Wat Po is one of the largest, oldest and most visited complexes in Bangkok. It sits adjacent to the Grand Palace and across the Chao Phraya River from Wat Arun. There has been a temple on the site since at least the 1500’s. Surrounded by guardians, the grounds host hundreds of Buddha images.
Wat Po was renovated in late 1700’s after wars pushed migration from the north. It became a center of Thai medicine and massage.
One building houses the famous reclining Buddha – over 140 feet long and covered in gold leaf. The bottoms of the Buddha’s feet are inlaid with 108 mother of pearl scenes. An equal number of bronze bowls along one wall accept offerings.