Wat Pho
วัดโพธิ์ Wat Pho · Bangkok, Thailand
A 46-m golden Reclining Buddha, and the birthplace of Thai massage
Know before you go
- Don't point your feet at the Reclining Buddha
- don't be loud in the halls
- respect the therapists during massages and behave appropriately.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Bangkok's oldest temple, where the 46-m golden Reclining Buddha lies at rest, the soles of its feet inlaid with 108 auspicious symbols in mother-of-pearl. Stone inscriptions in the temple are covered with diagrams of Thai massage energy lines — this is the highest seat of learning of traditional Thai medicine. The temple's massage school still teaches today, and visitors can experience the most authentic traditional Thai massage — it fully lives up to its name as the home of Thai massage.
Local customs
- As at the Grand Palace: dress modestly and remove your shoes to enter halls
- walk clockwise inside the Reclining Buddha hall
- dropping coins into the 108 bowls to make wishes is a special experience.
Religion & beliefs
- A royal Theravada Buddhist temple. The Reclining Buddha depicts the Buddha entering parinirvana — keep a respectful demeanour
- don't take selfies with your back to the Buddha or climb anything.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Drones must be registered in Thailand
- Register with Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) within 30 days of arrival or purchase, even if you don't plan to fly
- Bringing in an unregistered drone
Fines of up to THB 100,000 or 5 years in prison, or both.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
E-cigarettes are completely illegal in Thailand
- Leave e-cigarettes, pods and e-liquids at home before you travel
- Carrying or using e-cigarettes, pods, e-liquids or heated-tobacco devices
Confiscation, fines (usually THB 5,000–30,000), detention and prosecution; no exceptions for tourists or personal use.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
Never insult the Thai royal family
- Treat portraits of the royal family and related topics with respect and care
- Posting or sharing any criticism of, or jokes about, the royal family, online included
The lèse-majesté law is interpreted very broadly and can bring long prison sentences; it applies to past and present members of the royal family.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
Temples and the Grand Palace: cover shoulders and knees
- Wear sleeved tops and long trousers or skirts below the knee
- Take off your shoes before entering a hall
- When seated, don't point the soles of your feet at a Buddha image
- Entering in a vest, shorts or see-through clothes
- Covering a sleeveless top only with a shawl may not be accepted at the Grand Palace
You will be refused entry and will need to rent or buy a sarong at the gate.
Not yet verifiedSource: Grand Palace dress code and visiting rules (travel guide)
Don’t DON'T
- Don't point your feet at the Reclining Buddha
- don't be loud in the halls
- respect the therapists during massages and behave appropriately.
Locals appreciate DO
- Thais appreciate visitors who worship quietly and try traditional massage
- learning a few Thai massage moves at the temple and buying a jar of herbal balm is the authentic way to do it.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Best in the cool season |
|---|
Travel tips
- The cool season is best. Admission is about THB 300
- traditional massage costs about THB 300–500 for 30 minutes and is very popular, so arrive early
- within walking distance of the Grand Palace, so combine the two
- early morning has the fewest people.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Pad Thai
- Tom yum
- Green curry
Pad Thai, tom yum goong, green curry, coconut ice cream, Thai milk tea
| Where to eat | Restaurants in the lanes opposite Wat Pho, around Tha Tien pier (cafés with views of Wat Arun across the river), riverside dining areas |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | No eating or drinking in the temple; remove shoes in the Reclining Buddha hall and don't stand on anything high for photos; shoulders and knees must be covered |
| Typical price per person | THB 200–400 ≈ CNY 40–80 |
| Tips | Small places near the temple's Thai-massage school have local prices — eat first, then cross the river to Wat Arun. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Andy Li · CC0
Photos
Photos
Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0
Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0
Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0
Sources & verification notes
Compiled from Tourism Authority of Thailand and Wat Pho official information
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