Wat Pho – Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho, also spelled Wat Po, is a Buddhist temple complex in the Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, Thailand. It is on Rattanakosin Island, directly south of the Grand Palace. Known also as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, its official name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan

Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of Bangkok’s must-see spots! It’s a beautiful, peaceful temple that’s famous for housing a giant statue of the Buddha lying down, stretching an impressive 46 meters long! The intricate details on the statue, from its golden surface to the delicate mother-of-pearl soles of its feet, are absolutely stunning.

But there’s more than just the Buddha! Wat Pho is also one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok, so you can explore its gorgeous courtyards, beautiful pavilions, and colorful pagodas. It’s also a great place to get a traditional Thai massage since the temple is considered the birthplace of Thai massage. You can even take a massage class if you’re interested in learning a bit about it!

If you’re a history lover, you’ll find a lot to explore here too. Wat Pho is home to over 1,000 Buddha images, and it’s known as a center for learning and healing. It’s definitely a place where you can enjoy a mix of culture, history, and beauty in one visit.

Just be sure to dress respectfully (cover your shoulders and knees) when visiting temples in Thailand. It’s a peaceful and serene place, so take your time to explore and soak in the tranquility!

How to get there:

Getting to Wat Pho is pretty easy, whether you’re coming by boat, taxi, or public transportation. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

1. By Boat:

If you’re near the Chao Phraya River, the boat is a scenic and fun way to get there. You can take a Chao Phraya Express Boat and get off at Tha Tien Pier (Pier 8). From there, it’s just a short walk to Wat Pho.

2. By Taxi or Grab:

You can always grab a taxi or use the Grab app (which is like Uber in Thailand). Just tell the driver you’re going to Wat Pho or Wat Phra Chetuphon, and they’ll take you right there. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive from popular areas like Khao San Road or Siam, depending on traffic.

3. By MRT (Subway):

The nearest MRT station to Wat Pho is Sanam Chai Station (Blue Line). From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the temple. If you’re coming from other parts of the city, you can transfer to the Blue Line and get off at Sanam Chai.

4. By Tuk Tuk:

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a tuk-tuk! Just hop in and ask the driver to take you to Wat Pho. It’s a fun way to see the city, but be sure to agree on the price before you set off to avoid any confusion later.

5. By Foot (if you’re nearby):

If you’re staying in areas like Khao San Road, it’s about a 15-minute walk to Wat Pho. Just follow the signs or ask locals for directions — it’s a very walkable area!