Pho Temple (Wat Po)
The second largest Buddha image in Thailand is housed in this, the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok. Although the temple was built in the 16th century during the Ayutthaya period, it has been rebuilt and modified several times. The 46 metre long Buddha image was created in the 19th century during the reign of Rama III. Built around a brick core and covered with plaster that is finished with gold leaf, the eyes and feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
Wat Pho is also the resting place for numerous gilded Buddha images that were brought from temples destroyed during conflicts with the Burmese. The wat has always concerned itself with traditional medicine, including Thai massage.
Its most known in Thailand for its traditional Thai massage school. If you are receiving a traditional Thai massage in your hotel or on the beach try asking the masseuse where she learned this profession and most of them will answer "...in Wat Pho" (Pho Temple). If you are tired simply get a Thai massage or foot massage right there for a mere 200-300 baht.
The main attraction is the huge buddha statue inside the building....the pictures can't reallly show how big this statue is. Because the room is so small in width you walk in and another meter in front of you the statue rises up to the ceiling. Great murals to see on the walls showing Thai life style many centuries ago. Still many tourists but worthwhile to experience.
