Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) in Bangkok

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) in Bangkok

Located next to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Bodhi Tree, holds a series of superlatives — it is Bangkok’s oldest and largest temple; it has Thailand’s largest reclining Buddha, the most Buddha statues, and the most chedi (stupas). The reclining Buddha inside Wat Pho is 46 meters long, with feet that are 5 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width, lying on top of each other and adorned with 108 auspicious designs inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

There are a total of 99 large and small chedi in Wat Pho, including 71 that are 7 meters tall, earning it the nickname “Forest of Stupas”; there are also four large Mahachedi standing 41 meters high. The columns and walls of the main hall corridor, as well as various Buddha halls and pavilions, are inscribed with numerous stone inscriptions. These inscriptions were carved during the reign of King Rama III and cover topics such as architecture, history, Buddhist history, medicine, proverbs, literature, geography, and customs. The temple is known as “Thailand’s first university.” It still houses a traditional Thai massage school that trains both local and international students in the art of ancient massage techniques. Between the pillars of the railing outside the ordination hall, there are 154 marble relief carvings depicting scenes from the Ramakien (Thai epic), which hold significant artistic value.