This is possibly the most interesting temple in Thailand as it combines history, medical science and is a center for meditaion and traditional massage training. Its official name is Wat Phrachetuphon Vimon Mangkararam Ratchaworamahawihan (Buddhist) temple although it is commonly called Wat Po. Founded during the 16th century, Wat Pho is most famous for the golden reclining Buddha that measues 46 metres and has feet inlaid with mother-of pearl. This is the main attraction that draws visitors to the temple.In more modern times, Wat Pho has gained international recognition as a meditation centre and for the traditional Thai massage that is both practiced and taught here.Traditionally, temples were the schools as there was no formal education system, with monks providing basic lesson in both spiritual and secular subjects. King Rama III turned Wat Po into a major centre for learning in botany, geography and history. Bas reliefs around one of the main buildings depict the story of the Ramakian or Ramayana which is the Thai adaption of the Indian Ramayana. For those interested in traditional Thai medicine, there is a pavilion that serves to both impart knowledge and provide treatment. The walls have marble tablets describing basic anatomy and treatments. In the late afternoon, traditional medicine practitioners are there to dispense herbal mixtures. Nearby, there is a cloister where you can have a traditional Thai massage for a very small payment.
Detail about Wat Pho
Phra Uposatha: The principal Buddha image is “Phra Buddha Deva Patimakorn” in a gesture of seated Buddha on a three tiered pedestal called Phra Pang Smardhi (Lord Buddha in the posture of conoentration), and some ashes of King Rama I are kept under the pedestal. The mural paintings in the hall depict Mahosatha Pandita (The Great Bachelor of Mithila City), The heavens, and Phra Etadagga a disciple. On the middle tier there are two images of the Original Disciples, while the eight effigies of the Holy Priests stand on the lowest pedestal. Inside panels of the windows are decorated with lacquer work of the seals of these monastery dignitaries (in the reign of king Rama III).
Kampaengkaew or the chapel boundary: wall refers to the double marble walls around the main chapel. There are 8 sheltered gates and 8 sculpted boundary stones (or BaiSema). The Outer side of this boundary wall is mountains, trees and animals.
Phra Maha Stupa or Phra Prang: there are 4 pagodas at the corners of outer-side of the chapel yard. This kind of pagoda is specially termed “Phra Agghiya chedi”.
Phra Maha Chedi Si Ratchakan: constructed during the reign of King Rama I to cover the ruined image of Buddha ‘Phra Srisanpetch' where relics of Lord Buddha are kept, represents the reign of King Rama I. The ruined standing Buddha is 16 metres high and was brought from the Royal Palace in Ayudhya.
WATPO: Thai Traditional Medical School or Thai Massage is School of Thai Massage for student and people who interest with Thai Massage and many interest place in WATPO
** In 2008, the historic marble inscriptions in Wat Pho have been registered with UNESCO’s Memory of the World (MOW) as MOW documentary heritage for Asia and Pacific Region
How to get there: Bus routes 1, 3, 12, 25,44, 47, 53, 60, 82, 91, 501, 508
Open daily : 8.30 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Admission : 50 baht
Nearby Places/Attractions: Grand Palace,Wat Arun, National Museum, Museum Siam
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