During this 3-hour tour (start every day at 15:30 hrs) you’ll visit the Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) with an English speaking tour guide.
Wat Pho is mainly famous for the huge Reclining Buddha statue it houses. At 20 acres large, it is the largest temple in Bangkok, and technically the oldest too, as it was built around 200 years before Bangkok became Thailand's capital.Â
It holds the dual honors of having both Thailand's largest reclining Buddha image and the most number of Buddha images in Thailand.
The highly impressive reclining Buddha is 46 meters long and 15 meters high, and illustrates the passing of the Buddha into nirvana. The large grounds of Wat Pho contain more than 1000 Buddha images in total, most from the ruins of the former capitals Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.
We then walk to the Tha Tien pier where we'll take a ferry to the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya river. Here you'll find one of the most outstanding temples of Thailand, named after the Indian god of Dawn Aruna: Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).
The imposing prang (spire) of Wat Arun is one of Bangkok's world-famous landmarks. It is over 70 meters high and represents Mount Meru, home of the gods. The corners are surrounded by four smaller satellite prangs. The prangs are beautifully decorated with tiny pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain which had previously been used as ballast by boats coming to Bangkok from China.
Important notes:
- Wat Pho and Wat Arun are sacred sites. Shoulders and ankles must be covered for both men and women. Scarves over sleeveless tops are not permitted. No shorts, leggings, ripped jeans, tight pants, slippers (flip-flops), or revealing tops. Entry will be refused if you are not dressed appropriately.
- Entrance fees for the Wat Pho (THB 300 per person) and Wat Arun (THB 200 per person) are not included in the tour price and must be paid in cash on the day of the tour.
Meeting point:
The meeting point is at the entrance of Wat Pho on Thai Wang Rd, just south of the Grand Palace. It is the entrance from where you have a clear view of the Grand Palace walls right across the street.
Meeting point location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6Tg4ENDC8SyKgDoj9
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2 Comments
5
Well worth it!
I was the only person on this tour so I had a one-on-one experience with the guide. Paul
was very knowledgeable and experienced. It was an excellent tour and I learned and saw
so much more than I would have visiting the temples without a guide.
5
Amazing art & architecture seen through an enthusiastic guide
Mrs Surin was a wonderful guide with lots of energy and information. She kept us going
despite the intense heat of the day. She was kind , thoughtful, and resourceful. Thank you for
a lovely afternoon Mrs Surin!