Temple of the Reclining Buddha – Wat Pho

Number 1 on the list of six first-class royal temples in Thailand.
Temple of the Reclining Buddha – Wat Pho

Temple of the Reclining Buddha – Wat Pho is a complex of temples located behind The Grand Palace at the walking distance from the Emerald Buddha Temple. The official name of the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan. There is a list of six first-class royal temples in Thailand, Wat Pho temple is number 1 on this list.

The temple was the main temple of King Rama I and some of his ashes are enshrined here.

The main but not only attraction of Wat Pho is the 46-meter gilded statue of the reclining Buddha. The statue is 15 meters high and 46 meters long and is one of the biggest Buddha statues in Thailand.

In the temple complex you can also discover:

  • The Buddha Gallery and its 394 golden Buddhas.
  • Four royal chedis covered with colorful ceramics
  • In the main sanctuary are 108 bowls for granting wishes. To make your wish come true, you must put a coin in each bowl.

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is regarded as Thailand’s first public university, teaching science, literature, and religion. There is a school of Thai medicine and a traditional Thai massage school. If you’re seeking a great Thai massage then Wat Pho is the best to get it. The price is 260 THB for 30 min session.

You can master the art of traditional Thai massage at Wat Pho Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School. Information about the courses can be found at: http://www.watpomassage.com

Every year during Songkran (Thai New Year) in April, a festival is held in honor of the Reclining Buddha, raising funds for Wat Pho’s upkeep.

DRESS CODE

Polite attire is required, with shorts above the knees for women prohibited. Shoes must be removed and placed on a shelf before entry into the temples.

ENTRANCE FEE

The entrance fee is 200 THB. Free entry for children under 120cm.

THE TEMPLE OF THE RECLINING BUDDHA LOCATION

OPENING HOURS: 8 am to 6.30 pm daily

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WAT PHO DIRECTORY

Temple of the Reclining Buddha (WAT PHO) Directory. The map of the temple complex.
Temple of the Reclining Buddha (WAT PHO) Directory

CONCLUSION

One of the wonderful Buddhist temples in Thailand. The murals and architecture of the temple are magnificent. There is a beautiful garden and photogenic spots on the temple grounds. The place is well maintained and is a very beautiful attraction. You can spend about an hour here.

It is preferable to visit the temple in the evening. Morning is also suitable, but on a hot sunny day is not a good idea.