Wat Pho is one of the most iconic stops in Bangkok, Thailand, and it’s popular for a reason. This spectacular temple complex is truly something to marvel at. You could spend several hours at Wat Pho digging in and getting to know this area. I’ve been multiple times and I would go back again and again each time I go to Bangkok because I always discover something new. Interested? Check out this ultimate guide to my favorite temple in Bangkok.
QUICK INFO FOR VISITING WAT PHO
PRICE OF ADMISSION: 200 baht. This price just went up as of 1/1/19. Honestly, it’s more than fair at just over $6.
HOURS OF ADMISSION: 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. – SCAM ALERT: there is a common scam where people stand near the outside of this temple telling you it’s closed and that they’ll take you on a driving tour for the morning until it opens in the afternoon. Don’t believe that it’s closed unless someone will not let you inside the gates.
APPROPRIATE DRESS: Wat Pho, requires appropriate dress for visiting. Quick things to remember are knees + shoulders covered. More info for visiting Buddhist Temples can be found here.
TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE: Wat Pho is considered the first public university for teaching Thai Massage. They also teach Thai medicine in this temple and you can receive a tradition Thai Massage at Wat Pho for a reasonable fee. Although, you can get a better rate out and about.
A LITTLE HISTORY ABOUT WAT PHO
Wat Pho is actually one of the oldest Buddhist Temples in Bangkok. It has seen many changes in its existence, but has grown into a seriously stunning temple complex. It’s considered to be a royal monastery based on its close proximity to the Grand Palace. Interestingly, some of the images of the Buddha were brought in from other sacred sites, like Ayutthaya after their destruction. So, it’s a bit like a museum as well. There are many chedis throughout the ground. Some are dedicated to kings, some house ashes of royal family members and some are symbolic. Probably, the most iconic site in this temple complex, however is the massive reclining Buddha housed at Wat Pho. The over 150 foot reclining Buddha is a beautiful work of art and religious dedication. It has been here for just shy of 200 years and I think it will have visitors for several hundred more years to come!
WAT PHO MUST-SEES
⋙ THE RECLINING BUDDHA – I briefly mentioned this beautiful work of religious art in the history section. This beautiful Buddha figure in the ‘Nirvana’ or enlightenment pose is housed in a small templed covered in gorgeous illustrations. Be sure to take note of the feet on this statue. They’re covered in beautiful Buddhist iconography.
⋙ TAKE PART IN THE COIN MEDITATION – As of 9/2017, for only 20 baht, you can purchase a small bowl that contains 108 coins. As a meditative practice, you walk along the wall on the back side of the reclining Buddha and drop a coin in each of the 108 buckets. 108 is a holy number in Buddhism and the coins you provide as this meditation is used for upkeep of the temple.
⋙ TAKE IN THE DETAILS – This temple complex is one of the most spectacular I’ve ever seen. It’s adorned with so many little details. From tiles to mosaic-covered chedis, gardens and gates. I highly recommend just taking a walk and soaking in these details.
⋙ DISCOVER THE MANY BUDDHA FIGURES – “Many” is actually a bit of an understatement. Wat Pho temple complex holds over 1,000 Buddha figures! It’s pretty miraculous! I found the cloisters to hold some of my favorite figures (see the three photos below)
Wat Pho would make a fantastic stop in any Bangkok itinerary. Although it is one of the more popular it’s that way for a reason. You’ll find it to be fairly crowded in the afternoon, but if you get there right at opening time, you’ll find it quite enjoyable to visit!
OTHER AMAZING SITES NEAR WAT PHO
SARANROM PARK – (1 minute walk) – This was the first of the amazing Bangkok parks that we discovered. It’s incredible! There are beautiful ponds, an orchid garden, loads of workout equipment, stunning fountains and more! Keep an eye out for monitor lizards, Matt almost stepped on one!
THE GRAND PALACE – (6 minute walk) – Put easily enough, it’s the grand palace! I’ve managed to miss this site every time I’ve been, but it’s at the top of many people’s list to visit and at the top of mine for next time!
WAT RATCHAPRADIT – (6 minute walk) – This is one of my top 5 favorite temples in Bangkok. Even in the afternoon peak tourist hours, it was deserted and we met some wonderful monks who were willing to chat with us.
PAK KHLONG FLOWER MARKET – (8 minute walk) – The flower market is a flower and food market filled to the brims with goodies to eat and simply enjoy. It’s open 24/7, literally, and is a free adventure to take (if you don’t give into temptations while strolling). Plus, you can take an awesome cooking class here. We did it and loved it!
OUR FAVORITE HOSTELS IN BANGKOK
PAN PAN HOSTEL – Pan Pan became our home away from home. We stayed here on multiple occasions because it’s so cozy and homey. The people who run it are exceptionally friendly and are there to make your time in Bangkok the best it can be. The beds are exceptionally comfy, they provide free toast + tea/coffee. For digital nomads, their wifi is stellar! Plus, they’re located by some amazing street food and just down from Mariamman Hindu Temple. This is hands-down my favorite Bangkok hostel I’ve stayed in thus far.
OLDTOWN HOSTEL – I loved our stay at Oldtown Hostel. This is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a more social experience. They have events and free meals/desserts on different days to attract people to the common areas. It was a nice stay and their free breakfast on Sunday was incredible! There is a woman who sells fried chicken outside the 7-eleven behind Oldtown that makes some truly amazing food! It’s location just down the street from the train station is amazing!
MILE MAP HOSTEL – Mile Map is just one or two alleys down from Pan Pan. I stayed there the first time I was in Bangkok and it was just fine! Their dorms are nice, the a/c was stellar and it had a nice common space.
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