Bangkok Attractions
Description
Venue: Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon) When: Daily
Learn to massage and heal beside a mammoth golden reclining Buddha at Wat Phra Chetupon, known as Wat Pho, which was founded in the 17th century - long before Bangkok became the capital of Thailand.
The compound houses a complex network of courtyards, surrounded by a wall with 16 monumental gates. By far its most celebrated tourist attraction is the massive Reclining Buddha; gold-plated along his 46 metres, with exquisite mother-of-pearl inlay on his feet.
The temple was a favourite of the Chakri dynasty, and King Rama I turned it into the country's largest monastery. Rama III followed him in his love of the place and transformed it into a mecca of learning. Understandably, it is now hailed as Thailand's first university.
In keeping with the tradition of learning, a pavilion still serves as a centre for traditional Thai medicine and courses of varying lengths are available throughout the year. Marble tablets on the walls describe basic treatments, faded murals depict anatomical details and herbal concoctions are displayed (and dispensed) by traditional doctors.
Nearby in the eastern side a cloister specialises in traditional Thai massage - a useful antidote to Bangkok stress!
Learn to massage and heal beside a mammoth golden reclining Buddha at Wat Phra Chetupon, known as Wat Pho, which was founded in the 17th century - long before Bangkok became the capital of Thailand.
The compound houses a complex network of courtyards, surrounded by a wall with 16 monumental gates. By far its most celebrated tourist attraction is the massive Reclining Buddha; gold-plated along his 46 metres, with exquisite mother-of-pearl inlay on his feet.
The temple was a favourite of the Chakri dynasty, and King Rama I turned it into the country's largest monastery. Rama III followed him in his love of the place and transformed it into a mecca of learning. Understandably, it is now hailed as Thailand's first university.
In keeping with the tradition of learning, a pavilion still serves as a centre for traditional Thai medicine and courses of varying lengths are available throughout the year. Marble tablets on the walls describe basic treatments, faded murals depict anatomical details and herbal concoctions are displayed (and dispensed) by traditional doctors.
Nearby in the eastern side a cloister specialises in traditional Thai massage - a useful antidote to Bangkok stress!
Bangkok Information
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Looking for things to do around Bangkok? Here are some of the events and attractions happening in the area.
| Bangkok Fashion Week |
Mar 2009 (annual) Queen Sirikit National Convention Center |
| Magha Puja |
Mar 2009 (annual) Bangkok |
| Bangkok Jazz Festival |
Dec 2008 (annual) Sanam Ror 1 Pan 1 Ror Or |
| International Swan Boat Races |
13 - 14 Sep 2008 (annual) Chao Phraya River |
| Riverside Auctions |
6 Sep 2008; Sat only (monthly) River City Centre |
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