Bangkok, Thailand - Wat Pho

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Wat Pho, also known as the "Temple of the Reclining Buddha," was built 200 years before Bangkok became the capital of Thailand. It is the the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok. Wars having taken their toll, restoration on the temple began in 1788 and continued into the mid 1800's. The temple was restored again in 1982.

Each Wat seems to have its own special attraction and Wat Pho is no exception. This Wat is best known for its beautiful statue of the "Reclining Buddha." The statue, 46 meters (151') long and 15 meters (49') high, has a core of wood gilded in gold. The feet and eyes are engraved with mother-of-pearl. The feet are 3 meters long with inscriptions that show the 108 auspicious characteristics of the true Buddha.

Wat Pho was Thailand's first University. It is the center for Thai massage but DS and I opted for one later.