Wat Pho (The Reclining Buddha), Bangkok Thailand

First of all, I want to offer my sincere condolences to the Thai people on the passing of their beloved Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha at the age of 47, after nearly 4 years in a coma. Everyone we met in Bangkok and in Ayutthaya were quite fond of Princess Bha, the eldest child of the King Maha Vajiralongkorn also known as King Rama X, the tenth monarch of the Chakri Dynasty.  May she rest in peace.

Now back to the third and last stop of our private tour with Sam, our guide. We took the river boat again to cross the Chao Phraya River.  Then we were driven to the Phra Nakhon district where WAT PHO is located. 

We ate a quick lunch at a local restaurant recommended by Sam and I'd have to say that no meal in Thailand is complete without the ubiquitous mango sticky rice. To say that I overloaded on this famous and delicious dessert during our vacation is an understatement. 

Wat Pho, a first class royal temple is one of the largest and oldest temples in Thailand. The 80,000 square meters sprawling temple complex houses the largest collection of Buddha figurines in Thailand. 

More importantly, Wat Pho is the location of the 46 meters long and 14 meters high, gold plated Reclining Buddha situated inside a dedicated hall. You are required to wear a sarong to cover your legs and remove your shoes when you enter the massive hall.

The soles of Buddha's feet are 5 meters long and inlaid with mother of pearl.

These 108 auspicious symbols represent a complete map of Buddhist cosmology.

For a minimal amount you can buy 108 coins and then drop them into 108 bronze bowls lining the hall. The tradition of dropping coins is an act of merit. The number 108 signifies the auspicious characteristics and virtues of the Buddha.

Wat Pho Ticket price: 300 Thai Baht (Single Entry)
Open daily from 08:00 AM - 07:30 PM
Visitors are required to dress properly and appropriately.
Be respectful and do not destroy historical artifacts.