Review of Wat Pho (Things to Know Before You Go)📖

Wat Pho, commonly known as Wat Phra Chetuphon, is one of the most famous and oldest temples in Bangkok. It is famous as a tourist attraction and a place of great historical and cultural significance for Thailand.

History
- Wat Pho was built during the Ayutthaya period and was extensively renovated during the reign of King Rama I of the Rattanakosin period. It was awarded the title of first-class royal temple.
- The temple is associated with many royal projects of the Thai monarchs and is also home to the first Buddhist university in Thailand.

Things to do in the temple

1. Reclining Buddha: The reclining Buddha at Wat Pho is a reclining Buddha image measuring 46 meters long and 15 meters high. The Buddha image is made of plastered brick covered with gold leaf and has beautiful details, especially the soles of the reclining Buddha's feet, which are decorated with 108 auspicious symbols.
2. Thai massage teaching inscriptions: Wat Pho is considered the birthplace of Thai massage. There are inscriptions and teachings of Thai massage on stone slabs at the temple to spread and preserve Thai medical knowledge.
3. Four Reigns Pagodas: A group of pagodas built during the reigns of King Rama I to King Rama IV. Each pagoda has its own unique size and decorations, beautifully decorated with different colored glazed tiles.
4. Tripitaka Hall: A place to keep the Tripitaka and other important Buddhist books. The interior is decorated with intricate paintings and patterns.

Things to know before visiting
- Wat Pho is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- There is an entrance fee for foreigners, but Thais can visit for free.
- Dress appropriately and neatly. Do not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, or inappropriate clothing. If you are not dressed appropriately, you may have to borrow a jacket from the temple.
- You can take photos, but avoid using a flash in the area with paintings and inside the chapel to preserve the condition of the artefacts and paintings.

How to get to Wat Pho
- Wat Pho is located near the Grand Palace and the Chao Phraya River. You can get there by bus, taxi, or Chao Phraya Express Boat. Get off at Tha Chang or Tha Tien and walk to the temple.
- If you use the BTS Skytrain, you can get off at Saphan Taksin Station and take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Tien.

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