Wat Pho, pronounced “Wat Po”, is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. It was originally named Wat Photaram (also spelled Podharam), from which the shortened name Wat Pho is derived.
The temple is classified as a first-class royal temple, placing it among the highest-ranking temples in Thailand.
History of Wat Pho:
Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest temples, dates back to the Ayutthaya period. It is believed to have been built on the site of an earlier Chinese temple, reflecting Thailand’s long-standing trade and cultural ties with China. Chinese traders began settling in the area as early as the 12th century.
The temple is thought to have been constructed under the reign of King Petraja (1688–1703). Its name is derived from the Bodhi tree at the Mahabodhi Temple in India, where Buddha attained enlightenment.
Later, when King Rama I of the Rattanakosin period moved the capital to the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Pho underwent extensive renovation. The king renamed it “Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklawat”, though it remains popularly known as Wat Pho. (A temple with the same name also exists in Chiang Rai, called Wat Chetupon.)
During the reign of King Rama III, the temple complex was expanded over 16 years, including the construction of the Phra Vihara of the Reclining Buddha. It also became a center for traditional Thai massage, with inscriptions and illustrations still visible in the open pavilion in front of the Four Chedis.
Under King Rama IV, the temple’s name was officially restored to Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklaram, and apart from the addition of the fourth chedi, the complex remained largely unchanged.
Today, the temple complex features four viharas and an ubosot (ordination hall) at its center, making it a major cultural, religious, and educational site in Bangkok.
map pf Wat
Wat Pho is one of the largest temple complexes in Bangkok, covering approximately 8 hectares (20 acres). The site is home to over 1,000 Buddha images, 95 chedis, and 24 rock gardens (Khao Mor). In addition, the complex includes two belfries (Ho Rakhang), the Phra Mondop (library), and the Ubosoth (ordination hall).
The temple’s most famous attraction is the Phra Vihara, which houses the Reclining Buddha (Phra Buddhasaiyas), a monumental statue that draws visitors from around the world.
The temple is very well organized, with numbered maps placed throughout the complex to help visitors navigate. I will use the same numbering system in this post to make it easier to locate and understand the placement of each structure.
entrance to wat
Wat Pho has 16 entrances, but only two are open to the public: one on Chetuphon Road and the other near the northwest corner of the complex.
At each gate, known as Sum Pratu Song Mongkut, stand two Chinese warrior statues, believed to protect the temple by warding off evil spirits and ensuring the sanctity of the wat.
spire-roofed entrance gate
This renovation was done during the reign of King Rama III.
entrance ticket
To make understanding easier, I split the map.
The four Chedis:
The four chedis ( 22, 23, 24 and 25) of prominent Kings mark the focal point in this area.
Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn:
This is a group of four large and beautifully decorated chedis (stupas)—numbered 22, 23, 24, and 25 on the temple map. Each chedi is dedicated to one of the first four Chakri Kings and forms the focal point of this section of the temple complex.
three chedis in front and one behind
The chedis are 42 meters high.
Chedi decoration
Chedi flowers
three chedis in front
Phra Maha Chedi Sri Sanphetdayarn (22) – The Buddhist Monument of King Rama I
Located at the center of the group, this chedi honors King Rama I (1737–1809), the founder of the Rattanakosin Kingdom, which is modern-day Thailand. He was the first monarch of the Chakri dynasty, whose successors continue to reign over the kingdom today.
Located at the center of the group, this chedi honors King Rama I (1737–1809), the founder of the Rattanakosin Kingdom, which is modern-day Thailand. He was the first monarch of the Chakri dynasty, whose successors continue to reign over the kingdom today.
Phra Maha Chedi Sri Sanphetdayarn (22) – The Buddhist Monument of King Rama I
Constructed during the reign of King Rama I, this chedi was built to house a 15-meter-high standing Buddha image, known as Phra Sri Sanphet. The original image had been destroyed in 1767 during the Burmese–Siamese War (1765–1767).
The Buddha image was brought from Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya, symbolically linking the new Rattanakosin Kingdom to its historical roots. This chedi serves as a lasting monument to the reign of King Rama I.
Phra Maha Chedi Dilok Dhamakaroke Nitarn (23) – The Buddhist Monument of King Rama II
Located to the right of Phra Maha Chedi Sri Sanphetdayarn, this chedi is decorated with white-tile mosaics and is dedicated to King Rama II. It represents the reign of King Rama II and was constructed by his son, King Rama III, as a tribute to his father’s legacy.
