- See the Reclining Buddha: Wat Pho is most famous for its massive 46 meter long, 15 meter high statue of the Reclining Buddha. The statue is covered in gold leaf and decorated with intricate mother-of-pearl inlaid designs.
- Learn about traditional Thai massage: Wat Pho is considered the birthplace of Thai massage, and the temple offers massage services from trained practitioners. Visitors can also learn about the history and techniques of traditional Thai massage through the temple’s massage school.
- Explore the temple complex: Wat Pho’s temple complex is home to over a thousand Buddha statues, as well as several stupas and pagodas. Take a stroll through the temple grounds to see the different styles of architecture and artwork.
- Visit the four giant pagodas: Wat Pho has four large pagodas that are open to the public. Each pagoda has a different design, and the view from the top of the pagodas provides a great vantage point to see the temple complex.
- See the golden chedi: The temple complex is also home to a large golden chedi, which is a type of Buddhist reliquary monument. The chedi is covered in gold leaf and decorated with intricate carvings.
- Discover Wat Pho’s history: Wat Pho was built in the 16th century and is considered one of the oldest and most important temples in Bangkok. Learn about the temple’s rich history and significance in Thai culture by visiting the temple’s museum.
- See the four divine kings: Wat Pho has four large statues of the “four divine kings” that guard the temple complex. Each statue is made of bronze and has a different pose and expression.
- Visit the temple’s library: Wat Pho has a traditional Thai-style library that houses a collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts. The library is open to the public and is a great place to learn more about Buddhism and Thai culture.
- Attend a traditional Thai ceremony: Wat Pho often hosts traditional Thai ceremonies and rituals, such as ordination ceremonies for novice monks, and guests are welcome to observe and participate in these events.
- Take a boat tour along the Chao Phraya River: Wat Pho is located along the Chao Phraya River, and taking a boat tour is a great way to see the temple from a different perspective and get a sense of the city’s historical relationship with water.
- Regulations: Visitors are expected to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the temple buildings. Visitors are also expected to be respectful of the temple and its artifacts, and are not permitted to touch or climb on the statues.
- How to go there: Wat Pho is located in the historic center of Bangkok, and is easily accessible by public transportation. The temple is a short walk from the Tha Tien pier, which can be reached by taking the Chao Phraya River Express boat. The temple is also located near several bus stops and the Wat Pho MRT station.
- Cost: As of 2021, the entrance fee for foreign visitors is 100 THB.
- Opening date and time: Wat Pho is open to visitors every day from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, some of the temple’s buildings may close for short periods of time for maintenance or other reasons.
Note that the above information might be subject to change on special events or holidays. It is always better to check the official website or contact the temple authorities before planning the visit.