Wat Pho

Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of the most famous and oldest temples in Bangkok, Thailand. The centerpiece of Wat Pho is the 46-meter (151-foot) long and 15-meter (49-foot) tall statue of the Reclining Buddha. The statue is covered in gold leaf, with its feet decorated with intricate mother-of-pearl patterns depicting auspicious symbols. Wat Pho is one of the six first-class royal temples in Thailand, originally built in the 16th century and later expanded by King Rama I in the 18th century. Wat Pho is considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage and holds the earliest medical inscriptions and Thai massage. Wat Pho has an on-site massage school where visitors can experience traditional Thai massage or even learn it through certified courses. The temple complex spans 80,000 square meters and features over 1,000 Buddha statues, making it home to the largest collection of Buddha statues in Thailand. Its grounds, pavilions, and stupas are decorated with beautiful Chinese porcelain mosaics and traditional Thai designs. Wat Pho is part of Bangkok's Rattanakosin Island, a historic area near other important sites such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). Opening hours are from 8am to 6.30pm (local time). Entrance fee to Wat Pho is around 200 Thai Baht (based on latest update). Dress code at Wat Pho is mandatory to wear modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered). The best time to visit is early in the morning to avoid crowds and hot weather.