Located to the right of Phra Maha Chedi Sri Sanphetdayarn, this chedi is decorated with white-tile mosaics and is dedicated to King Rama II. It represents the reign of King Rama II and was constructed by his son, King Rama III, as a tribute to his father’s legacy.
King Rama II was a great patron of Buddhism and started the ritual of Visakha Puja, restored Wat Arun where his ashes were enshrined later.
Phra Maha Chedi Munibat Borikhan (24) – The Buddhist Monument of King Rama III
Situated to the left of Phra Maha Chedi Sri Sanphetdayarn, this chedi honors King Rama III. Like the other chedis in the group, it follows the same architectural style, but is distinguished by its yellow-tile mosaics, setting it apart visually while maintaining harmony with the surrounding monuments.
Situated to the left of Phra Maha Chedi Sri Sanphetdayarn, this chedi honors King Rama III. Like the other chedis in the group, it follows the same architectural style, but is distinguished by its yellow-tile mosaics, setting it apart visually while maintaining harmony with the surrounding monuments.
Phra Maha Chedi Song Sri Suriyothai (25) – The Buddhist Monument of King Rama IV
Located behind the three front chedis, this monument honors King Rama IV (King Mongkut). Renowned not only as a statesman and diplomat, King Rama IV was also deeply learned in Buddhism, having spent 27 years as a monk and acquiring extensive knowledge of the Tripitaka.
He was fluent in English and possessed a profound understanding of science, famously predicting a solar eclipse two years before it occurred. To witness the event firsthand, he even traveled to Singapore. This chedi commemorates both his spiritual devotion and his intellectual achievements.
a photo shoot taking place in between the two chedis
King Rama IV enclosed the four chedis on three sides, thereby leaving no space for more chedis to be built later. The vestibule surrounding the chedis (26) has standing Buddha images.
Buddha images in the cloister
Phra Mondop (Ho Trai Jaturamuk) (27)
Located behind the chedis (to the west), this four-sided structure is adorned with beautifully colored glazed mosaic tiles, reminiscent of the intricate work at Wat Arun. The vibrant mosaics give the building a striking appearance and highlight the artistry of Thai temple architecture.
Located behind the chedis (to the west), this four-sided structure is adorned with beautifully colored glazed mosaic tiles, reminiscent of the intricate work at Wat Arun. The vibrant mosaics give the building a striking appearance and highlight the artistry of Thai temple architecture.
The building is not open to the public, as it houses the holy scriptures (Tripitaka). These sacred texts are inscribed on palm leaves and require a controlled environment to preserve them, protecting them from heat, humidity, and decay.
the corners of Phra Mondop have black stone mythical lions guarding the hall
Surrounding the mondop are three salas (28) or pavilions.
sala or pavilion with orange roof on one side of Mondop
one sala converted into a museum
Yaksh guarding entrance to Mondop
Sala Rai (37):
Sala Rai
There are 16 pavilions placed near the edge of complex. These were the places where people could relax.
Misakawan (3):
Located just beside Phra Mondop, there is a small pavilion surrounded by a garden, with a Bodhi tree at its center. This tree is believed to be a descendant of the original Bodhi tree in India, under which Buddha attained enlightenment (Nirvana), making it a sacred symbol within the temple complex.
Phra Si Maha Bodhi in the Misakawan north of Phra Viharn of the reclining Buddha.
faded murals on the wall
more murals
One of the entrance on wat outer wall guarded by Chinese figures
Crocodile Pond (33):Close to Phra Mondop is a crocodile pond. It must have had crocodiles in the water.
The gable has an image of Buddha sitting in the center with golden leaves and stalks surrounding him.
no crocodiles now
Sala Kanparien (34):
Walking toward the southwest side of the temple compound, you come across a beautiful hall called Sala Kanparien. This structure represents the highest form of an assembly hall and can also function as a pavilion, serving both ceremonial and communal purposes within the temple complex.
Roof of the hall is decorated with chofah on the sides.
This hall was built as a multifunctional space for meditation, ceremonies, and chanting by monks. It also serves as a venue for sermons, merit-making, and instruction of laypeople in Buddhist teachings. Additionally, it functions as a classroom for monks to study the Dhamma.
