Wat Pho in Bangkok – What you need to know

Located right beside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho is a fascinating religious site. One of the largest temples in the city, Wat Pho is home to the colossal Buddha statue that’s said to be 46 metres long; the statue is also decked in gold leaf.

Distance from the Grand Palace

Only 10 minutes from the Grand Palace, it’s best to get here after your Grand Palace tour. You can also get here from most Bangkok quarantine hotels; for instance, the distance between Maitria Mode Sukhumvit 15 and the temple is only about 28 minutes.

The Reclining Buddha

This is the main feature of the temple. With its massive size and golden covering, it attracts people from the furthest corners of Thailand. The feet alone are five metres long. You need to remove your shoes before entering and make sure you are wearing appropriate clothing.

Other Highlights 

Apart from the Reclining Buddha, the temple is also home to numerous other glided Buddha statues, murals, paintings, and intricate carvings. You can get a guide to show you around or you can explore the complex on your own – if you decide to get a guide, make sure you bargain for the best price. You can also indulge in a Thai massage while touring the temple.

When to visit

You can visit the temple every day from 8.30 AM to 6.30 PM – the massage is only available until 6 PM. The best time to visit, however, is before 10 AM or after 4 PM.