Welcome to the Reclining Buddha Bangkok Tour (Wat Pho Tour)
The walking tour inside this all in one app is highly entertaining, thoroughly researched, and prepared by local guides. It’s a book, a guide, a map, and an audio-visual player – all wrapped up in one!
About the Tour
Welcome to the narrated, offline, self-guided walking tour of the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) in Bangkok, Thailand! The Buddha measures 151 feet long making it the largest sleeping / reclining Buddha statue in Thailand. Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, boasts Thailand’s largest reclining Buddha statue. This gold-plated Buddha measures an impressive 151 feet in length and stands 50 meters tall. But that’s not all—the temple complex is home to a staggering 394 Buddha statues spread across four different chapels on-site.
Be sure to download the Action Tour Guide app beforehand (check your email for the link) so that you can start walking as soon as you arrive at the gates. You’ll immediately notice the architectural style is quite different from other temples. As you walk, you’ll hear about what makes the temple special.
The tour then leads you through the temple. Be sure to follow the route as you listen. You’ll learn that Wat Pho was believed to be founded during the 16th century and was later served as The Royal Temple of King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty. Thais call Wat Pho as “the nation’s first public university”. Over 1,360 marble inscriptions about liberal, historical and medical sciences adorn the temple, enabling people to learn anytime.
As you walk, you will come across these marble inscriptions, which are the origins of Wat Pho Thai traditional massage principles, making Wat Pho a world-famous site. Our tour wraps up near where we began.
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Where To Start?
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
What You'll See
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Temple of the Reclining Buddha
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Suan Misakawan
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The Giants of Wat Pho
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Phra Mondop
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Sala Karnparien
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Belfry
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Royal Chedi
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West Entrance
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Phra Rabiang
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Phra Prang
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South Entrance
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Phra Ubosot
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East Entrance
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Rock Gardens
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L-shaped Viharn
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North Entrance
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The best time to visit Wat Pho is in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
The duration of the self-guided tour at Wat Pho can vary, but most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the temple complex.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Wat Pho. Visitors should check the current admission fees before their tour.
While this is a self-guided tour, guided tours with local experts are also available for visitors who prefer in-depth insights into the temple.
Yes, visitors are typically allowed to take photographs of the temple’s stunning architecture, including the Reclining Buddha.
Yes, visitors should dress modestly when entering temples in Thailand, covering shoulders, knees, and cleavage.
Some of the must-see highlights include the Reclining Buddha, the various Buddha statues, and the historical inscriptions.
Visitors are generally not allowed to touch or approach the Reclining Buddha closely but can view it from a designated area.
The marble inscriptions at Wat Pho contain traditional Thai massage principles, making Wat Pho renowned for its traditional Thai massage practices.
Visitors should show respect for the religious site by removing their shoes before entering temple buildings and by speaking quietly and respectfully while on the premises.