Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Temple Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand

What to expect

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, also known as Wat Pho, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the Phra Nakhon District of Bangkok, Thailand. It is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok and is home to the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, including a 46-meter-long gold-plated Reclining Buddha. The temple is considered the birthplace of traditional Thai medicine and massage, and visitors can learn about and receive traditional Thai massage treatments on site. The temple complex also features pictorial encyclopedias engraved on granite slabs, illustrating and explaining various subjects such as history, medicine, and Buddhism. The Reclining Buddha's pose represents the Buddha entering complete spiritual enlightenment, and the soles of the statue's feet are inlaid with exquisite mother-of-pearl, featuring a wheel at the center of each foot, symbolizing cause and effect

Plan your family visit to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha with these blog insights 👇

Best Things To Do in Bangkok, Thailand with Kids

This family's experience:

Activities: We then visited the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, which is home to a giant reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf

Highlights: We really enjoyed the temple, especially the giant reclining Buddha and the bronze bowls that line the walls ✨

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This family's experience:

Activities: We went to Wat Pho, known for its giant reclining Buddha statue. We explored the temple grounds, looking at the detailed stupas and pagodas, examples of traditional Thai Buddhist architecture. We learned about traditional Thai massage

Highlights: The massive reclining Buddha was impressive! The walls were decorated with beautiful murals. It's an important place in Thai culture and history. The kids enjoyed seeing the big statue ✨

Top 10 things to do in Bangkok with kids (2024)

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited Wat Pho, a temple that combines temples and something slightly different

Highlights: The kids found 108 bowls to drop coins into which might bring them bring good fortune but will definitely keep them entertained ✨

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This family's experience:

Activities: We visited Wat Pho, the temple of the Reclining Buddha

Highlights: The family was amazed by the 43m long and gold and mother of pearl encrusted Buddha ✨

Wat Arun. One of The Best Wats in Bangkok

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited Wat Pho, famous for its giant reclining golden Buddha

Highlights: The kids enjoyed exploring the grounds and seeing the huge reclining Buddha, while the parents appreciated the temple's history and beauty ✨

Wat Pho

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the temple and saw the huge reclining Buddha

Highlights: We enjoyed the temple's beauty and the opportunity to learn about Thai history and culture ✨

Bangkok with family: 15 things to do and visit with children

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Wat Pho temple, home to a giant reclining Buddha, and made our own offerings

Highlights: The kids were impressed by the giant Buddha and enjoyed making their own offerings ✨

One Day Bangkok Itinerary with Kids

This family's experience:

Activities: We took a ferry to cross the river and visit the temple, where we saw the giant reclining Buddha statue

Highlights: The kids enjoyed dropping coins into the 108 small bowls around the structure ✨

(Tip!) Bangkok with kids: 16 family activities!

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited this temple, which is known for its huge reclining Buddha

Highlights: The whole temple looks beautiful with lots of colors and many beautiful statues ✨

Thailand as a family: from Bangkok to Koh Chang

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the temple and saw the famous 46-meter-long reclining Buddha

Highlights: The kids didn't find it very interesting, but Benoit and I were impressed by the temple's beauty ✨

Bangkok, Thailand

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Wat Pho temple and saw the 45 metre long golden reclining Buddha

Highlights: The children enjoyed dropping coins into the prayer bowls and listening to the different sounds ✨