Wat Pho in Bangkok: The Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho in Bangkok
One’s
amazing Bangkok experience would not be complete without paying gracious homage
to the incredible and very golden Buddha at the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. If you are a fan of
striking history and tangible art, then Wat Phrachetuphon will hit your insides
real hard. The place is relatively small, but it’s guaranteed to be jam-packed
with all things golden and all things Buddha.

Before you enter, you’ll be asked to go barefoot in order to maximize the whole Buddhism tradition experience. Once you’re inside, the first thing you’ll notice are the lofty posts filled with mind-blowing Thai art. Everything is beautifully embellished with extravagant gold. You’ll see linings of reds and marbles, and wood art is ever-present. The walkway adds drama to the whole setting, as it is filled with tourists eager to understand and capture the essence of this regal site. The place is full of multicolored sounds coming from every element in the room.

But, even with this utmost extravagance, it would be very difficult not to notice grandeur of the Buddha. It rests quietly at the left side of the place, but it overpowers every minute golden detail of the rest of the Wat Phrachetuphon. Its shining edifice silences all the noise around. At the foot of the Buddha, there is a showcase Thai-Chinese fine art made of mother of pearl inlay. At the rear of the statue, a line of 108 brass pots would be scene; it lines up against the wall leading to the exit.
To complete the whole Wat Phrachetuphon experience, best if you get a handful of prayer slash wish coins – as you exit, you drop one coin in each brass pot for blessings to be bestowed upon you. This is an experience that is truly Wat Phrachetuphon authentic; the simple sounds of the coins hitting the end of the pots give you that native symphony orchestra feel. Listen and make a wish.

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