Wat Pho – Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok

Wat Pho, or Wat Phra Chetuphon, stands near the Grand Palace in Bangkok’s Old City. Known for the Reclining Buddha, it remains a centre of Thai learning and traditional medicine.

Early History and Royal Restoration

Wat Pho’s origins predate Bangkok’s establishment as Thailand’s capital. When King Rama I built the Grand Palace nearby in 1782, the temple was in decline. He ordered extensive restoration and transferred more than a thousand Buddha images from former capitals such as Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. The restoration established Wat Pho as a royal monastery of national importance and one of the principal temples preserving Buddha images from earlier eras.

Main Structures and Artistic Highlights

At the centre of the complex stands the Ordination Hall, where the ashes of King Rama I rest beneath a large seated Buddha image. The temple’s most famous feature, the Reclining Buddha, was added during the reign of King Rama III between 1832 and 1848. Measuring 46 metres long, it symbolises the passing of the Buddha into nirvana. Around the grounds stand 71 small chedi containing royal ashes, while four grand chedi honour the first four kings of the Chakri dynasty. Decorative murals, carved inscriptions, and teaching pavilions were created to share religious, artistic, and medical knowledge, establishing Wat Pho as both a place of worship and an early centre of learning.

Access and Nearby Connections

Wat Pho lies a short walk from the Grand Palace and is well connected by public transport. Visitors arriving by river should disembark at Tha Tien Pier, then walk 150 metres inland to the main entrance. The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat stops at Wat Arun Pier on the opposite bank, where a ferry provides frequent crossings. If travelling by train, Sanam Chai MRT Station is about 400 metres away via Exit 1. For verified details on temple access, see the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Wat Pho’s Cultural Role in Thai Education

Beyond its religious importance, Wat Pho is recognised as Thailand’s first public university. Stone inscriptions placed under King Rama III record knowledge of medicine, astronomy, and literature. The temple’s school of traditional Thai massage still operates today, preserving techniques that have been practised for centuries.