Wat Pho, Bangkok
Wat Pho is best known for its Buddha images. Photo
Trey Ratcliff.
The giant Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. Photo
Jan Koch.
The serene face of the Reclining Buddha. Photo
Marius Watz.
Another view of the Buddha's face. Photo
Brendan Gogarty.
Back of the Buddha's head and "pillow". Photo
Marius Watz.
Buddha's feet with inlayed symbols. Photo
Sascha Majcenic.
A small but glistening Buddha in the main chapel. Photo
Trey Ratcliff.
Location map and aerial view of Wat Pho. For a larger interactive view, see our Bangkok Map.
Wat Pho, or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It is home to more Buddha images than any other Bangkok temple and it shelters the largest Buddha in Thailand.
History
Wat Pho was built as a restoration of an earlier temple on the same site, Wat Phodharam, with work beginning in 1788. It was restored and extended in the reign of King Rama III (1824-51), and restored again in 1982.
Wat Pho is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Even prior to the temple's founding, the site was a center of education for traditional Thai medicine, and statues were created showing yoga positions.
During the Rama III restoration plaques inscribed with medical texts were placed around the temple, while in 1962 a school for traditional medicine and massage was established.
What to See
The Wat Pho complex consists of two walled compounds, bisected north-south by Sanamchai Road running east-west. The northern walled compound is where the reclining Buddha and massage school are found.
The southern walled compound, Tukgawee, is a working Buddhist monastery with monks in residence and a school.
Wat Pho is the largest and oldest wat in Bangkok and is home to more than 1,000 Buddha images, more than any other temple in the country.
It also shelters the largest Buddha image in Thailand: the Reclining Buddha (Phra Buddhasaiyas). Created as part of Rama III's restoration (1824-51), the Reclining Buddha is 46 meters long and 15 meters high.
His body is covered in gold plating and he is decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay on his eyes and the soles of his feet. The bottoms of the Buddha's feet are intricately decorated with 108 auspicious scenes in Chinese and Indian styles.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Wat Pho; Wat Po; Wat Phra Chetuphon; Reclining Buddha Temple; Temple of the Reclining Buddha; Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn (official name) |
| Location: | Bangkok, Thailand |
| Category: | Buddhist Temples |
| Faith: | Buddhism |
| Denomination: | Thai |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 1788 |
| Size: | Reclining Buddha: 46 meters long and 15 meters high |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 13.746534° N, 100.493274° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Chetuphon Road, Bangkok, Thailand |
| Phone: | 02222-0933 |
| Hours: | Daily 8am-5pm; massages offered until 6pm |
| Cost: | 20B |
Travel Resources
- Bangkok Map - our detailed interactive map of Bangkok, plus hand-picked links to more
- Bangkok Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Bangkok
- Bangkok Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Bangkok Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Bangkok Flight Search - compare multiple travel sites to find the lowest airfare to Bangkok
- Bangkok Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
- Bangkok Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Bangkok tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- "Wat Pho" - Wikipedia - some text incorporated under GFDL.
- WatPho.com
- Wat Po - Frommer's
- Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) - Columbus Attraction Guides
Article last updated: 04/13/2009.
