Wat Phra Chetuphon

Hours (Open/Closed) Monday 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM Tuesday 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM Wednesday 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM Thursday 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM Friday 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM Saturday 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM Sunday 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM

📍 Location of Wat Phra Chetuphon 🚘 Directions to Wat Phra Chetuphon

About Wat Phra Chetuphon

One of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok is home to the famous Reclining Buddha, a sight that is truly awe-inspiring. This colossal statue is the largest in Thailand, measuring over 150 feet in length. The sheer size and materials used to construct this magnificent piece of art are enough to leave anyone speechless. The temple can get quite crowded, but the experience is worth braving the throngs of people.

The Reclining Buddha is undoubtedly the star attraction of the temple, and it's worth spending extra time admiring it. Being indoors, it offers a respite from the typical heat of the day. However, it's essential not to overlook the rest of the Wat Pho complex. The crowds tend to thin out in these areas, and there's a wealth of sights to see. It's recommended to visit earlier in the day when energy levels are high, as the complex is vast and there's much to explore.

The size of the Wat Pho complex should not be underestimated. There's plenty to wander around and see beyond the Reclining Buddha. With the price of admission, visitors receive a complimentary bottle of water, and there's also the opportunity to get a traditional Thai massage on-site for a reasonable price. It's recommended to spend an hour or two exploring the site, as the architecture is truly stunning. This temple is a must-include in any Bangkok itinerary.

The temple complex is home to an impressive number of Buddha statues, with over 250 on display. While many are similar, the star attraction is undoubtedly the massive Reclining Buddha. Due to its size and the crowds, getting a good photo can be challenging. Along one side of the Buddha, there are baskets where visitors can drop coins and make a wish. It's important to remember to dress respectfully when visiting this place of worship.

The Reclining Buddha is so large that it can be difficult to capture in a single photograph. The statue was constructed inside a hall with pillars supporting the roof, making it challenging to find a vantage point from which to view the entire statue. The Buddha's feet are particularly large, adding to the overall grandeur of the statue.

Wat Poh is centrally located in Bangkok and can be easily accessed by the Bangkok Transit System or Sky Train and Metropolitan Rapid Transit. The temple complex is home to numerous wall paintings and statues, and it's also where the traditional Thai massage school originated. Visitors can see statues depicting various yoga poses. While there is an entrance fee for foreigners, Thai citizens can enter for free. After visiting Wat Poh, many visitors continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Kaew and Royal Palace, which are among the most popular attractions in the city.

The entry fee into the temple complex is 200 Baht per person, a relatively low price for such a significant tourist attraction. Visitors are often blown away by the beauty of the temple grounds and the sheer size of the Reclining Buddha. The experience is further enhanced by the opportunity to witness monks praying, a sight that many find breathtaking. This temple complex is considered one of the top attractions in Bangkok and is a must-see for any visitor to the city.