152758

Wat Pho in Bangkok, Thailand

Location: Maharat Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Open: Daily from 8.30am to 6.30pm

Phone: +66 (0)2 226 0335

Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho) Buddhist temple in Bangkok

Wat Pho’s famous Reclining Buddha – properly known as Phra Buddhasaiyas – would not ordinarily be very high on the list of biggest Buddhas in Thailand. But if you’re measuring the height of the figure rather than of the statue, the gold-leaf-covered brick and plaster representation is indeed huge.

Built in 1832, the sculpture’s giant mother-of-pearl feet are perhaps the most striking feature. At 3 metres high and 4.5 metres long and covered in auspicious symbols, it is one of a very few exceptions to the rule that it is rude to point the soles of your feet at people in Thailand.

Detail:

Wat Pho is not only one of the most visited Buddhist temples in Bangkok but it is where history, medical science and educational institute combined. Officially named Wat Prachetuphon Vimon Mangkararam, wat pho was believed to be founded during the 16th century and was later served as The Royal Temple of King Rama I of Chakri Dynasty. Laid inside the main ordination hall is the sacred 46-meter Reclining Buddha whose feet are beautifully inlaid with mother-of-pearl, carved with holy signs.

Wat Pho is, among Thais, also known as “the nation’s first public university,” thanks to 1,360 marble inscriptions about medical, historical and liberal sciences places all around the temple where the people can read and learn anytime. Marble inscriptions about medical sciences, anatomy and orthopedics are the origins of Wat Pho Thai traditional massage principles, which has made Wat Pho a world’s famous site. The traditional service, nowadays, is also available at the nearby pavilion.

In 2008, Wat Pho was listed UNESCO’s Memory of the World (MOW) as a documentary heritage for Asia and Pacific Region.

Getting there: Bus no. 1, 3, 12, 25,44, 47, 53, 60, 82, 91, 501, 508

Admission: 100 baht