Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha
Close to the Grand Palace is the largest temple in Bangkok: Wat Pho, or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.
It is so named because of the huge gold-leaf-covered statue of the Buddha, lying on his side, measuring 46 m (150 ft) long and 15 m (50 ft high). The soles of his colossal feet are intricately inlaid with Buddha images in mother of pearl.
Like many Thai temples, this is a complex comprising numerous elaborate shrines, plus pagoda-like 'chedis', and other buildings, all richly decked with sculptures and carved ornament.
Wat Pho is also famous as a school of traditional healing, and this is the place to come for a serious traditional massage, which – it should be noted – is more invigorating than relaxing.
