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Wat Pho, Bangkok: Hours, Best Time and More

Wat Pho

The Wat Pho Temple has earned fame for its magnificent architectural elements. The temple houses 394 gilded Buddha images throughout its four chapels, thus becoming the temple with the highest number of Buddha statues. The temple walkways feature beautiful murals, and the courtyard contains unique Chinese statues and a Bodhi tree grown from the tree beneath which Buddha meditated. Visitors can find relief through relaxing Thai massages that Wat Pho provides at its renowned massage school following their temple exploration.

In the history of Wat Pho, people established Wat Pho as the first temple in Bangkok. During the 1800s, King Rama I added more space to Wat Pho for hosting Ayutthaya statues before the site started operating as Thailand's first university. With the Wat Pho ticket, you can experience its profound historical heritage along with its spiritual importance.

Popular things to do related to Wat Pho

Wat Pho Bangkok Hours

The Wat Pho Bangkok opening hours are from 8 am to 6:30 pm daily. It is suggested to check the schedule before visiting, as the temple may have specific visiting hours or closures for events. 

How to get to Wat Pho?

Wat Pho Address:  2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok.

  • By Grab, Tuk Tuk, or Taxi

These are fast and convenient ways to get around Bangkok. The cost depends on the distance.

  • By Bus

Several buses go to Wat Pho, including numbers 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 25, 32, 44, 47, 48, 53, and 82.

  • By BTS Skytrain

The nearest BTS stations are Siam and National Stadium. From there, take a taxi or bus number 25, 48, or 508 to reach the temple.

  • By MRT Underground

The MRT is an easy way to reach Wat Pho. Ride the MRT to Sanam Chai Station, exit at number 1, and walk to the temple in about 5 minutes.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Wat Pho is early in the morning when you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and beat the crowds. Late afternoons also provide a great opportunity to avoid peak crowds. This allows for a more relaxed experience and beautiful sunset views over the temple. Additionally, the cooler months from November to February are ideal for sightseeing. These months offer comfortable temperatures. Weekdays are preferable to weekends as there are fewer tourists.

Highlights

  • The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho stretches 46 meters in length, and its surface shows golden leaf decorations.

  • The temple complex showcases several historic structures that display elaborate artwork with statues throughout their buildings.

  • People can enjoy traditional Thai massage at Wat Pho because this temple serves as the origin of Thai massage therapy.

  • The temple grounds contain spectacular stupas (towers) that showcase different design elements and decorative tiles.

  • The UNESCO World Heritage site Wat Pho provides visitors with a complete exploration of Thai historical, religious, and cultural aspects.

FAQs about Wat Pho

Wat Pho in Bangkok is famous for its 46-meter-long reclining Buddha statue. You can also visit Phra Ubosot, a sacred building used for Buddhist rituals. Another highlight is Phra Mondop. It is a library with Buddhist scriptures and 52 beautiful Buddha images.

Visitors must wear respectful clothing at Wat Pho. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Women should cover their shoulders and wear pants or skirts that go past the knees. Men should wear long pants and shirts with sleeves.

Yes, Wat Pho is worth visiting. You can see the impressive Reclining Buddha, beautiful architecture, and peaceful atmosphere. The Buddha statues and massage school make it a unique experience.

You can take the MRT to Sanam Chai Station. From there, it is just a 5-minute walk to the temple. Another option is to take a taxi, tuk-tuk, or bus from nearby BTS stations like Siam or the National Stadium.