Inside the hall is an original Buddha image, relocated from the ubosot when a new image was installed there.
Behind Sala Kanparien stands one of the Hor Rakang (bell towers), while the other is located in front of the Reclining Buddha. The bells are rung to signal monks to attend prayer ceremonies. At the time of the visit, this area was cordoned off for renovation.
Phra Vihar of Reclining Buddha or Vihar Phranorn (29):
The Reclining Buddha symbolizes Buddha’s entry into Nirvana and the end of the cycle of reincarnation. The hall housing the statue was constructed during the reign of King Rama III in 1832.
The Buddha is depicted lying on his right side, with his head slightly elevated and resting on the palm of his hand. This posture is known as Sihasaiyas, or the “sleeping lion pose,” representing both serenity and the Buddha’s final liberation.
As with all wats in Thailand, visitors are required to remove their footwear before entering the hall. Bags are provided to store your shoes, which you carry with you inside the temple. These bags must not be taken outside and should be returned upon exit.
decorated door at entrance
murals on walls and roof
murals on wall
The image has a body of bricks, plastered and then gilded. It is 15 meter high and 46 meters long. It is the largest Buddha image in Thailand.
Head resting on right palm
back view of head
the head rests on two boxes (pillows) which are encrusted with golden mosaic work.
The feet of Buddha are 3 meter wide and 4.5 meter long.
The soles of the Reclining Buddha are divided into 108 sections, each beautifully inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The designs include lotus flowers, tigers, elephants, mythical animals, and various ritual objects typically found on the altar.
At the center of each foot is a circle representing a chakra, or an “energy point,” reflecting spiritual significance and the Buddha’s enlightened state.
chakra or energy point in the center of each sole
mother-of-pearls mythical animals
Devas at the sole of feet
Dragon, naga , cow, few mythical animals grace the feet in mother of pearl
roof of Vihar covered by murals
painted door
While exiting on the side, are 108 bronze bowls by the side of wall.
Hor rakhang and Vihar of Reclining Buddha, gate flanked by Chinese figures
decorated gateway
Exiting the vihara, there is colorful gong in a pavilion.
Ho Rakhang (35):
Wat Pho has two bell towers (Ho Rakhang). One is located behind Sala Kanparien (34), and the other is near the Reclining Buddha hall. At the time of the visit, both bell towers were undergoing renovation.
Sala Rai in the West (20):
In front of the four chedis stands an open, sheltered pavilion containing tablets and illustrations of sketched figures. These were historically used as classrooms for teaching traditional Thai massage.
The Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School at Wat Pho is the first officially recognized school of its kind by the Thai Ministry of Education, preserving and teaching the techniques of this ancient healing art.
North Pavilion – Traditional Thai Massage Inscriptions
The north pavilion contains inscriptions and drawings created during the reign of King Rama III. There are 60 plaques in total—30 depicting the front of the body and 30 the back.
The illustrations map pressure points and energy pathways, known as sen, which are used by masseuses and masseurs in the practice of traditional Thai massage. These plaques served as both teaching aids and reference guides for students learning the ancient healing art.
illustrations in the medicine pavilion
massage points with note
pressure points explained
inscriptions
pressure points shown on Yaksha
illustration of day today life
Pavilion for practicing Thai traditional massage: Courses still continue here and one can get a massage done for a nominal fee.
Phra Chedi Rai (17):
Just opposite the Maha Phra Chedis and surrounding Phra Rabiang or cloisters are many small chedis called Phra Chedi Rai. The 71 chedis were build by King Rama III and are 5 meters high.
On the four corners of outer cloister is a set of one big chedi surrounded by four small ones.
view of ubosot from road
All the chedis in this area are built upon a common base and were originally constructed by King Rama I. The 20 large chedis at the four corners of the complex are believed to contain relics of the Buddha.
Phra Viharn Khod
The Phra Viharn Khod houses several Buddha images and consists of four L-shaped buildings located at the corners outside Phra Rabiang and behind the group of five chedis. The images are:
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Phra Vihara Khod Phra Chai (12)
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Phra Vihara Khod Lord Buddha Attaining Nirvana (13)
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Phra Vihara Khod Samor (14)
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Phra Vihara Khod Na Daeng (15)
These structures and images collectively represent significant aspects of Buddhist iconography and were important centers for worship and veneration within the Wat Pho complex.
