Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) Guide

Occupying a 20-hectare (50-acre) site next to the Royal Grand Palace, Wat Pho is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok. It was built in 1688 during the reign of King Petraja of Ayutthaya and contains one of Thailand’s most spectacular sights, a 46-metre (150-ft) long and 15-metre (72-ft) high statue of a reclining Buddha. The statue itself, which is gold-plated and inlaid with mother-of-pearl on the soles of the feet, was not added until 1832 during the reign of King Rama III, and serves to illustrate the passing of Buddha into nirvana (the state of absolute blessedness). Visitors can wander amongst the peaceful rock gardens, chapels and stupas. King Rama III also established Wat Pho as an important centre for Thai medicine and massage and thus founded Thailand’s oldest seat of learning. It is still possible to have a massage or learn about the art of Thai massage and medicine at Wat Pho today.
Air: Bangkok International Airport. Rail: Train: Hualamphong Station. Road: Bus: Public services. Car: Hwy-4 (from Hua Hin); Hwy-3 (from Pattaya); Hwy-117 (from Phitsanulok), then Hwy-32.