Overview:

Wat Pho is an ancient temple complex in Bangkok, Thailand. It is renowned for housing the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, and is also home to a highly celebrated reclining Buddha statue. The temple complex holds the distinction of being the first public university for Thai masseurs, with its own massage school. Wat Pho's architecture is designed in the classic Thai style and it is renowned for its numerous stupas and intricate inscriptions. It is also symbolic of Thailand's national identity and is often seen as the spiritual home of Thai massage. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Thailand
Prominent Features:

1. The Reclining Buddha: The Reclining Buddha is the most iconic and recognizable feature of Wat Pho. The 15-meter-long gold-plated statue, adorned with traditional Thai patterns, is one of the largest Reclining Buddhas in the country. 2. Chedi (Stupa): Sitting in the center of the main hall of the temple, the Chedi is a nine-tier structure made of white and green jade-like stones. The Chedi houses the remains of Lord Buddha. 3. Wall Paintings: The temple's walls and ceilings are decorated with beautifully painted murals, depicting scenes from Lord Buddha’s life and other religious stories. 4. Garden of the Reclining Buddha: The garden of the Reclining Buddha is the temple’s most precious outdoor feature. Along the sides of the walkway, there are 108 bronze bowls, each containing a single coin, as a symbol of the 108 different aspects of Lord Buddha’s teachings. 5. Wat Pho Massage and Traditional Medicine: Located at the back of the temple, the Wat Pho Massage and Traditional Medicine School offers traditional Thai massage courses for those interested in learning the art. This national monument of Thailand portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Wat Pho, or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is a Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok, Thailand. It is located on Rattanakosin Island, directly south of the Grand Palace. Wat Pho is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Thailand, and is known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. The temple complex was built in the 16th century by King Rama I. It was initially known as Wat Pho Si Sanphet, named after the vihara of the same name at the old capital of Ayutthaya. The monastery complex was further expanded by King Rama II and Rama III. The main attraction of Wat Pho is the huge, gold-plated reclining Buddha statue which is 46 meters long and 15 meters high. Wat Pho is also well known for the instruction of traditional Thai medicine, healthcare, and massage therapy. The school was founded in 1955, and is now officially recognized as the Traditional Medical and Massage School. Wat Pho is also home to the first Thai massage information center which provides information about traditional Thai massage techniques. Today, Wat Pho is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bangkok. It is also an important religious site where thousands of people come to pray and perform religious rituals. The temple complex also hosts an annual festival which is attended by people from all over Thailand. You must visit one of these historical places in Thailand on your Thailand tour

Interesting facts:

1. Wat Pho, or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok, Thailand. 2. It was built in the 16th century and is home to more than 1,000 Buddha images. This includes the famous 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha statue which is the largest in Thailand. 3. The temple complex is also home to the first university in Thailand. Wat Pho was the first public university in the country, established in 1783 during the reign of King Rama III. 4. Wat Pho is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.A number of massage schools teaching Thai massage techniques are still located within the temple complex. 5. The temple houses four different halls, including the Ordination Hall, Vihara Hall, Reclining Buddha Hall, and Ubosot Hall, each of which offers its own unique attractions. 6. Wat Pho is the second-most-visited tourist attraction in Thailand, with more than one million visitors per year. Visit one of the famous monuments of Thailand with your friends and family.