Step softly, history is listening.
Step into Wat Pho, home to Thailand’s largest reclining Buddha, a gold-plated marvel stretching 151 feet long and rising 50 meters tall. This temple is more than a statue; it’s a living museum of Thai culture, art, and centuries of learning.
With this self-guided audio tour, you explore at your own pace while the app brings every story to life. Discover 394 Buddha statues spread across four chapels, and follow the audio narration as it reveals tales of kings, monks, and the temple’s role as Thailand’s first public university.
Learn from the marble inscriptions that preserve knowledge on history, medicine, and traditional Thai massage, and admire the stunning architecture and intricate murals that make Wat Pho unique among Bangkok’s temples.
Hear about Wat Pho’s origins, its connection to the Chakri Dynasty, and how it became a center of education and culture centuries ago. You’ll encounter the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the Outer and Middle Courts, the Phra Maha Monthien and Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings, the Inner Court, and the serene Siwalai Gardens.
Caution: Walking here may inspire quiet reverence, sudden “aha” moments, and an uncontrollable desire to whisper secrets to the walls.
Note:
This audio tour does not use GPS, so the recordings won’t start automatically according to your location. The stops are organized in a suggested order—swipe through them sequentially for the best experience. You can also use the “Stop List” to skip ahead or return to previous stops when you wish.
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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 multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple
- 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.
Audio Story Highlights
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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.