Visiting Bangkok’s Reclining Buddha
One of Thailand’s popular Buddhas is the ‘Reclining Buddha’ and can be found in the Temple complex near the Grand Palace in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon District.
The Temple is located at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangklaram (Wat Pho) วัดพระเชตุพนวิมล มังคลาราม (วัดโพธิ์) and was a passion project for King Rama I. Some of his ashes have been enshrined at the location.
The Reclining Buddha was constructed in 1832. Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s oldest temple sites. Wat Pho has been listed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World.
If you’re visiting in April, an annual fundraising event is held at the Reclining Buddha’ — the money us used to assist with the cost of operating Wat Pho — the event is part of the Songkran festival or New Year.
Visiting tip
If you want to beat the crowd at the Reclining Buddha, arrive at 8am.
Wat Pho วัดโพธิ์ is also a religious facility for Buddhists — which means tourists should be respectful. Wear appropriate clothing ie cover up. If you enter a Temple, remove your footwear. And if you’re sitting down in the Temple, point your feet away from Buddha ie position your feet to be facing towards the doorway exit.
Getting there
The easiest way to get to the Reclining Buddha is to catch the MRT Blue Line train service to Sanam Chai railway station, and exit via Gate 1 which brings you out at the Museum Siam (photo below) — then walk 5 minutes to Wat Pho.
For more info about Bangkok’s MRT rail network, click here.
I hope you enjoy your visit.
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