1.

WAT PHO

Wat Pho, or "Temple of the Reclining

Buddha" is classed as the highest of
Thailand's premier six temples.
King Rama I ordered the rebuilding of a temple on the
remains of a previous temple site in 1788, today it is possibly
one of the most distinguished Buddhist temples in the world,
Wat Pho.

The site houses many intriguing elements, the most famous

of them is the 46-meter long reclining Buddha statue.

What is also noteworthy about Wat Pho is its abundance of

contortionist statues. These statues were apparently
designed to serve a double purpose. The first was to provide
stability and weight for sailing ships and the second, was to
inspire yoga-like practices for health and well-being.

Strolling the grounds of Wat Pho is a unique experience;

while constructed in the era of the first Rama (King) of Siam,
many of the structures were either transported or built during
later eras. One noteworthy indicator of this can be seen in the
four tall stupas that are virtually unavoidable.

It’s said that each of the four stupas bear a different color,
each representing the Rama or King who reigned over
present-day Thailand when they were built.

During the days of the tourism boom, crowds fought for

selfies wth the 46-meter long Buddha.