Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok is home to the famous Reclining Buddha
Wat Pho is the oldest temple in Bangkok, even older than Bangkok itself as it was built around 200 years before Bangkok became the city.
Wat Pho’s official name is Wat Phra Chetuphon.
This Buddhist temple is known as the ‘Temple of the Reclining Buddha’ and is one of Bangkok’s most popular. The coach loads of tourists descending upon it daily, blocking the entrance come here mainly to see Thailand’s largest reclining Buddha.
Face of the Reclining Buddha
At 45 metres long and 15 meters high, this golden vision is quite a sight. It is difficult to really get a good look and appreciate the statue as the room it is housed in is quite snug and with all the people cramming in, you have to keep moving around the room in an anti clockwise direction.
The feet of the Buddha are decorated with 108 Lakshanas or signs which are the mark of the true Buddha and the position of the Reclining Buddha represents the passing of Buddha into Nirvana.
Lakshanas on the feet
108 bowls line the room, it is said that if you put a coin in each bowl as you walk around it will bring you good luck and long life.
The crowds surrounding the Reclining Buddha linger there, leaving the rest of the temple grounds relatively calm and peaceful.
Inside the grounds of Wat Pho
Wat Pho is also known for being Thailand’s first university, it is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage and there is a Thai Massage school in the grounds.
Thai massages are available at the temple, just join the queue and wait for a masseur to become available. You can also enrolling in one of the massage classes.
Wat Pho is located in the Rattanakosin District of Bangkok, adjacent to the Grand Palace.
The main entrance is on Chetuphon road.
Open from 8am-6pm
Admission: 100 baht
Wat Pho, Bangkok
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