Phra Ubosot (1):
The Phra Ubosot, or ordination hall, is the most sacred building in a wat. It serves as the main hall for performing Buddhist rituals and is the place where monks undergo ordination ceremonies (Upasampada).
1. Phra Ubosoth
2. Phra Buddha Mungkalagaya
3. Phra Buddha Thamma Jakapawattana Patugamah Stupa
4. Phra Buddha Winaipitaga Sujikaramaha Stupa
5. Phra Buddha Apithamma Tharawasi Parigakaramaha Stupa
6. Phra Vihara in the East, Phra Lokanad
7. Phra Vihara in the South, Phra Pancavaggiya
8. Phra Vihara in the West, Phra Nagaprok
9. Phra Vihara in the North, Phra Palilai
10. The Inner Phra Rabiang
11. The Outer Phra Rabiang
12. Phra Viraha Khot Phra Chai
13. Phra Viraha Khot Lord Buddha attained Nirvana
14. Phra Viraha Khot Samor
15. Phra Viraha Khot Na Daeng
16. Phra Chedi Moo Ha on one basement
17. Phra Chedi Rai
view of ubosot from road
gable of ubosot
Ubosot behind, entrance to outer cloister and Phra Vihara
The Phra Ubosot was originally built during the reign of King Rama I in the Ayutthaya architectural style. Later, it was extended in the Rattanakosin style under King Rama III.
The ubosot is enclosed by a double cloister, called Phra Rabiang, which consists of an outer rabiang and an inner rabiang, creating a sacred boundary around the ordination hall.
Phra Vihara in the West
The Phra Rabiang is intersected by four vihara in four directions. Inside each Phra Vihara is an image of Buddha.
Phra Vihara in the east, (6):
Phra Vihara in the east has an image of Phra Lokanad.
Phra Lokanad
This place was closed from this side. We could see the image in the inner rabiang in the east vihara.
The image here is 10 meter or 33 foot high. The statue is in a standing position and was brought from Ayutthaya.
Phra Vihara in the South (7):
Inside, is seated Buddha giving his first sermon to five ascetics, Phra Pancavaggiya
There was a net in front of the carved gable to prevent birds getting in. I am not sure but looks like Vishnu on Garuda.
decorative doorways
Phra Pancavaggiya
This is a scene of Buddha's first sermon at Sarnath in the Deer Park. Buddha addressed five ascetics, (Panch: five).
The names of five ascetics were Annata Kondanna, Bhaddiya, Vappa, Mahanama, and Assaji.
Phra Vihara in the West (8):
Phra Nagaprok is seen in the center of Phra Vihara in the west direction.
gable of vihara
Phra Nagaprok
This pose of Buddha, Phra Nagaprok translates to "being sheltered by the Naga"
Buddha Sitting on Mucalinda (Naga)
In this pose, Buddha is depicted sitting on the coiled body of Mucalinda, a naga, under an umbrella formed by its seven heads.
According to legend, while Buddha was traveling, a heavy rain began to fall and there was no shelter nearby. Mucalinda, the naga, coiled his body to form a seat for Buddha and spread his seven hoods overhead to protect him from the rain, demonstrating devotion and reverence.
Phra Vihara in the North (9):
Inside this Vihara is Phra Palilai
Buddha is depicted seated on a rock, almost like sitting on a chair, with his hands resting gently on his thighs. The palm of his right hand faces upward on his right knee, while the palm of his left hand turns downward on his left knee.
In front of him sit an elephant and a monkey. This scene represents an episode from Buddha’s life when he chose to live alone in the forest due to a lack of unity among the monks. During this time, an elephant named Palilai, assisted by a monkey, took care of him.
Buddha is shown wearing a piece of cloth draped over his left shoulder, falling down to cover his navel.
Outer and Inner Rabiang:
The ubosot is surrounded by a double cloister known as Phra Rabiang, consisting of an outer and an inner corridor. Visitors can enter the cloisters through entrances located beside any of the viharas.
Both cloisters are lined with Buddha images on all sides. In total, there are around 400 Buddha images in Phra Rabiang—244 in the outer cloister and 156 in the inner corridor. These images were collected from various parts of the country for preservation during the reign of King Rama V (Chulalongkorn).
A small courtyard separates the outer cloister from the inner cloister. Beyond this, at the center of a large open courtyard, stands the ubosot, the most sacred structure within the temple complex.
