Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Wat Pho in Bangkok, known by many as The Temple of The Reclining Buddha, is one of the largest temple complexes in the city, full of beautifully decorated buildings, gleaming Buddha statues, intricately designed murals and steeples.
Oficially, Wat Pho is called Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn and is renowned as a unique site of knowledge that encompasses medicine, poetry, history religion and linguistics. This wisdom is inscribed on countless stone plates that can be found all over the complex that form a part of Wat Pho’s “decorations”. And of course, today it is the centre of learning for the traditional Thai massage.
Now if you are looking for Thai recipes, head on over to the Thai page, as this post will focus on the beauty that is Wat Pho, in pictures.
The Reclining Buddha, to many, the highlight of Wat Pho, is 46 metres long, 15 metres tall and is covered in gold leaf. Its feet are decorated with illustrations that depict the various characteristics (laksanas) of Buddha.
It is quite awe inspiring in its sheer size and despite the crowd, you can’t help but feel this sense of peace and serenity wash over you as you enter the temple.
The whole Wat Pho complex takes hours, a whole day even to appreciate, as mentioned before, there is so much beauty around you which is further heightened by the knowledge that the temple goes back to the first reign of the ruling Chakri Dynasty, in the 18th century and that you are walking on “royal grounds”.
And of course, at the end of the day, what better place to sort out that weary body than in the School of Thai Massage? The Thai massage courses here are certified by the Board of Education of Thailand are is very well known to locals and foreigners alike.
