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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)

WATPHRA NAKHON

The temple of the 46-metre Reclining Buddha, just south of the Grand Palace. Open until evening, so it fits before or after the palace.

OPEN
08:00
CLOSE
19:30
FEE
฿300

Every day · Official

THIS WEEK

    Usual days, with holidays and alcohol ban days. Not a promise for a given day.

    Checked 31 October 2026

    Last checked: 31 October 2026 · ฿300 (Official)

    The head of the gold Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
    Show this to a driver

    วัดโพธิ์

    The Thai name, as drivers know it.

    Where
    Phra Nakhon, south of the Grand Palace; MRT Sanam Chai (BL31) and Tha Tien pier (N8) are beside it. (Wikipedia; Wikipedia)
    Fee
    ฿300 for foreigners; children under 120 cm free (official). (Wat Pho; Your Thai Guide)
    Hours
    Daily 08:00–19:30 (official page). (Wat Pho; khaosanroad.com)The official page (footer dated 2018) says 19:30; some reviews say 18:30.
    Built
    Rebuilt by Rama I from 1788 and greatly enlarged by Rama III from 1832. (Wikipedia)
    Dress
    Shorts not allowed, long trousers fine; women’s shorts above the knee not allowed; shoes off inside buildings. Dress code for all temples
    Getting there
    MRT Sanam Chai (BL31) is next to the temple; from the river, Tha Tien pier (N8) is just behind it.
    Stations
    • MRT Sanam Chai (BL31), Exit 1 · Last train toward Tha Phra 23:24 · toward Lak Song 00:16
    • Tha Tien (N8) · Line’s last boat: Yellow flag (midday) 15:40, weekends 17:45 · Ferry 19:00

    Open in Google MapsAll Bangkok templesChao Phraya river boats

    What to see at Wat Pho

    1. The Reclining Buddha, 46 m long and 15 m high

      It fills its hall so closely that you never see it whole: walk from the head to the feet and back along the other side.

    2. The soles, 3 m high and 4.5 m long

      Inlaid with mother-of-pearl in 108 panels. They are at the far end of the hall; most people photograph the face and miss them.

    3. 108 bronze bowls along the wall

      People drop a coin in each for luck. It is allowed, and the sound carries through the hall.

    4. Four great chedis, each 42 m high

      One for each of the first four Chakri kings. Rama I’s is green; the others are white, yellow and blue.

    5. About 400 Buddha images in the cloisters

      The double gallery around the main hall: quieter than the Reclining Buddha and in shade.

    The story

    Wat Pho is older than Bangkok as a capital. Rama I ordered it rebuilt in 1788, and Rama III enlarged it from 1832 in work that took over sixteen years, adding the Reclining Buddha’s hall.

    It is listed first among the six temples of the highest grade of first-class royal temples. The Thai massage school in the grounds still teaches and gives massages.

    Don’t

    • Shorts are not allowed; long trousers are fine. Women’s shorts above the knee are not allowed (official).
    • Shoes off inside the buildings.

    Dress code for all temples

    Walks with this temple

    Questions

    How much is the Wat Pho entrance fee?
    ฿300 for foreigners; children under 120 cm are free (official).
    What time does Wat Pho close?
    The official page says 19:30. Some recent reviews say 18:30, so go before then to be safe.
    How long is the Reclining Buddha?
    46 metres long and 15 metres high.
    Can I wear shorts to Wat Pho?
    No. Wat Pho’s own rule is no shorts, long trousers fine; women’s shorts above the knee are not allowed.

    BEFORE YOU GO

    Before you go

    1. Cover shoulders and knees

      Pack a light long-sleeved top or scarf and long trousers or a long skirt; it is hot, so loose cotton works best.

    2. Shoes you can slip off

      You take them off at every hall door.

    3. Cash in small notes

      Ticket offices may take cards, but ferries, drinks and donation boxes are cash.

    Money Exchange

    Michelin nearby

    MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2026 restaurants whose nearest station is Sanam Chai, within 1 km in a straight line.

    All Bangkok Michelin restaurants on one map