Bangkok - The Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), can be found behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and is a must see attraction. 

It’s an easy ten minute walk between The Reclining Buddha and the Grand Palace, however we spread our visits over two days.  

This spectacular, and some what gigantic, statue of Buddha has to be seen to be believed.

Are you ready for these crazy measurements?

The Reclining Buddha is 15 metres tall and 46 metres long. Honestly it's a jaw dropping site to see, not only on its sheer size but it's beauty is unbelievable. Gold leaf galore! 

The Buddha lays peacefully in a building that, to us, looked far too small which only exaggerated its sizes. The pillars didn't help with getting a picture but our GoPro Hero 4 came in very handy.

After walking along side this huge statue you reach The Buddha's feet. Alone these are 5 metres long and exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl patterns of the Buddha. Each pattern telling a story of how he became the treasured symbol he is today. 

The Reclining Buddha is worth the entrance fee alone, but make sure you see all the grounds. There are some beautiful buildings, and as always, the detail never fails to impress.

Oh by the way, a fantastic way to donate to this beautiful place, and if you fancy a bit of good luck, we recommend purchasing a bowl of coins at the entrance of the hall. You can then drop a coin in the 108 bronze bowls which line the length of the walls. 

Dropping the small pennies in creates a wonderful chime sound and even if your wishes don’t come true (fingers crossed they do), the money donated goes towards helping the monks renovate and preserve Wat Pho. Woop Woop! 

A truly amazing place and a site we will never forget. 

Top Tips

▪️Shoes off guys. Like all temples shoes must be removed and shoulders and knees covered! If you can't bare the heat and need to rock some shorts, they do provide some swanky robes, but trust us, flattering they are not.

▪️Entrance to the temple of the Reclining Buddha costs 100 baht (around £2, exchange rate May 2015) 

▪️Opening times between 08:00 and 17:00

▪️Location to tell your Tuk Tuk driver or to pop in your maps app: Maharat Road. Close to the river (about a half mile south of the Grand Palace), Old City (Rattanakosin)