Founded in the 17th century, Wat Pho in Rattanakosin is Bangkok's oldest and largest temple. It houses the impressive Reclining Buddha, which is 46 metres long and 15 metres high. The temple is also renowned for its teaching of traditional herbal medicine and massage.
The compound houses a complex network of courtyards, surrounded by a wall adorned with monumental gates. The chapel and the statue were built by King Rama III in 1832. 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.
Wat Pho is Thailand's centre of learning and preservation of Thai traditional medicine and massage. 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. Visit the open-air massage parlour for a Thai body massage or foot massage - a useful antidote to Bangkok stress!