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Wat Pho

Among the most attractive Buddhist temples, Wat Pho is a major attraction in Bangkok. Also called the "Temple of the Reclining Buddha", Wat Pho is a much-visited temple complex due to its striking structure that catches the attention of most travelers. Officially, Wat Pho is called Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram and is among Thailand's six temples that are of the highest grade of the Royal temples.

Not just this, Wat Pho is also the oldest and the largest temple complex in Bangkok, with more than 1,000 Buddha images. Most of them were brought from abandoned temples in Ayutthaya and Sukhothai by King Rama I's order. Wat Pho temple was renovated and enlarged during his reign, taking 16 years to complete.

If you wish to see this beautiful temple, Indian Holiday offers Thailand tour packages covering the top hotspots in Bangkok and other attractions, which are customizable.

Overview of Wat Pho

Location Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok
Address 2 Sanam Chai Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Timings 8 am to 6.30 pm

Highlights

  • The reclining Buddha statue is the most striking feature of Wat Pho.
  • Three-tiered pedestal supporting the second-most impressive Buddha statue.
  • Galleries have more than 394 gilded Buddha images.
  • Ancient inscriptions depict scenes from the Thai version of the Ramayana.
  • The temple has small Chinese-style rock gardens.

Wat Pho Entrance Tickets

Here are the Wat Pho entrance fee -

  • Cost of entry to Wat Pho: 200 Baht (INR 472)

Note: The price is subject to change at the time of booking.

About Wat Pho

Discover the 46 meters long and 15 meters high gold-plated Reclining Buddha statue at Wat Pho Bangkok. King Rama III, in 1832 commissioned to build this statue under his reign and named it Phra Phuttha Saiyar. 

When you look at the statue, it seems as if Buddha is lying or sleeping, but it actually represents the passing of the Buddha into his final Nirvana after death.

Another striking highlight is the soles of Buddha’s feet. They are about 3 meters high and 5 meters long, inlaid with a mother of peaks in 108 segments. It has intricate details of the 108 lakshanas, or the characteristics of the Buddha.

Additionally, Wat Pho has 108 matching bronze bowls that people donate coins in as it is believed to bring fortune. 

There’s a garden in the temple complex where a Bodhi tree is situated, similar to the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India, where Buddha attained enlightenment. 

You will also find 20 acres of the temple complex with two walled parts separated by a road. The North one is near the Grand Palace, which has structures of ubosot, the viharns, and the Reclining Buddha. And the south end has the monks' private living quarters and a school. 

Wat Pho Bangkok houses murals that date back to when King Rama III ruled. It displays scenes from the Jataka, the stories about Buddha’s previous lives.

Interesting Facts about Wat Pho

  • Wat Pho is the birthplace of traditional Thai medicine and Thai massage.
  • In 2008, the temple was awarded the UNESCO Memory of the World Award.
  • The ashes of King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty are kept in Wat Pho.
  • The temple of the Reclining Buddha is the first center for public education in Thailand.

FAQS About Wat Pho

Q: How much is the entrance fee in Wat Pho?

Ans: Wat Pho entry tickets cost 200 Baht per person (479 INR). Entry for children under 120 cm is free. However, the price is subject to change at the time of booking.

Q: Why is Wat Pho famous in Bangkok?

Ans: Wat Pho in Bangkok is famous for housing Thailand's largest reclining Buddha statue.

Q: Is Wat Arun worth visiting?

Ans: Wat Arun, also called "The Temple of Dawn" stands across from Wat Pho and is famous for its majestic towers.

Q: What is the best time to visit Wat Pho?

Ans: Early morning sound 5-5.30 am, is the best time to visit Wat Pho as there will be peace and less crowd.