Rating: 3.6/5 (5 votes)

Operating day: Monday - Sunday

Operating time: 08.30 - 18.00

Admission: 50 baht ( from Jan 1, 2012 admission fee will be 100 baht )

 

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, 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.

 

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.

 

Bas reliefs around one of the main buildings depict the story of the Ramakian. 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.

 

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.

 

Bus routes 1, 3, 12, 25,44, 47, 53, 60, 82, 91, 501, 508