Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Bangkok
Wat Pho is best known for its Buddha images. Photo by Trey Ratcliff.
The giant Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. Photo by Jan Koch.
The serene face of the Reclining Buddha. Photo by Marius Watz.
Another view of the Buddha's face. Photo by Brendan Gogarty.
Back of the Buddha's head and "pillow". Photo by Marius Watz.
Buddha's feet with inlayed symbols. Photo by Sascha Majcenic.
A small but glistening Buddha in the main chapel. Photo by Trey Ratcliff.
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, the Reclining Buddha.
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
| Names: | Wat Pho; Wat Phra Chetuphon; Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn (official name) |
| Type of site: | Thai Buddhist temple |
| Dates: | 1788 |
| Size: | Reclining Buddha: 46 meters long and 15 meters high |
| Location: | Maharat Rd., near the river (about 1km/ 2/3 mile south of the Grand Palace); across the river from Wat Arun |
| Phone: | 02222-0933 |
| Hours: | Daily 8am-5pm; massages offered until 6pm |
| Cost: | 20B (50¢) admission |
Location Map
Location map and satellite view of Wat Pho. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Bangkok Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Sources
- "Wat Pho" - Wikipedia - text used under GFDL.
- WatPho.com
- Wat Po - Frommer's
- Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) - Columbus Attraction Guides
Travel Information for Bangkok
- Bangkok City Maps - Sacred Destinations
- Bangkok Hotel Reviews - TripAdvisor
- Bangkok Travel Forum - TripAdvisor
