Wat Phoวัดโพธิ์

The designs on the Reclining Buddha’s feet

Built during the reign of Rama III, the Reclining Buddha measures 46 metres long and 15 metres high. Take your time following the figure from its face along its outstretched body to its feet. The soles bear 108 mother-of-pearl designs made from shaped shell, bringing delicate craftsmanship to this monumental statue.

After taking in the golden figure, look closely at the mother-of-pearl on its soles. Small designs reflecting Buddhist cosmology form a closely arranged pattern. The Reclining Buddha is enshrined inside a hall, so enter the designated viewing area to see the statue and its decorated feet.

Four royal chedis in different colours

The four large chedis inside the white walls are associated with Kings Rama I through Rama IV. Green, white, yellow and deep blue mosaics give each tower a distinct look. Follow the colours to tell apart chedis that may seem similar at first.

The green chedi houses a damaged Phra Si Sanphet Buddha image brought from the royal palace in Ayutthaya. After Ayutthaya fell, the surviving image was moved to Bangkok and enshrined inside this chedi. A Buddha image from Ayutthaya’s former royal temple remains at Wat Pho today.

Galleries of Buddha images and Chinese-style stone figures

The temple describes the inner gallery of the double corridor around the main hall as holding about 150 Buddha images, with more than 244 in the outer gallery. These images were brought from northern Thailand during the reign of Rama I and are now covered in gold leaf. As you walk through the galleries, compare the faces and poses of the different images.

One hundred stone slabs inscribed with Thai verse from the reign of Rama III hang from the gallery pillars. This was a place to read and learn as well as to view Buddha images. Even if you do not read Thai, you can still take in the arrangement of the images beside the inscriptions.

Some Chinese-style stone figures along the paths came from stone ballast once carried on Chinese trading ships. You will see not only armed guardians, but also officials holding books, monks and working people. Look at their materials and depictions of people alongside the golden Buddha images.

Knowledge inscribed at the temple and traditional massage

Rama III had knowledge from several fields inscribed around the temple so people could learn from it. This is why Wat Pho is often likened to Thailand’s first university. The temple served not only as a place of worship, but also as a centre for sharing knowledge about subjects such as medicine and language.

Traditional massage is available, but massage is not included in the temple admission ticket. If you would like one after your visit, choose a service and pay separately. It can be a restful way to end a visit after exploring the halls and galleries.