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Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)

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. Today, the temple is also renowned for its teaching of herbal medicine and traditional massage. There is a strict dress code.



Address: 
Thai Wang Road ,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Telephone: 
(02) 225 9595.
Website: 
www.watpho.com
Opening times: 

Daily 0830-1700.

Admission fees: 

Yes.

Disabled access: 
Yes
Unesco: 
No

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