Entrance to outer rabiang is through two entrances on either side of vihara.
entrance to outer cloister
Chinese Foo Dog protects the entrance
entrance gate to outer rabiang
Wall has Buddha images all around
a black Buddha image
courtyard in between outer and inner cloister
Phra Inner Rabiang or cloister:
Like the outer cloister, inner rabiang too has images of Buddha. The images face inside towards the ubosot.
inner vestibule
Buddha images in the inner cloister
more images
an old pediment
face masks
Chinese figures outside entrance
Ubosot or Ordination Hall(1):
The main hall of ubosot stands on a raised platform which lies in the center of a courtyard.
entrance door to main hall
Phra Buddha Theva Patimakorn
A gilded Buddha image made of a gold–copper alloy sits on a three-tiered pedestal adorned with gold and crystal. This principal Buddha image originally stood in the ubosot of Wat Kuha Sawan in Phatthalung (now in the Phasi Charoen district of Bangkok).
After the completion of Wat Pho, King Rama I relocated this principal image from Wat Kuha Sawan and enshrined it here. He renamed the image Phra Buddha Theva Patimakorn.
During the reign of King Rama III, the main hall was extended and the pedestal of the Buddha image was enlarged. He also added two more images of Phra Arahanta, bringing the total number to ten.
When King Rama IV ascended the throne, he led a royal procession in 1851 to Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho) and paid his respects to Phra Buddha Theva Patimakorn with offerings. From then on, it became a royal tradition for Thai kings to pay homage at this temple.
Later, King Rama IV placed the ashes of King Rama I within the pedestal of the Buddha image, transforming Wat Pho into a memorial dedicated to the founder of the Chakri dynasty.
The walls of ubosot are decorated with murals. There was a ceremony planned on the occasion of King Vajralongkorn 6th birthday so no one was permitted inside the hall.
The principle image sits under a nine-tiered golden umbrella which represents the authority of Thailand.
The image here is depicted in a seated meditative posture, with the right leg resting over the left. The right palm faces upward and rests gently on the left palm, symbolizing meditation and inner calm.
The Buddha wears a robe draped over the left shoulder, extending downward to cover the navel, a characteristic feature of Ayutthaya-style Buddhist art and architecture.
Bai Sema stone:
Since, Ubosot is the most sacred place in a wat, it is surrounded by a sacred boundary in which sema stones are put. Sema in sanskrit means boundary.
The sema stone sits under a gold topped stupa.
Ubosot with sema stones
sema stone
Bai sema has body parts as a "neck, shoulders, chest, hips and a stomach". Here, in this wat, eyes are also seen.
entrance to ubosot guarded by mythical dogs
In four corners of ubosot are four prangs or towers made of marble. They are tall tower-like spire which are usually decorated.
Inside each stand four Khmer-style figure, dikpalas, guardians of four directions.
Buddha image in one vihara
another Buddha image in one vihara
Interspersed throughout the complex are 24 small rock gardens, known as Khao Mor. These gardens showcase a traditional Thai landscaping technique, featuring trees, shrubs, miniature temples, and statues, arranged to resemble natural scenic landscapes.
Many of the Khao Mor gardens are adorned with statues demonstrating traditional Thai massage techniques and yoga postures, reflecting Wat Pho’s role as a historic center for Thai traditional medicine and healing arts.
statues showing yoga postures
rock garden in front of one East Sala Rai
Shiva Lingam
Chinese figures:
The temple complex was extensively expanded during the reign of King Rama III, a period marked by flourishing trade between China and Thailand. Thailand, a major producer of rice, exported large quantities to China by ship. On their return journeys, these ships used Chinese stone and cement figures as ballast to stabilize the vessels.
Once the ships reached Thailand, the figures were unloaded and later placed in temples across Bangkok, including Wat Pho. As a result, these statues are most commonly seen guarding entrances, symbolically protecting the sacred space from negative influences.
Similar Chinese guardian figures can also be found at Wat Suthat and Wat Arun in Bangkok, reflecting the strong cultural and commercial connections between the two regions during that era.
huge figures by the side of gate
Chinese pagoda in courtyard
Chinese figures supporting a pagoda
The wat is a must see in Bangkok what to see list. Many structures as the reclining Buddha, the beautiful chedis are one of the major attractions in this wat.
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