Wat Pho in Bangkok
A Must See Sacred Icon of the Reclining Statue of Lord Buddha
If you are a first time visitor in Bangkok then Wat Pho is one of the must visit sights where you can see the Temple of the Reclining Buddha also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon. This massive temple complex is a major icon in the city due to the reclining Buddha statue that measures up to 46 metres in length and 15 metres in height and which is fully covered in gold leaf. The Buddha’s feet go up to 5 metres in length and colourfully decorated in mother-of-pearl artworks depicting auspicious ‘laksanas’ (characteristics) of the Buddha. Not far away from a hotel in Asoke such as the centrally located AVANI Atrium Bangkok, this famous site is situated just behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Besides the massive Buddha statue there are many other remarkable things to be experienced here which helps you to enjoy serenity beyond your imagination.
If you were looking for places to have a traditional Thai massage then What Pho is the best place to get pampered in good hands and get revitalised as it is known as the leading school of massage in Thailand.
When entering What Pho, it is a must that you remove your shoes out of reverence and respect and as a rule. There are bowls of good luck coins at the entrance of the hall which you can buy and drop in one of the 108 bronze bowls that line the length of the walls and make your personal wishes. As it is a sacred image of Buddha, those who visit Wat Pho must wear appropriate clothing without exposing shoulders or skin above your knees.
Wat Pho has many other sites that you can either wander alone to witness or take a tour guide for a reasonable amount to explain its history in English. Some of these other sites include four chapels containing 394 gilded Buddha images, lengthy lines of golden statues that come from different parts of Thailand and which sit in the lotus position. Towards the end some amusing Chinese statues can be seen which were once used as ballasts on ships along with 91 chedis (stupas) designed in ceramic pottery flowers and fascinatingly colourful tiles.
Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.
