Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Address	2 Sanamchai Road, Phra Nakhon Districy
Location	Bangkok
Transportation	BUS 48 53 60 82 91 123 AC6 AC7 AC8 AC9 AC12 AC25 AC44 AC91 BOAT Chao Phraya Express: Rajini Pier, Tha Chang Pier, Tha Tien Pier
Admission	Foreigner -- 20 Bht Thai -- Free
Hours	8am-5pm
Phone	222 5910, 226 2942

One major tourist destination in the capital city is sure to delight any Westerner. Wat Pho is the oldest and largest wat in Bangkok, built all the way back in the 16th century during the Ayuthaya period. It features the very popular reclining Buddha and the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand. Wat Pho became known as a “university” when King Rama III had texts inscribed on stone slabs around the temple for the Thai people to read.

However, the main attraction for tourists is simply the infamous Reclining Buddha. Ask any cab driver to take you there. The Buddha is 153 feet long and 50 feet high. The statue was made to represent the Lord Buddha trying to overwhelm one of the powerful demons and convince him that his power is not supreme. It is made out of plaster around a brick core. You will also find mother-of-pearl in his eyes, and feet displaying 108 different characteristics of Buddha. It is an awesome sight and you will want to bring your camera.