Cover picture: Wat Pho
Overview map of the temple complex
The main attraction of Wat Pho: The Reclining Buddha
The golden statue was built by King Rama III in 1832
With a total length of 46 meters, it fills almost the entire room ...
... and rises 15 meters into the air, truly fascinating!
The reclining position symbolizes the state of peace on Buddha's final path to Nirvana
Also noteworthy: the ornate wall and ceiling decoration of the "Viharn Phranorn" temple hall
The detailed feet of the Buddha are particularly interesting
The soles of the feet are made of elaborate mother-of-pearl inlays and bear 108 Buddhist symbols for good luck
108 candy bowls represent the symbols of luck - according to the ritual, coins are thrown into each bowl and a prayer is said.
The interior of the temple complex is spacious and well maintained!
On the other side of the complex are open promenades (Phra Rabieng), which is also a gallery
The gallery includes both seated and standing Buddha statues
Chinese stone pagodas with mystical creatures decorate the inner courtyard
The main temple of Wat Pho: Phra Ubosot. The pedestal of the large Buddha statue is said to contain the mortal remains of King Rama I.
Outside in the courtyard, large spire towers (prangs) rise high into the sky
71 smaller towers (chedis) surround the main temple
The architecture from the Ayutthaya era fascinates with its unique style
In combination with the temple halls (viharns), a magical picture is created
Visually, these towers are reminiscent of the Wat Arun temple opposite
The closed library (Phra Mondop) houses a sacred collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures
Green ornamental trees such as Chinese figs or bonsais adorn the paths
There is also a garden with a small pond in the complex
Hidden in the bushes are ancient stone figures in rather strange postures
They practice and teach "Ruesi Dat Ton" - positions from the traditional art of Thai yoga healing
The day at Wat Pho was very impressive! Then we went on to the Grand Palace 🙂
Costs
300 THB p.p.
(≈ 7,90 EUR)
Opening hours
Daily 08:00 - 19:30
Wat Pho
The Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihanbetter known as Wat Phois one of the most important historical temple complexes in the heart of Bangkok. Its origins lie far back in the 16th century in the Ayutthaya period, where the first buildings were erected. Around 1801, King Rama I undertook restorations to the temple and gave it its current name. However, the place only achieved great fame in 1832, when King Rama III. 46 meter long, reclining, gold-plated Buddha statue (English name: Reclining Buddha) in the newly built temple hall Viharn Phranorn erected.
The Lying position symbolizes the Buddha's final stage: the state of ultimate freedom and eternal peace, which is achieved after the transition from earthly life to nirvana.
The magnificent soles of the reclining Buddha consist of elaborate mother-of-pearl inlays and display a total of 108 Buddhist symbols of good fortune.
In the temple hall are also 108 bronze bowls These stand for the individual lucky symbols that can also be found in the soles of the Buddha's feet. For Buddhists, it is a sacred ritual to throw a few coins into each of the bowls and say a short prayer. This is done in sequence, from start to finish. The monks appreciate every single donation, as they benefit the upkeep of the temple.
Outside on the temple grounds are ancient buildings and magnificent pointed towers (called Chedi or Prang). The extensive grounds also include a Museuma Librarya Elementary schoola small Park with ancient poplar figs and the famous Wat Pho massage schoolwhich is considered to be the birthplace of traditional medical Thai massage and is now one of the most recognized training centres for masseurs worldwide.
Phra MondopThe library of the complex houses a sacred collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures written and preserved on palm leaves.
In the so-called Wandelhallen (open gallery), a large number of seated and standing golden Buddha figures are on display - an impressive sight!
The porticoes surround the main temple of Wat Pho: Phra Ubosot. This sacred place was built on a raised marble platform and may only be entered barefoot. In the center is another huge Buddha statue (Phra Phuttha Thewa Patimakon), whose pedestal contains some of the mortal remains of King Rama I. The magnificent hall impresses with its high decorative pillars, golden ornaments and elaborate murals depicting scenes from the life of Buddha.
Tip:: Due to its direct proximity to the Grand Palace - the Royal Palace of Bangkok - and to the opposite Wat Arunmany visitors are planning a combined tourª to visit several temples in one day.
Places of interest in the vicinity
Map
More Bangkok highlights
Baiyoke Observation Deck
The Baiyoke Tower II is the third tallest building in Bangkok's Ratchathewi district and was built in 1997. At first glance, this old-fashioned skyscraper doesn't seem very special, but the top floor offers a real highlight: a 360-degree rotating viewing platform! In addition to the Baiyoke Sky Hotelª with over 600 rooms, numerous restaurants and a rooftop bar, the tower offers a glazed observation deck on the 77th floor and the fascinating Revolving View Point on the 84th floor at 309 meters. This slowly rotating platform offers you a unique opportunity to get a panoramic view of Bangkok within 8 minutes - without moving a single centimeter!
