Wat Pho

Where it is & how to get there

• On foot: Just south of the Grand Palace.
• By boat: Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Tien pier, 3 minutes' walk.
• MRT: Sanam Chai station is next to the temple.

The story of Wat Pho

Wat Pho is one of Bangkok's oldest temples, rebuilt by King Rama I and expanded by King Rama III, who turned it into a centre of learning with inscriptions on medicine, history and literature.

Its Reclining Buddha is 46 metres long and covered in gold leaf, with feet inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The temple still runs a famous school of Thai massage, and you can book a massage on site.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• It is also the birthplace of Thai massage, with a school on site.
• Get a traditional Thai massage at the temple's own massage school.
• Drop coins into the 108 bronze bowls along the Buddha for good luck.

What's around Wat Pho

• Grand Palace5 minutes' walk.
• Wat ArunFerry from Tha Tien pier.
• Tha Tien marketDried seafood and snacks.
• Museum SiamNearby history museum.

Questions travellers ask