakri Kings (Rama I – Rama IV) to show the great support in Buddhism to the country. The stupas are richly decorated with intricate mosaics. Each Stupa has its own story. You can always study the story of Stupas in the front.
Journeybliss Tips: The walls surrounding Stupas were built as a walkway where knowledge of many fields is preserved in the inscription and painting form and displayed. This is the main part where Wat Pho is considered to be the “First university of the country” as mentioned earlier. We recommend you to hire a local guide which can help explain about the knowledge which is preserved at Wat Pho.
Relax Inside Mount Mor Garden and Statue of Thai Hermit Exercise
Mount Mor or garden area which imitates the mountain atmosphere can be found around the area of Wat Pho. The special feature of Mount Mor at Wat Pho is not only given a green space and shading from the sun, but also a display of the Statue of Thai Hermit Exercise or “Ruesie Datton”. These statues are part of knowledge preservation from the past – demonstrating the practice of stretching your body. You can always cool yourself under the shade of trees and sit around any garden inside the temple. Try practicing stretching by imitating the posture of the statue as well and see if it helps with your posture. I can say some are very difficult!
Discover the Original Thai Massage
Wat Pho is considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. The temple houses a school for Thai medicine and massage, and visitors can enjoy a traditional massage on-site.
How to get the original Thai massage at Wat Pho?
Walk-in booking is a common practice here. Find the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School inside the temple grounds. You can navigate from the map at entrance or using the location map here.
How to book a massage session at Wat Pho?
1. Visit the massage reception desk inside the building.
2. Choose your preferred massage type (e.g., traditional Thai massage, foot massage, or herbal massage).
3. Pay the fee and wait for your turn.
Journeybliss Tips: Arrive early or during non-peak hours to avoid long waits, as it’s a popular attraction.
Wat Pho Massage Options and Costs (as of December 2024):
– Foot Massage: 30 minutes 320 Baht, 1 hour 480 Baht
– Thai Massage: 30 minutes 320 Baht, 1 hour 480 Baht
– Thai Massage with Plai Oil: 1 hour 580 Baht, 1.5 hour 870 Baht
– Thai Massage with Balm: 1 hour 580 Baht, 1.5 hour 870 Baht
Journeybliss Tips: You can tell your masseur anytime if you feel too much pain or pressure during the session. If you endure too much pain, the effect of massage on your body can be negative. Ensure you wear comfortable clothing and stay hydrated after your massage as well.
Opening Hours
The temple open daily 8:00-19:30
Wat Pho Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School open daily 8:00-19:30
Entrance Fee
– 300 Baht per person for Non-Thai citizen
– 0 Baht (Free) for Thai citizen
How to get there?
- MRT Sanam Chai station. If you come from the inner city, MRT is the most convenient way for you. Get off the station and go to exit 2. The sign states the direction of Museum Siam. Take the escalator up, you will arrive in front of Museum Siam. Walk along the road about 280 meters and you will see the entrance of Wat Pho.
- Boat. If you come from places near the river such as Khaosan road which is near Tha Phra Atit Pier or The Grand Palace which is near Tha Chang Pier, boat will be the most recommended way to be here. Take any express boat from your pier towards the direction of Saphan Taksin. Get off the boat at Tha Tien Pier and walk directly to the main street. The entrance of Wat Pho will be right in front of you.
- Walk. If you come from places nearby such as The Grand Palace, walking is possible. Recommended to walk along Thanon Maha Rat which has a generous walkway and shades from trees along the street. Some sections also have shops so you can grab refreshments and snacks or do small souvenir shops along the way.The other option can be Sanam Chai road where the road is not much enjoyable to walk with narrow walkways and many crossings but along the street, you will pass many historical buildings such as Bangkok City Pillar shrine, the old Ministry of Defence building or Saranrom Palace. Feel free to take photos or visit if you would like to.
- TukTuk. If you come from places nearby but you prefer not to walk, TukTuk is an interesting option. However, prepare yourself for the overcharged price for tourists but of course, a TukTuk ride can be one of experiences to remember with a sense of adventure along the ride while you enjoy the view of the old city. Your choice for this option!
