Thailand Photo Journal: Wat Po – The Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Reclining Buddha in Wat Po

Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Po) was founded in the 16th century.  It is the oldest and biggest temple in the city.  It also has the largest number of pagodas (95) in city.  Wat Po was one of the first universities in Thailand.  The university is best known for its school of traditional Thai medecine and massage.  It also offers courses in astrology, medicine, literature and archaeology. 

Wat Po, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, houses the largest reclining Buddha and the largest collection of Buddha images (394 gilded images of Buddha) in Thailand.  The reclining Buddha is enormous at 46 meters in length and 15 meters high. 

The reclining Buddha represents the passing of Buddha into nirvana.

The image’s feet are over ten meters high.

The bottoms of the image’s feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl.  They display 108 different láksànà (characteristics of a Buddha).

A close-up of a láksànà inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

There are several tiled stupas within the temple grounds.  The larger stupas were built in honor of the Chakri kings.  There are also 91 smaller stupas. 

Important Facts:

Admission: 20 Baht

Open: 8am to 5pm

How to get there:  Take bus 508 or 512.  You can also get to Wat Po by river express taxi.  It’s a lovely way to see the city.  Take the river taxi to Tha Tien.  Walk through the market and across the road.  You can’t miss it.

Remember:  Temples are sacred places.  Visitors must wear appropriate clothing and shoes when visiting.  Bare arms must be covered.  Long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn.  Skirts can also be worn.  Open-toed shoes are not acceptable.  You can buy or rent pants and sarongs at the entrance to the temple.  Always remove your shoes when entering chapels and sanctuaries.  When sitting in front of a Buddha image, do not point your feet at the image.  Donations are greatly appreciated. 

Useful websites:

 Thailand for Visitors

Sacred Destinations