Wat Pho ( Reclining Buddha )

Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) is the oldest such that it was built 200 years earlier than when Bangkok became the capital of Thailand and largest of the entire Buddhist temple in Thailand. Wat Pho covers acreage of 20 acres. This temple is located in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok. Wat Pho is also known by the name of Wat Phra Chetuphon.

The Temple of Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) was originally made during the rule of King Petraja of Ayutthya in 1688. Wat Pho has changed over the years when rework was done on the Wat Pho during the reign of Rama I during his shift of capital to Bangkok. The restoration work was completed during King Rama III and the main chapel was also extended. The temple holds its fame due to the existence of the largest reclining Buddha of Thailand and also has the largest number of Buddha images in the country. The Wat Pho Buddha is a 46 meters long and 15 meters high gold plated image of Buddha. The eyes are decorated with mother of pearl and the feet have carvings which show the 108 characteristics of Buddha. The Wat Pho Buddha exhibits the stage of nirvana of Buddha. The northern part of the Temple of Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) there is a hall housing 394 statues of Buddha made of bronze. Outside the hall there are 152 slabs of marble showing the second part of the Thai epic Ramakien. The library is also a well decorated one with figures and porcelain pagodas. The southern part is of less interest to the visitors which has a monastery when the monks stay. There is beautiful and attractive rock garden and stapes. Watt Phi is the first university which imparted education to public. Watt Phi has become popular for its special Thai massage. The massage involves stretching of the body muscles thereby refreshing the entire body. A Thai massage costs about 250 baht per hour. The massage involves the herbal products especially medicines. The temple is open everyday from 8.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. for the visitors and there is a break of one hour from 12.00 pomp to 1.00 p.m.