A Guide to Bangkok’s Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho Temple

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If you like temples, you will love this experience. Wat Pho isn’t just about its famous Reclining Buddha. The temple also features over 1,000 Buddha images, beautiful courtyards filled with towering chedis, and impressive stone statues that reflect Thai and Chinese culture. You can even explore the traditional Thai massage school on-site. The atmosphere, the intricate details, and the sense of history make it stand out from the rest. Undoubtedly, the attention to detail, from intricately designed statues to well-crafted murals, speaks to the deep cultural and spiritual heritage of Thailand. As a result, this Bangkok landmark isn’t just a tourist spot; it’s an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression, making it a must-visit in our temple exploration journey.

Table of Contents

• Bangkok’s Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho Temple
• Introduction
• What You Need to Visit the Temple
• The Grand Palace
• The Courtyard at Wat Pho
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The Giant Reclining Buddha:

The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s most iconic sights. This massive statue stretches 46 meters in length and stands 15 meters high, fully covered in gold leaf. Built in 1832 during the reign of King Rama III, it represents the Buddha in his final moments before reaching nirvana. The soles of the Buddha’s feet are especially detailed, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and adorned with 108 symbols that signify positive actions and blessings. It’s so large, it’s hard to capture the entire statue in one photo. Wat Pho itself is one of Bangkok’s oldest temples, but the sheer size and beauty of the Reclining Buddha make it a standout feature, drawing visitors from around the world.

The Main Attractions at Wat Pho

I had two main goals in mind: seeing the Reclining Buddha and the Emerald Buddha. Wat Pho is home to the famous Reclining Buddha, so I headed there first. The size of the statue blew me away—it’s 46 meters long, covered in gold leaf, and so big, you can’t capture it in one photo. After taking it all in, I wandered around Wat Pho, looking for the Emerald Buddha, not realizing it wasn’t there.

It was scorching hot and really crowded, and I almost didn’t go inside. A tuk-tuk driver even tried to scam me, saying the temple was closed and suggesting I visit some tailors instead. Thankfully, I didn’t fall for it and went in anyway.

Even though I didn’t get to see the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho has so much more to offer:

• 1,000+ Buddha Images: The temple has over 1,000 Buddha statues, more than any other temple in Thailand. These are scattered across the complex, adding to its spiritual atmosphere.
• Chedis: Wat Pho is home to 91 chedis, or stupas, decorated with vibrant ceramic tiles. Four of the largest ones are dedicated to past Thai kings.
• Stone Statues: Scattered throughout the courtyards, these statues reflect a mix of Thai and Chinese influences. They were originally used as ballasts on ships.
• Traditional Thai Massage School: Wat Pho is where traditional Thai massage originated. You can get a massage or even take a class to learn the techniques.

Look for a good travel guide or walking tour to learn about your travel destination.

The Grand Palace

It’s an easy ten-minute walk between here and the Grand Palace. Hence, we recommend coming to Wat Pho second. The golden Buddha here is just as famous. Many people don’t take the time to wander around the rest of the complex. So the experience tends to be far more relaxing. The Grand Palace is also much more crowded. The best time to visit is when you can catch a few people getting a few extra minutes’ sleep.

You’ll need to remove your shoes to enter. As you do you’ll hear a constant clink of coins dropping into the 108 bronze bowls which line the length of the walls. You can purchase a bag of coins from an unattended box in front of the bowls. Dropping the small pennies makes a pretty pinging sound and even if your wishes don’t come true, the money goes towards helping the monks renovate and preserve Wat Pho.

The Courtyard at Wat Pho

The figures above are impressive at 15 meters tall, 46 meters long, They make a remarkable impression lined up against the sides of the temple. The Buddha’s legs are 5 meters long and exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations.

There are 108 of them representing the 108 positive actions and symbols that helped lead Buddha to perfection. There are numerous statutes in the courtyards at Wat Pho Temple. Some of them are some comical looking Chinese statutes that were once used as ballasts on ships. There are also 91 chedis (or stupas) decorated in ceramic pottery flowers and colorful tiles all around the complex.

Address: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand. Open daily from 8 AM to 7:30 PM. Cash only. Google Maps link

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Have you been to Wat Pho in Thailand? If not, have you seen anything like it along your travels?

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