The second most popular temple after Temple of the Emerald Buddha is Wat Pho, or as it is also called - the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Indeed, a person who has not really been to Thai temples yet can be very impressed by the huge figure of Buddha, therefore, if you have been in few places, then you should go there. However, advanced travelers can also visit, the territory is beautiful, you can take a walk, only there are a lot of people after all.
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Temple of the reclining buddha
Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, dating back to the 12th century. And it was here at the end of the 18th century that the new Rama dynasty began, when General Chakri proclaimed himself king. Since then, the temple has become famous, its territory has been significantly expanded, and kings everywhere poked stupas in honor of each other.
The most interesting thing in Wat Pho is the figure of the reclining Buddha, in fact, it is mainly watched by crowds of tourists from all over the world. Its length is as much as 46 meters, and its height is 15 meters. Outside, Buddha is covered with gold leaf, that is, he is not entirely like that (there is a brick inside). The sight is quite impressive, because the Buddha here is the largest in Thailand, and even in the whole world. True, due to the fact that the Buddha lies in his house, and this house is inside with thick columns, it is rather difficult to observe the whole Buddha. This can only be done from his heels, standing close to them. By the way, during the construction, first they built the Buddha, and then the vihan around him.
Because of this figure, the second name appeared - the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. In general, this pose is more correctly called the reclining Buddha in anticipation of nirvana. But since he has been lying there for a long time, then, most likely, he did wait for nirvana and has been in it for a long time. The stream of people flows counterclockwise around the figure, starting from the head. While you are walking, you cannot understand in any way where this ringing is coming from, incessant and loud. And only when you are at your feet, you see a line of visitors throwing coins in polka dots for good luck. Literally 20 baht and happiness 🙂
The territory itself is also worth a walk. Here you can see a large number of stupas (hundreds of them), various images of Buddhas and many figures carved from stone. I personally liked the street lights most of all, I would put one in the country. There is also a traditional temple where you can go and pray. However, this can be done inside the Temple of the Reclining Buddha itself, there are opportunities for this.
Information for visiting Wat Pho
Get to Wat Pho from the same Khaosan Road you can walk, walk no more than 20 minutes. Or you can walk to Phra Arthit pier (next to Khaosan) and from there take a 15 baht ferry to Tha Thien pier, it will be on the same side as the landing site. And then from this pier literally 5 minutes walk to the entrance to the territory of the temple. You can return in the same way, and at the same time from the Tha Thien pier to Wat Arun float across the river. Details about river channels of Bangkok read in my article.
Entrance fee - 100 baht.
Opening hours from 8.30 to 18.30.
There is a school on the territory of the temple thai massage. Many advise to make it here, so that later there will be something to compare with, since it was from here that its distribution began. Prices are really higher than elsewhere in the country. There is also a massage school.
If you want to find a hotel in Bangkok near this place, it is convenient to choose accommodation on RoomGuru, it is a service where you can compare hotel prices in different booking systems.
I have stayed in Bangkok many times and in different hotels. I will not provide links to all my reviews, I will give only a few. Nasa vegas - convenient for stopping near the airport and metro, Rajata - good place to spend the night near Khaosan, S3 Residense located in the center next to the park.
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Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)
Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)
Wat Po - a famous temple with a huge statue of a reclining Buddha.
Read about the temple
Wat Po is a famous temple with a huge statue of a reclining Buddha. Read about the temple