CityBuddy
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) (Bangkok)
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon provides cooler air and soft golden light for photos, plus noticeably fewer tour groups. Midday tends to be crowded and harshly lit, so avoid peak hours if you want calmer courtyards.
Budget tips
Entry for most foreign visitors is around 200 THB; local nationals often enter free with ID, and massage treatments or courses are priced separately. Save on transport by using the riverboat to the nearest pier and grouping nearby riverside attractions into the same outing.
Recommended for
Cultural travelers, Photography enthusiasts, Wellness travelers, Students of art and history
Plan your visit
1-2 hours
About
Quick facts: Youβll be stunned by a 46-meter-long gilded reclining statue, its soles inlaid with 108 mother-of-pearl auspicious symbols. A sprawling complex of ornate chedis, murals, and courtyards also houses a living school of traditional Thai massage.
Highlights: A single reclining statue stretches 46 meters and stands about 15 meters high, with the soles showing 108 detailed mother-of-pearl panels, each symbolizing an auspicious trait. A renowned on-site massage school offers short treatments and training courses, keeping centuries of practical healing techniques in active use.
Insider tips
- Dress modestly: shoulders and knees should be covered to respect temple rules and avoid being turned away.
- Head in at opening time to photograph the reclining figure with fewer people and catch soft morning illumination on the gilding.
- Stand at the statueβs feet to capture close-up shots of the 108 mother-of-pearl panels for striking detail photos.
- Skip browsing the outer souvenir stalls and spend more time inside the chapels and around the chedis for richer decorations and murals.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in BangkokPowered by agoda
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Bangkok, Thailand, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
More attractions in Bangkok
The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Bangkok)
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) (Bangkok)
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Chiang Mai)
Chiang Mai Old City - Chiang Mai
Most popular itineraries!
Browse trip plans created by other travelers
13-Day Relaxed Cultural & Culinary Journey in Thailand
A balanced 13-day itinerary for relaxed sightseeing, savoring authentic Thai food, and exploring culture and history while being budget-conscious.
21-Day Authentic Thailand Winter Explorer
Explore Thailand's vibrant cities, ancient ruins, stunning nature, and local hidden gems with an adventurous spirit and budget-friendly approach.
10-Day Thailand Spring Explorer
Discover the rich culture, vibrant markets, stunning beaches, and historic wonders of Thailand in spring with this balanced and exciting 10-day itinerary.
5-Day Thailand Spring Adventure
Explore Thailand's rich culture, stunning temples, vibrant markets, and beautiful islands in an exciting 5-day spring itinerary.
27-Daagse Thailand Avontuur voor Gezinnen en Cultuurliefhebbers
Ontdek Thailand met je gezin in een perfecte mix van cultuur, natuur, avontuur en authentieke eetervaringen. Geniet van kindvriendelijke activiteiten, historische parels, verborgen juweeltjes en heerlijke streetfood in een relaxed tempo.
22-Day Thailand Autumn Backpacking Adventure
Explore Thailand like a local with off-the-beaten-path gems, authentic street food, and vibrant neighborhood scenes away from tourist crowds.
5-Day Thailand Immersive Culture and Nature Adventure
Explore Thailand's rich history, culture, and natural beauty with visits to iconic temples, hidden local gems, hiking trails, and culinary experiences that spotlight authentic local flavors.
8-Day Thailand for Culture Lovers, Nature Fans & Budget Backpackers
Explore Thailand's rich history, vibrant culture, stunning nature, and local gems on a budget with a blend of renowned sites and hidden treasures.
2-Day Thailand Heritage and Culture Journey
A two-day itinerary exploring Thailand's rich culture and history with visits to iconic temples, museums, and traditional experiences in Chiang Mai and Bangkok.