Situated in the Rattanakosin district, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is located side by side the Grand Palace. This temple is also known as the traditional place of the Thai massage. While here you can book your appointments and enjoy a true traditional massage. This temple is home to over a thousand Buddha images. The largest on display is of 160 feet!
The Wat Pho complex is on two walls. The north wall is where the Reclining Buddha is and where the massage area can be found. On the south end, there is a Buddhist monastery where monks reside and learn. The school still functions in this present day and age, so if you think you want a glimpse into a monk’s life, this is the place to be. Since the monastery has a reputation that recedes itself, you might want to book in advance to avoid any disappointments. The outer area of the sanctuary has 400 images of the Buddha that were brought to the temple by King Rama V. The complex has interesting architecture too. There are mythical lions that guard the doorways and the gateways, giving the temple an aura of security. The Reclining Buddha itself is fascinating as it is inlaid with mother-of-pearl and over it are 108 bowls depicting auspicious characters. Additionally it has a seven tiered umbrella, signifying the authority of Thailand.
While here do not forget to see the Grand Palace as well. It will be a true treat to do all at once and make your trip that much more worth it. Yet do not forget to give the Temple of the Reclining Buddha ample time. As there is so much to do and see, so give yourself the time that is needed and do not miss out on this wonderful opportunity to see this world famous site.
When looking for a place to stay in Bangkok look for Bangkok serviced apartments and the reputed Sukhumvit accommodation. Try looking for Anantara Baan Rajprasong Bangkok which is a great place to stay. A nice thing to do is to drop some money into the many bowls that they have there. The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is truly a fascinating place to check out and visit. Make sure that you do not to miss it!
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+
