Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Wat Pho, formally known as Wat Phra Chetuphon, stands directly south of the Grand Palace on Sanam Chai Road in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok. Dating to the sixteenth century, it is widely considered the oldest and largest temple complex in Bangkok and holds the distinction of being the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, a practice it has formalised through an on-site school for more than two centuries. The temple's defining feature is the colossal Reclining Buddha housed in a long, low viharn on the western side of the complex. The statue measures 46 metres in length and 15 metres in height, its soles inlaid with 108 auspicious scenes in mother-of-pearl. Even standing beside the figure, its sheer scale is hard to comprehend; the toenails alone are larger than a person. Beyond the main hall, the compound contains more than 1,000 Buddha images, four large chedis clad in glazed ceramic tiles representing the first four Chakri kings, and 91 smaller chedis. The massage school occupies the rear of the complex; a 30-minute foot massage or 60-minute traditional Thai massage can be booked on-site for around 260–420 baht. A line of 108 bronze bowls runs along a cloister wall — depositing a coin into each is a merit-making ritual practiced by devotees and visitors alike. A standard visit of 1.5 to 2 hours covers the Reclining Buddha hall and the main chedis comfortably. Evenings are pleasant as the light softens, but the site opens from 8 am daily.