Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Wat Arun Ratchawararam (Wat Chaeng)

Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan (Wat Phu Khao Thong)

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Wat Pho, or Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Ratchaworamahawihan in full, is an important and famous temple in Thailand. Located in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok, near the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is well known as the temple with one of the largest and most beautiful reclining Buddhas in Thailand. It is also an important center for learning and Thai massage.

Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangklaram)

History and importance

Founded: Wat Pho was built during the Ayutthaya period and was renovated and expanded during the reign of King Rama I of the Rattanakosin period. Later, there was a major renovation during the reign of King Rama III.

Significance: Wat Pho is the royal temple of King Rama I and the location of the first Buddhist university in Thailand. It is also home to a famous Thai massage school.

Key Ingredients

1. Reclining Buddha (Sleeping Buddha): A large Buddha statue, approximately 46 meters long and 15 meters high. This reclining Buddha is beautiful and decorated with pearls on the feet.
2. Ubosot: Inside is the principal Buddha image, a statue of Buddha in the Mara-Vijaya attitude, called "Phra Phuttha Thewapatimakorn".
3. Wall Paintings: Wat Pho has wall paintings that tell the story of Ramakien and images about traditional Thai medicine.
4. The Four Reigns Chedi: The chedi was built as a memorial to King Rama I to King Rama IV. It is decorated with beautiful glazed tiles.
5. Brahmin Temple: Used for performing Brahmin ceremonies related to various royal ceremonies.
6. Thai Massage School: Wat Pho is home to a famous Thai Massage School. Tourists can come here to get a massage and learn Thai massage.

Visit

Opening hours: Wat Pho is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Admission fee: There is an admission fee for international tourists (approximately 200 baht).

Guidelines: Visitors should dress appropriately, covering shoulders and legs neatly. No tank tops, shorts or flip-flops.

Interesting things

1. Reclining Buddha: The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho is one of the largest and most beautiful Buddha images in Thailand.
2. Art and Architecture: Wat Pho has beautiful architecture and art, including pagodas, murals, and the Ubosot.
3. Thai Massage: Wat Pho is a center for learning and practicing Thai massage. Tourists can come here to get a massage and learn Thai massage.
4. History and Culture: Wat Pho is a place of historical and cultural significance for Thailand.

Wat Pho is one of the most interesting and unmissable tourist attractions when visiting Bangkok due to its beauty and historical and cultural significance to Thailand.