An ongoing protest is happening when we came to visit Bangkok. (Please refer to the Thai political crisis of 2013-2014 if you want to know more.) We had a hard time arranging a taxi cab ride to get us to Wat Pho Temple complex due to heavy traffic. The cab drivers want a fixed-rate fare instead of using the taximeter. We kept on searching for that elusive cab driver who'd agree. In our third attempt, the cab driver suggested we take the water taxi ride instead. Thus, the retelling of our experience taking the water taxi ride to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho). Read on.
The Water Taxi Commute is Just as Easy as Taking the Train
After our Ayutthaya city tour, River Sun Cruise (tour company we booked to get us around Ayutthaya) dropped us at River City Complex in Bangkok. That's where the taxi negotiation (story above) happened. Since we couldn't get them to agree on our terms, we took the water taxi ride instead as suggested by one taxicab driver. Before sharing our experience, let me stop and applaud these taxicab drivers for not forcing their service on us. Clap! Clap!
Now back to the water taxi ride. I'm amazed at how convenient it is, it's just like taking the train. We boarded the water taxi at Si Phraya Pier. This pier is located between the River City and Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel. It's so easy to find! We even did it ourselves!
Each of the docks has its own station/pier numbers so you'll know where to disembark. For example, Si Phraya Pier is (N3). To get us to Wat Pho we'll have to alight in Tha Thien which is (N8). Our ride cost 40 THB each. That's cheaper compared to the 200THB/150THB fixed-rate taxi ride to get us to Wat Pho. And we get to experience the commute in Bankong's waterways too. Cool!
Wat Pho
This place is huge! I thought we'll only be seeing the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, but no, there's more. It is a big temple complex with other temples and stupas around. To give you an idea here's a map.
We entered through the East Entrance, facing the river. From Tha Thien pier, you'll easily spot the temple gate (photo above).
Entrance Fee
We paid 100 THB each for entrance. This includes cold bottled water and robe usage for cover-up (this is to give respect to their deity) while inside the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. By the way, you don't need to wear the robe on areas outside the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The first photo below is how it looks. I agree it's not cute, wear pants and cover-up your arms to skip on the robe. But let me remind you, Bangkok, Thailand is hot and humid. Take your time to prepare before going!
Also, you'll be asked to remove your footwear before entering the temple. Don't worry about this, they'll provide the bag to keep your shoes/sandals.
Can you count the number of pillars? In between those pillars, you'll catch statues of Buddha in different poses. Want to see stunning stupas? Click here.
There you go, friend. I hope our experience riding the water taxi to Wat Pho and the tour at the aforementioned temple complex gave you an idea of what to expect when you come. Have fun then! Talk to you soon. ;)
