Wat Pho Temple

Temple of the reclining Buddha

Wat Pho is the oldest and largest wat in Bangkok, and was built in the 16th century during the Ayutthaya period. It was rebuilt in 1781 by King Rama I and underwent a 17-year restoration in 1839 by King Rama III. The wat contains a gigantic reclining Buddha statue and the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand. It became known as the “First University in Thailand” when King Rama III had stone slabs with inscribed teachings set up around the temple.

The largest and oldest Wat in Bangkok

Wat Pho carries the distinction of containing Thailand's largest reclining Buddha. The reclining Buddha statue is enormous - measuring in at 46 meters long and 15 meters high. Even more impressive is that the entire statue is gold plated. The reclining Buddha depicts the passing of the Buddha out of the circle of life and into the Nirvana. On its feet you'll notice 108 symbols - they reflect the various traits and characteristics of the true Buddha.

Spanning the 20 acre complex that houses Wat Pho, you'll find more than 1000 Buddha images - more than anywhere else in Thailand. Most of the Buddha relics come from former Thai capitals, including Ayutthaya. The Wat Pho complex is divided in two by the Chetuphon road. The northern section is the one typically frequented by most tourists as it contains the most Buddha artifacts along with the reclining Buddha statue. But if you chance your way to the southern section of Wat Pho you'll happen across monks and locals, which can prove an equally culturally satisfying experience.