Bangkok is a short flight from Singapore and a great excursion, whether you live in Singapore or travelling through it. Thai culture is beautiful to observe and participate in. Bangkok itself is a bustling and buzzing city that offers a spectrum of experiences and vistas. One this visit, I wanted to see more of the temples, which are simply intricately beautiful in Bangkok.

Wat Pho

The Reclining Buddha

For most people, Wat Phra Chetuphon or more commonly known as Wat Pho is most famous for the gigantic reclining Buddha, the largest in Bangkok. Covered by gold leaf, this Buddha is about 150 feet long and 50 feet tall. The soles with 108 panels of mother-of-pearl inlays themselves measure nearly ten feet tall. Each of these panels is of an auspicious symbol such as white elephants and flowers. The Buddha is in a “sleeping lion” pose, representing the transition to nirvana. As you walk along the Buddha, you can find 108 bowls into which you can drop coins.

Brief History of Wat Pho

The originally-named Wat Potaram was built in the 16th century and is the oldest temple in Bangkok. By the time Rama I founded the city in 1782, it was in ruins and he rebuilt it as his main temple. In 1832 King Rama III further revitalized the temple by expanding the grounds, constructing the reclining buddha, and building monastic residences and other structures.

Aside from the Reclining Buddha, the temple grounds include thousands of Buddha statues from various old cities. The inner and outer cloisters have almost 400 alone. There are also 95 square pagodas on the grounds. Intricate patterns of ceramic tiles decorate the facades.

Buddhist rituals take place inside the Ordination Hall. As Wat Pho is a “working” temple, being respectful of worshippers is important. Mostly, I wandered around the outside of the buildings as I was very taken by the architecture, the incredible detailing, and the colours of orange and gold against the blue sky. You’ll want to give yourself at least an hour to explore.

A few considerations when visiting temples:

• Remove your shoes and leave them outside before entering a temple
• Wear clothing that cover the shoulders and knees; even though it’s hot, tank tops are not the best. You can put a light shawl over your shoulders.
• Watch for and respect “no photography” signs
• Be quiet and respectful.
• While we are visitors, locals and worshippers visit as part of their life. It’s not an Instagram moment.

Thai Massage

Wat Pho also has a traditional medical school where you can get foot and body massage in the massage pavilion. It was one of the reasons I wanted to visit Wat Pho. I didn’t call ahead and while it was busy and crowded, I did get a timeslot which I appreciated and enjoyed.

Massage info

Wat Po Traditional medical and Ayuravate asscociation

Getting to Wat Pho

On this visit, I was staying near the river so the easiest was by boat (Chao Phraya River Express) to Tha Thien Pier. From there, it’s a short five-minute walk. The temple is next to the Grand Palace. You can also get to Wat Pho by train, the closest station being Sanam Chai MRT Station on the blue line. There’s always the taxi and tuk tuk.

Entrance Fee

Wat Pho is opened every day from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM and the entrance fee for visitors is 200 THB (free entry for Thai nationals).