Lumphini Park
At over 570,000 square meters, Lumphini Park is the largest park in the center of Bangkok. There are seven park entrances, known as gates, from different directions. The southwest entrance is adorned with a monument to King Rama VI, who created the site in the 1920s as the first public city park. Today, the huge area features an artificial lake where you can go pedal boating, numerous benches and pavilions for resting, a public concert stage, the public library, children's playgrounds, a public sports facility with fitness equipment, a Muay Thai boxing stadium and a 2.5 km jogging track through the entire park. Another interesting activity and very typical for Thailand and Southeast Asia are the outdoor sports courses such as Tai Chi, martial arts, yoga or aerobics - which you can take part in free of charge.
Chao Phraya boat trip
If you are in Bangkok, you absolutely must plan a boat trip on the glittering Chao Phraya River! Especially in the evening, countless tourists flock to ICONSIAM Pier 4 to take one of the popular dinner cruises. Even if this place has something of a mass processing, in our opinion it is worth experiencing this spectacle once. The ships are modernly equipped, offer seating on several floors and usually have live music or a DJ on board. While the ship sails past the most famous sights, such as the ancient temple of Wat Arun or the Grand Palace, you can help yourself to an unlimited buffet. There are lots of delicious dishes and the service from the Thai crew is first class as usual! As the crowds are so big, there are now numerous providers of river cruises - you can get tickets from as little as 25 euros per person for a 2-hour tour including dinner.
ICONSIAM
ICONSIAM is a huge mall in the center of Bangkok. With a total of eight floors and an area of over 500,000 m², this shopping center offers plenty to explore and will make your shopping heart beat faster! A visit is particularly worthwhile on rainy days to discover the latest trends, store for luxury brands or visit the remarkable food court in the basement. The SOOKSIAM food court has been recreated in the style of a floating market with lots of boats, colorful floral decorations and an artificial river! A special highlight can be found on the 6th floor: a 15-metre high indoor waterfall that shines in bright colors! In one of the lovingly decorated restaurants, you can watch this spectacle at its best & try delicious delicacies. Our favorite place is right at the top on the 7th floor: the Napalai Terrace. From here you can enjoy the fantastic view of the beautiful Chao Phraya River for free!
Grand Palace (Royal Palace)
Anyone traveling to the Thai capital is unlikely to miss the Grand Palace - in the truest sense of the word. The huge 2.6 km² site is located right in the heart of Bangkok, directly on the Chao Phraya River. Contrary to expectations, there is not just one palace to marvel at here, but an entire complex consisting of government buildings, magnificent ancient temples with golden towers, ornate decorations and murals as well as lovingly tended gardens. Every day, tens of thousands of visitors flock to the metropolis just to visit this place!
The Grand Palace was built in 1782 and served as a royal residence for over 150 subsequent years. Today, the royal family lives in the north of Bangkok, but the palace is still used for ceremonies or state receptions for foreign guests. With its prestige, it symbolizes the rich culture and history of the country.
Benjakitti Park
A popular oasis of calm in the otherwise hectic metropolis is the pretty Benjakitti Park. At 208,000 square meters, it is one of the largest parks in Bangkok and is centrally located between the two metro stations Sukhumvit and Asok. It was opened in 2004 to mark the 72nd birthday of Queen Sirikit, who subsequently gave the park its current name: Benjakitti. The extensive grounds include two large wooded areas, idyllic walking paths, plenty of sunbathing areas and benches, a 1.8-kilometre circular path for joggers and cyclists and a huge artificial lake in the middle of the park. The pretty lakeside promenade is decorated with colorful flowers and water fountains. We were particularly fascinated by the contrast between the vast green spaces and the gigantic skyscrapers that surround the entire park!
Wat Arun
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamaha Wihan, or Wat Arun for short, is one of the most visited Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Its name is derived from Aruna, the god of dawn from Indian mythology, which is why this place is also commonly known as the "Temple of Dawn" or "Temple of Dawn". Its origins lie far back in the ancient Ayutthaya period, where the first temple of this complex was built as early as the 17th century under the name Wat Makok. The kings Rama II and Rama III finally completed the temple in the 19th century with the addition of further building elements under the current name Wat Arun.
Chinatown
Samphanthawong is one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Bangkok and is better known as Chinatown. Founded in 1782, it is now one of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in the world! Around the main street Yaowarat Road, you can see ornate gates (like the famous Chinatown Gate) & Chinese temples, stroll under bright red lanterns or taste your way through delicious street food stalls! This place is a must-see, even if you are only planning a short stay in Bangkok. The best way to get here is by tuk-tuk (the drivers know exactly where to drop you off when you say "Chinatown") and from there you can continue on foot. The streets are very noisy and busy, especially in the evening, but it's worth a walk to immerse yourself in traditional Chinese culture in Bangkok!
King Power Mahanakhon (Skywalk)
The King Power Mahanakhon is a must-see in Bangkok! The 314-metre-high skyscraper stands out from afar with its Tetris-like shape, which sets it apart from all other skyscrapers in Bangkok. In addition to hotel rooms and stores, the reflective building also has a fascinating 360-degree viewing platform on the 78th floor. A glass floor (= skywalk) has also been built, above which you can walk freely and the world below you suddenly becomes very small! Cars and people look like tiny toy figures from this height - definitely not for people with a fear of heights. Other attractions in the building include a rooftop bar, a Mexican restaurant and an immersive SkyRide, where you can paraglide through a virtual world.
