Thailand is a country famous for Buddhism with unique and prominent pagoda architecture. It can be said that the magnificent, majestic and beautiful temples are the pride of this country such as Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram, Wat Pho, etc. Wat Pho Temple impresses people with the enormous Thailand’s largest Buddha statue. It is also famous for being the first permanent educational center in the country.
Wat Pho (Wat Pho Pagoda), known as Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn, is just about 10-minute walk from the Grand Palace. It is a must see destination for those who first come to Bangkok. As one of the largest temple complexes in the city, Wat Pho is famous for its 46-meter gold-backed Buddha statue. Wat Pho Temple entrance fee recommends visitors to come here. It is absolutely a perfect place to experience traditional Thai massage as well as a Buddhist pilgrimage destination that attracts many followers of the world.
Explore Wat Pho – the first royal temple of Thailand
With an area of 80,000 m², Wat Pho was built in the 19th century during the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. The temple is located on the South side of the royal palace. Wat Phra is a home to many sacred and precious Buddha statues, gathered from all over the country. Wat Pho Temple entrance fee encourages you to visit the four shrines that hold 394 gold-plated statues of the Buddha and long rows of golden statues placed on the ceramic lotuses in the temple.
An important destination for tourists in this place is the lying Buddha statue. This statue has impressive numbers: 15m high, 46m long; its size is equivalent to a building. The foot of the Buddha is up to 5m in length and decorated with exquisite nacre designs that symbolize the good of Buddhism.
The walls around and on the ceiling of the Buddhist sanctuary are also carefully decorated with harmonious colors and Buddha statues, creating a warm and solemn atmosphere. The light is moderately regulated, not too bright, creating the fanciful scene. If you want to decipher the details of these walls, Wat Pho Temple entrance fee recommends you to buy a book or ask for help of the instructor.
Architectural works are presented in the main hall of the temple, the daily practice of monks and the place where Buddhist ceremonies are held. The chief power of the pagoda is a beautiful artwork of art mosaic. The east and west doors of the main hall are inlaid with jade. Along the walls of the Buddha’s Power, there are numerous sculptures of sandstone pruned meticulously and conscientiously. The shrine worships the giant statue of Buddha in meditation posture placed on a three-tiered altar with great respect. The altar is sculptured with very fine patterns. There are a few ashes of King Rama I placed at the base of this statue.
Walking walls around Wat Pho are adorned with incredibly elaborate details that will require a book or guide to decipher all the meanings of these walls. The elegance of the wall is so detailed and sophisticated that even if you do not understand all the pictures, you will marvel at the artistry of the makers of these walls. Finally, in the courtyard of Wat Pho, you will find a Chinese-style pyramidal statue, and the 91 stupas containing the remains of the monks, are placed on ceramic flowers and colorful tiles.
Wat Pho is the first public school in Thailand, specializing in religion, science, and literature. Today the temple is more and more famous for a center of traditional massage and medicine. After a walk around the pagoda that left your legs tired, there is nothing more enjoyable than experiencing traditional Thai massage. If you have never tried traditional Thai massage, Wat Pho is the perfect place to spend the first time. It is a bit different from most other types of healing massage, which tend to enhance vitality rather than relaxation when traditional Thai massage combined with Yoga postures to relieve stress; develop and stimulate blood circulation.
Notes when visiting the temple
Wat Pho Temple entrance fee wants to remind travelers about planning to visit the temples or the Royal Palace Thailand; appropriate clothing is something that everyone must follow. More specifically, male or female must wear elaborate, dignified and discreet costumes, not short dresses; skirts or shorts.
Visitors will have to leave shoes outside, and if you want a little luck, Wat Pho Temple entrance fee recommend you buy a bowl of coins and drop into 108 containers along the length of the wall since 108 is traditionally a remarkable number, referring to 108 actions and positive symbols that make up a perfect Buddha.
Dropping the coins into the bowl will create a gentle sound like a bell, and even if your wishes do not materialize, that money will also help preserve and restore the statues at Wat Pho.
After a walk around Wat Pho, take a rest with a Thai massage to relax since you will have great moments of relaxation with the skillful hands here. That is a very popular activity in Wat Pho, so if you have a need, make a reservation if you do not want to waste your time waiting.
Further information about Wat pho
Wat Pho is located on Sanam Chai Road and Maharaj Road, near Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thai Lan. If you want to save money, you can take the bus routes 1, 6, 7, 8, 12, 44, or other means of transportation such as tuk-tuk or taxi. Tourists can also visit Wat Pho by waterway (Chao Phraya Express). At Wat Pho, Wat Pho Temple entrance fee advises you to visit early to book if you do not want to wait in long queue.
From December 2012, Wat Pho Temple entrance fee is 100 Baht plus a bottle of cold spring water, and you can visit whenever from 8 am to 5 pm. Since Wat Pho is enormous, you can visit the information desk to get a free guide map before the tour. Also, when you come to Wat Pho, you can also ask an English guide to give you lots of interesting information, priced from 200 to 400 baht depending on the number of people in the group or how you bargain.
Wat Pho is one of the top attractions in Bangkok with both Thai and tourists. This large temple is famous for its statues. It has more Buddha statues than any other temples or temple in the country. It is also famous for having one of the oldest community education centers and the traditional Thai massage school. Therefore, the Wat Pho Temple entrance fee assesses that this is one of the destinations should not be missed out for the first-time visitors to Bangkok.
