Wat Pho Temple, Bangkok: Timings, Entrance Fee & How to Reach

Wat Pho is a short name of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan temple. This Buddhist temple is located in the Phra Nakhon District of Bangkok, Thailand. This religious site is also known as as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

It is one of the oldest temple in Thailand. Not only this but it is one of the major centre for traditional Thai medicine and massage education. It is believed that it existed since 1600s, during the time of king Narai in the Ayutthaya Kingdom. So if you are planning a trip, then you must definitely add this site in your Thailand tour package.

Later when the Rattanakosin Kingdom began King Rama I rebuilt Wat Pho on the same spot where once the old temple stood, which became his main temple and where some of his ashes are kept. After that King Rama III decided to renovate Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram, which is now an important landmark in Bangkok. This long history that this temple has makes it a must visit  for visitors.

Photos of Wat Pho Temple

Wat Pho Entrance Fee

Yes, there is an entrance fee of 300 Baht per person on a visit to Wat Pho. Apart from this, there is the travelling cost from Bangkok. The fare may vary depending on which mode you use to travel.

The entry fee for Wat Pho Temple is 300 Thai Baht per person, which includes a complimentary bottle of water. Children under 4 feet (or 120 cm) can enter free of charge.

Wat Pho Timings (Opening and Closing Hours)

It is usually open from 8:30 am to 6 pm every day. The best time to visit this place would be in the morning and evening time. It would be best to avoid visiting this place during day time as it will lead to burnout.

Things to do at the Wat Pho

There are many sculptures and architecture to explore in Wat Pho. Some of them are:

The Reclining Buddha– It is one the largest Buddha statue in Thailand. It is 15m high and 46m tall. It basically shows the entry of Buddha into Nirvana and the end of all incarnations.

Explore Phra Ubosot– Explore one of the most sacred buildings of the complex, where Buddhist ceremonies are held. Inside is a statue of Buddha made with a mix of gold and copper. Above the statue hangs an umbrella with 9 layers, symbolising the power and authority of Thailand

Bodhi tree– This tree is believed to be grown from the same tree under which Buddha sat.

Take a look at Chedis – There are approximately 91 Chedis, beautifully decorated with ceramics. Some contain royal ashes while others contain Buddha ashes.

Traditional Thai massage: It is well-known place for massages and offers both Thai massage and foot massage.

Places to Visit Nearby

Some of the places that you can include in your Thailand tour package when you visit Wat Pho are:

The Grand Palace: It is a group of historical and cultural buildings that was the official home of the kings from 1782 to 1925. It is a major symbol for the royal Thai family and a major tourist spot.

Wat Arun: Also known as the Temple of Dawn, it sets itself apart from others because of its 70-metre-high central spire. This temple is named after the Indian God Aruna and is one of the memorable landmarks of Bangkok because of its riverside location and impressive designs.

Museum of Siam: It is a museum which provides a great learning experience and is under the National Discovery Museum Institute (NDMI). Specifically, it presents the Thai story in an engaging and fun way. Moreover, it was established to tell about the culture, people, and its relationship with neighboring countries. This is achieved through multimedia displays and engaging storytelling.

Tha Tien Market: It is famous for its cultural Thai food particularly for its salted seafood including salted fish and shrimp, as well as spices and traditional Thai snacks. It was once a trading centre serving as a hub for goods transported via boats.

The Chakri Group (Phra Thinanag Chakri Maha Prasat) : It is a part of the grand palace and  it is the perfect blend of traditional Thai architecture and 19th century European styles. The palace was the home of the king of Siam. The grand palace still holds important events and ceremonies every year. It is one of Bangkok’s busiest tourist spots.

What to Wear During Visit to Wat Pho?

If you are visiting the temple then ideally one should wear respectful and modest clothes. You should wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulder. Avoid wearing revealing clothes.

History of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan

It existed even before Bangkok was established as the capital by King Rama I. It was originally called Wat Photaram from which the word Wat Pho is derived. The name originates from the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya India. It was established somewhere during the Ayutthaya period but was expanded during the rule of King Phetracha (1688 – 1703). Later in 1767, the Ayutthaya kingdom fell to the Burmese, King Taksin moved the capital to Thonburi. He constructed his palace beside Wat Arun just across the river from Wat Pho. Because it was so close to the royal palace Wat Pho became a royal temple.

In 1782. King Rama I moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok and built the grand palace next to Wat Pho. Later when the Rattanakosin Kingdom. began King Rama I rebuilt Wat Pho in the same spot where once the old temple stood, which became his main temple and where some of his ashes are kept. After that King Rama III decided to renovate Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram, which is now an important landmark in Bangkok. The long history that this temple has makes it a must-visit for visitors.

Conclusion

This site cannot be missed by visitors due to its long ancient history and it being one of the oldest temples in Thailand. From the magnificent Reclining Buddha to traditional rituals, historical sites and the rejuvenating experience of a traditional Thai massage, every corner of Wat Pho has a story to tell. Also, it has many famous tourist sites nearby which makes it a must-visit for travellers and one must not miss out to include it in the Thailand package tour.