Explore the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok, home to the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand as well as the largest Buddha image in the country – the Reclining Buddha (Phra Buddhasaiyas).
Renowned as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, Wat Pho was built by Rama I in the 16th century on an older site that is considered Thailand’s earliest centre of education for traditional Thai medicine.
Restored and expanded over the years by successive kings, the temple complex contains two walled compounds bisected by Sanamchai Road.
The northern compound is home to the Reclining Buddha and the Thai massage school; while the southern compound, known as Tukgawee, is home to a working Buddhist monastery and school.
Admire the serene face of the Reclining Buddha – a truly impressive statue at 46m long and 15m high.
Built during the reign of Rama III in the middle of the 19th century, the statue is brick covered in plaster and decorated with gold leaf; the eyes and soles of the Buddha’s feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl illustrations displaying 108 different auspicious laksanas (characteristics) of the Buddha.
The pose illustrates the passing of the Buddha into nirvana.
Elsewhere in the eight-hectare grounds, explore the 91 chedis (stupas or mounds), four viharns (halls) and the boht (the central shrine). The most impressive to visit are the four main chedis dedicated to the first four Chakri kings.
Don’t miss the galleries linking the four chapels that feature no less than 394 gilded Buddha images, many of which are in the Ayuthaya or Sukhothai style. The remains of Rama I are interred in the base of the main Buddha image in the boht.
Wat Pho is considered Thailand's first public university: stone inscriptions showing yoga and massage techniques still remain in the temple grounds, serving their original purpose as visual aids before the advent of paper and books.
The temple is the national headquarters for the teaching and preservation of traditional Thai medicine, including Thai massage. You can learn about traditional Thai massage and medicine at the Traditional Medical Practitioners Association Centre, an open-air hall to the rear of the wat.
True Thai massage (as taught here) involves chiropractic manipulation and acupressure, as well as kneading, stroking and stretching. Massage courses are available, though you may encounter language difficulties unless fluent in Thai.
Alternatively, unwind with a 30-minute Thai massage for just 220B – a fraction of the price charged at most of the more luxurious spas around town
Location: Maharaj Road, near the river (about 1km south of the Grand Palace); Getting there: A short walk from Tha Thien Pier; Admission: 50B; Hours: Daily 8am-5pm; massages offered until 6pm
Latest update: Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha): 29 May, 2022
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