Wat Pho or Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangklaram

is a temple of great significance in the history and culture of Thailand. It is located in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok. It is one of the most famous temples in the country and is a must-see for tourists visiting Bangkok.

Importance and History of Wat Pho

Wat Pho is a first-class royal temple and one of the temples of King Rama I. It was renovated by King Rama I in 1788 by combining two temples and is considered the oldest temple in Bangkok.

During the reign of King Rama III, Wat Pho became a center of education, gathering knowledge in various arts and sciences, especially medicine and Thai massage, making it the birthplace of the world-famous traditional massage.

Things to do in Wat Pho

Reclining Buddha (Sleeping Buddha)

One of the most popular landmarks for tourists to worship is the Reclining Buddha or "Sleeping Buddha", which is 46 meters long and 15 meters high. This reclining Buddha statue was built of bricks and cement and covered in gold. It was built during the reign of King Rama III. The image of the reclining Buddha's feet is also decorated with 108 auspicious pearl patterns, making it a beautiful and sacred highlight.

The Four Reigns' Great Stupas

Wat Pho is home to four important stupas that were built to honor the reigns of King Rama I to King Rama IV. These stupas have beautiful ceramic patterns and are important tourist attractions that tourists often visit.

Thai Massage School

Wat Pho is known as the oldest and most famous Thai massage school in Thailand. Tourists can come here to learn and receive Thai massage. Thai massage at Wat Pho has been passed down since the reign of King Rama III and has been recognized internationally.

Wat Pho Inscription

Inside Wat Pho, there are also stone inscriptions that collect ancient knowledge in many fields, such as medicine, Thai massage, astrology, and literature, making Wat Pho like a library that collects Thai wisdom in the form of stone inscriptions, which have been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ubosot

The Ubosot of Wat Pho is beautiful with delicate architecture. There are murals that describe the life of the Buddha and stories of Thai literature. The principal Buddha image in the Ubosot is "Phra Phuttha Thewapatimakorn", a majestic Buddha image in the meditation posture, which is highly revered by those who come to make merit and tourists.

How to get to Wat Pho

Wat Pho is located near the Grand Palace and Wat Arun. Tourists can travel by taxi, bus, or Chao Phraya Express Boat, getting off at Tha Chang or Tha Tien.

Open daily from 08:00 to 18:30 hrs. and there is an entrance fee for foreign tourists.

Summary

Wat Pho is an important place of history, culture, and religion. It is not only a place to worship and ask for blessings, but also an important source of learning about Thai massage and ancient Thai wisdom. If you visit Bangkok, Wat Pho is one of the places you should not miss.