Wat Pho

In the middle of Bangkok’s nonstop bustle, you’ll suddenly step into eight hectares of quiet and calm. This is Wat Pho, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Thailand. The complex we see today was built in the eighteenth century, expanded under King Rama I, and beautifully restored by King Rama III. It’s best known for its astonishing collection of more than a thousand Buddha images, but the one that truly takes your breath away is the Reclining Buddha. Stretching forty-three meters in length and fifteen meters high, it’s entirely covered in gold leaf, with mother-of-pearl inlay on the soles of its feet. Look closely and you’ll see 108 intricate symbols of good fortune. Just behind the statue, rows of alms bowls line the walkway. Dropping a coin into each bowl is said to bring luck, while also helping the monks with temple upkeep. Wat Pho is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. The country’s first official school was established here in 1955, and the practice has since been recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. After exploring, you can even enjoy a massage right here in the temple grounds. With its serene statues, the gentle sound of coins, and the scent of incense in the air, Wat Pho is a place where Bangkok’s spiritual heart truly reveals itself.