Reclining Buddha Wat Pho: Tickets and Tours

Standing 46 meters long and 15 meters high, covered in a shimmering gold leaf coating, the Reclining Buddha of Wat Pho tour in Bangkok is one of the most iconic and impressive sights in Bangkok.

But the temple is not solely about the Buddha statue; you'll also find dozens of other statues as well as detailed murals and a Bodhi tree that's even considered to have been grown from part of the tree under which Buddha saw enlightenment.

Here's all you need to know about the Reclining Buddha Wat Pho, one of the most exciting attractions in Bangkok.

How much do Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) tickets cost?

The standard entrance fee for Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha) is 200THB (about US$5).

Who is eligible for discounts?

There are generally no discounted entry tickets or concession prices. However, children under the height of 120cm get free entry.

Thai residents are also granted free entry to the temple.

Should you book in advance?

It is only recommended to book in advance if you are participating in a guided tour. If you're just visiting the temple, there's usually no need to book in advance - tickets can be bought at the entrance.

What are the best tours for theReclining Buddha (Wat Pho)?

Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) self-guided audio tour

The self-guided audio tour of Wat Pho is the perfect way to explore the temple on your own. Your audio guide will take you through all the highlights of this iconic site, with informative stories and historical background information along the way.

Bangkok Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) entrance ticket with transport (US$20)

This tour is perfect for those wishing to visit the temple on their own who dont' want to deal with any of the logistics. It includes a ticket and transport to from your Bangkok hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) and other attractions?

Yes, for those who want to visit multiple attractions in one day, the most popular combination tickets are:

Bangkok: Private Thonburi Longtail Boat Tour & Wat Pho Visit (US$60 per group of 2)

Before you explore the historic Wat Pho, you'll take a 1-hour private boat trip along the canals of Thonburi to admire its many temples and shrines from a new perspective.

Bangkok: Grand Palace & Wat Pho Half-Day Private Tour (US$50-US$60 per group of 2)

Located right next to each other, you can explore the Grand Palace and Wat Pho together on this private tour. You'll be guided through both temples, learning about their history and culture along the way. As a private tour, you'll be able to customize the tour to your interests.

Guided small group Walking Tour of Wat Pho & Wat Arun Temples (US$10-US$15)

An affordable and interesting way to visit these two temples, on this walking tour you'll have a guide who can provide insight into Buddhist culture, the history of Bangkok and the different elements of each temple. The tour also includes a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River in between the temples.

Day tour to Damnern Saduak Floating Market, Grand Palace, Wat Phra Keo & Wat Pho

In addition to the main inner-city temples, this day tour takes you out of Bangkok to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market where you can get a taste (figuratively and literally) of the local customs in a more rural section of Thailand.

What will you see inside?

The main attraction at Wat Pho is, of course, the Reclining Buddha, one of the largest and oldest statues in Thailand. It's 15 meters tall and 46 meters long and is made to represent the Buddha on his way to Nirvana. Alongside the statue are 108 metal bowls which you can drop coins into.

The temple complex also features several beautiful murals depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology, and intricate stucco designs around every corner.

As one of the city's oldest universities, Wat Pho has had a massage school here at the temple since 1955 – if you want, you can even book a Thai massage session during your visit!

How to get there?

Wat Pho sits on the eastern side of the Chao Phraya River in the heart of the city's Phra Nakhon district. It is directly south of The Grand Palace and across the river from Wat Arun (which is why the trio are often combined).

To get to the temple by public transportation, you can take the BTS subway train to Sanam Chai, just 5 minutes down the road, or a boat to Tah Tian. Alternatively, taxis and tuk-tuks are also available all over the city, and usually very affordable options.

What are the opening times?

The temple is open daily from 8 AM to 6:30 PM, with extended hours during the high season (November to March). It is recommended to arrive early in the morning as it can get very busy during peak hours.

Which other attractions can be visited in Bangkok?

• Golden Buddha Wat Traimit, Bangkok
• Maeklong Railaway market in Bangkok
• Mahanakhon SkyWalk Observation Deck in Bangkok

Travel tips

• Avoid clothing that exposes your shoulders or knees, such as tank tops, short skirts or shorts.
• The site tends to be less crowded early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
• Wat Pho is considered the cradle of traditional Thai massage, and there is a massage school on the temple grounds. After exploring the temple, treat yourself to a massage. Note that it can be very popular, so you may need to wait or book in advance.