【Bangkok Wat Pho】Explore the tranquility and solemnity of Thailand’s oldest temple

#temple# 100 ways to travel Bangkok, a city with countless gorgeous temples, is full of strong religious atmosphere and historical charm. Wat Pho, as one of the oldest and largest temples in Thailand, is undoubtedly one of the must-see attractions for tourists in Bangkok. #### Temple Overview and History Wat Pho is located in the center of Bangkok, just across the street from the famous Grand Palace. Built during the Ayutthaya Dynasty in the 16th century, this temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bangkok. The full name of Wat Pho is "Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn". It is one of the earliest public education centers in Thailand and is especially famous for traditional Thai massage and medicine. #### The spectacular reclining Buddha statue When I walked into Wat Pho, the first thing that caught my eye was the landmark building of this temple - the huge reclining Buddha statue in the main hall. This reclining Buddha statue is 46 meters long and 15 meters high. It is the largest reclining Buddha statue in Thailand. The body of the reclining Buddha is covered with gold foil, which makes it look solemn and solemn. The soles of the feet of the Buddha statue are carved with 108 patterns symbolizing Buddhist auspiciousness, which are delicate and full of meaning. Stand quietly in front of the Buddha statue and feel the silent peace and tranquility, as if your soul is being purified. I gently walked around the Buddha statue and noticed the surrounding murals. These murals depicting Buddhist stories are brightly colored and rich in details. They are a concrete display of the history and culture of this temple. #### Four large pagodas and other buildings There are also four large colorful pagodas in the courtyard of Wat Pho, symbolizing the achievements of Rama I to Rama IV respectively. These pagodas are decorated with intricate tiles and mosaics, and the details of each pagoda are stunning. The four pagodas tower into the sky, symbolizing the profound heritage of Thai Buddhist culture. In addition to the reclining Buddha statue and the large stupa, there are many small shrines and statues in the temple dedicated to different Buddhist gods. The courtyards and cloisters here are also full of peaceful atmosphere. Both local believers and foreign tourists can find a pure land of soul here. #### Traditional Thai Massage Wat Pho is also famous for its traditional Thai massage school. This is one of the birthplaces of traditional Thai medicine and massage, and it still provides professional massage services. Visitors can experience authentic Thai massage here and enjoy a complete relaxation and relief. I also specially arranged a massage experience during my trip. The professional technicians used clever techniques to relieve my fatigue and make me feel relaxed both physically and mentally. #### Tips - **Opening Hours**: Wat Pho is open every day. It is recommended to go in the morning or afternoon to avoid the high temperature at noon. - **Clothing requirements**: You must dress modestly when entering the temple and avoid sleeveless, shorts and other clothing. Free shawls are provided at the entrance of the temple. - **Note on taking photos**: You can take photos in the temple, but you need to be respectful, especially in front of the Buddha statues, you should avoid making loud noises or disrespectful behavior. - **Massage Experience**: If you are interested in experiencing Thai massage, it is recommended to make an appointment in advance to avoid long waiting time. #### Summarize Wat Pho in Bangkok attracts countless believers and tourists with its spectacular reclining Buddha statue, historic buildings and strong religious atmosphere. This temple is not only a symbol of Buddhist culture, but also a place where people can relax their minds and find peace. If you have the opportunity to come to Bangkok, be sure not to miss Wat Pho. Come here to experience the charm of Thai Buddhism and let your soul find some solace in this peaceful Buddhist pure land. 💰Per capita consumption: 500฿ 🕰️Business hours: 8am~6pm 💰Per capita consumption: 300THB 📍Address: 2 Sanam Chai Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand