Wat Pho Bangkok: Reclining Buddha Temple Tickets, Massage & Visitor Guide

Wat Pho (officially Wat Phra Chetuphon) is one of Bangkok’s oldest, largest, and most culturally significant temples. Located just south of the Grand Palace, it is best known for housing the gigantic Reclining Buddha, a gold-plated statue measuring 46 meters long and 15 meters high. Beyond the statue, Wat Pho is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage and serves as Thailand’s first public university. The complex is a labyrinth of colorful chedis (stupas), beautiful chapels, and stone statues, offering a more relaxed and spiritual atmosphere than its busy neighbor, the Grand Palace.

How to book your online tickets

While tickets can be easily purchased at the gate, you can also book online to skip the payment queue (though you may still queue for entry).

• Official Website: You can purchase tickets via the Wat Pho official website.
  • Tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance.
  • You will receive an e-ticket to show at the entrance.
• Resellers: Platforms like Klook, Viator, and GetYourGuide offer entry tickets, often bundled with guided tours or transport.

Ticket & tour options to Wat Pho

• General Admission:
  • Foreigners: 300 THB (approx. $8.50 USD). This ticket grants access to the entire complex, including the Reclining Buddha hall.
  • Thai Nationals: Free.
  • Children: Free if under 120cm tall.
• Guided Tours:
  • Private Guides: You can hire licensed guides at the entrance (usually wearing official lanyards) for around 300–500 THB for a tour. They provide valuable context about the murals and history.
  • Combo Tours: Many operators offer “Old City” walking tours that combine Wat Pho with the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.

Opening Hours of Wat Pho

• Daily: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM.
• Massage School: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM.
• Note: The temple is open every day of the year, including public holidays.

Best Times to Visit Wat Pho

• Early Morning (8:00 AM): Arriving right when it opens is the best strategy. You can see the Reclining Buddha before the tour buses arrive (around 9:30 AM) and enjoy the grounds in peace.
• Late Afternoon (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM): The crowds thin out significantly in the late afternoon. The lighting during the “Golden Hour” makes the chedis glow, offering fantastic photo opportunities.
• Avoid Mid-Day: Between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, the complex can be hot and crowded.

Schedules of Upcoming Royal & Buddhist Ceremonies at Wat Pho

Wat Pho is an active center for Buddhist worship. While specific dates change annually based on the lunar calendar, key periods include:

• Bangkok Art Biennale: From late 2024 through February 25, 2025, Wat Pho serves as a venue for contemporary art installations, blending modern creativity with ancient heritage.
• Songkran (Thai New Year): April 13–15, 2025. Expect traditional water-pouring ceremonies on Buddha images and sand pagoda building competitions.
• Visakha Bucha Day: May 2025 (Date varies). The holiest day in Buddhism. Expect candlelight processions around the main chapel in the evening.
• Royal Birthday (Dec 5): The grounds often host special merit-making ceremonies for the late King Bhumibol’s birthday (Father’s Day in Thailand).

Where is Wat Pho located?

Address: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand. It is located in the Rattanakosin (Old City) district, directly south of the Grand Palace and across the river from Wat Arun.

How to get to Wat Pho from Bangkok

• MRT (Subway): The most convenient modern option.
  • Take the MRT Blue Line to Sanam Chai station.
  • Use Exit 1. The temple entrance is just a 5-minute walk from the station. The station itself is beautiful and worth seeing.
• River Boat:
  • Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat (Orange Flag) to Tha Tien Pier (N8).
  • Walk straight out of the pier area through the market; the temple entrance is across the street.
  • Note: If Tha Tien pier is under renovation, boats may drop you at nearby Wat Arun (cross-river ferry required) or Rajinee Pier.
• Taxi/Grab: Direct drop-off at the gate. Traffic can be heavy in the Old City.

Dress Code for Wat Pho

Strict dress codes apply to all visitors, regardless of gender.

• Shoulders: Must be covered. No tank tops or vests.
• Knees: Must be covered. Wear long trousers, capris, or skirts that go below the knee.
• Footwear: You must remove your shoes before entering religious buildings (like the Reclining Buddha hall). Slip-on shoes are convenient.
• Rentals: Unlike the Grand Palace, sarongs or cover-ups are not always reliably available for rent, so dress appropriately or bring a scarf/sarong in your bag.

Massage at Wat Pho

Wat Pho is the home of traditional Thai massage. You can get a massage inside the temple grounds at the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Medical School.

• Location: The massage pavilions are located at the back of the complex (east side).
• Prices (Approximate):
  • Thai Massage: 340 THB (30 mins) / 520 THB (1 hour).
  • Foot Massage: 340 THB (30 mins) / 520 THB (1 hour).
• Booking: It is generally first-come, first-served. You head to the massage pavilion, pay, and get a queue number. Wait times can range from 15 minutes to over an hour during peak times.

Nearby Attractions to Combine with Wat Pho

1. Grand Palace: Just a 10-minute walk north. Visit the Grand Palace first (arrive 8:30 AM), then head to Wat Pho to relax.
2. Wat Arun: Located directly across the river. Take the cross-river ferry from Tha Tien Pier (5 THB) for a quick visit.
3. Museum of Siam: Located right next to the Sanam Chai MRT station. A fantastic interactive museum about Thai culture.
4. Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market): A 10-15 minute walk south. Best visited in the early morning or late evening.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wat Pho