Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Date Visited: 13th February 2013

One thing that one should do regardless in which part of Thailand is visit at least one of their temples. It doesn't matter whether you are in Bangkok, Hatyai, Chiang Mai or even Phuket and this was exactly what I did whenever I visited Thailand. As for Bangkok, there are number of notable and glittering temples you could put in part of your itinerary - Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Kallayanamitr Temple and more. Since I went Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo before with my friend, hence I opted for the rest with my family.

#1: Chao Phraya Tourist Boat - One Day River Pass for 150 baht

Just like my previous trip, I brought my family by taking the most enjoyable and fascinating route which was by taking Chao Phraya Tourist Boat. One of my readers did ever suggest me to take the boat which mainly occupied by the local Thai cause it will be more cheaper but to think of that, it will be overcrowded and because I was bringing a big group of 10 people, I think Chao Phraya Tourist Boat will be better option. Perhaps next time for the local boat.

#2: Our first pitstop - Tha Thien (N8) for Wat Pho

Wat Pho, which also known as Temple of Reclining Buddha is one of the oldest, largest and definitely most significant temples in Bangkok. The royal monastery is perhaps best known for the 46 meter long Reclining Buddha housed in its Ordination Hall. 

#3: Wat Pho is open daily from 8am to 5pm and the entry fee by the time I visited was 100 baht (approx. to RM10)

#4: In case worry that you might getting lost, try to take the photo of this tourist map.

To be honest from what I observed, Wat Pho is not as huge as Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo. It was eventually crowded with tourists and travellers but then not as crowded as the latter temple. From the map above, the main focus is pretty much on Phra Vihara of the Reclining Buddha, where Reclining Buddha housed. Before entering hall, all the visitors are required to take off their shoes and fret not, each of us were given a plastic bag to place our shoes.

#5: The 46 meter long and 15 meter high gold-plated Reclining Budda, the eyes and feet inlaid with mother of pearl brings to mind the Lord Buddha's entry into Nirvana.

#6: We're queuing to drop coins in 108 bronze bowls as it is believed to bring good fortune, and to help the monks maintain the wat.**

#7: 108 bronze bowls in the corridor indicating the 108 auspicious characters of Buddha.**

#8: Outside the temple, the grounds contain numbers of stupas which locally known as "Chedi"

#9: Beside stupas, there are few halls and a central shine for the visitors to enjoy the beauty and magnificent of this temple.

#10: A beautiful welcome sign situated right to the Reclining Buddha's hall

One true fact about Wat Pho is it is known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Nowadays, it has became an important centre for the teaching and administering of traditional Thai massage. So if you are looking for the real traditional Thai massage, I believe you should know where to head to.

Important Note Before Entering Wat Pho

Visitors are required to dress appropriately before being allowed entry to Wat Pho. Shorts and short sleeves are not allowed to enter.

How To Get To Wat Pho

From Tha Tien Pier (N8), walk straight to the main road, Maharaj Road and turn right. The temple is on your left. And because Wat Pho is located just next to Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo, perhaps you could consider visit both temples in a day.

**Photos credit to my sister. P/S: I still think my Sony NEX is still best.