Wat Pho Travelogue | The Golden Reclining Buddha in Serenity

After leaving the Grand Palace, I made my way to Wat Pho, located nearby. This temple is renowned for its massive golden Reclining Buddha and is one of Bangkok's oldest and most iconic temples. Upon entering, I was immediately enveloped by a profound sense of tranquility. Unlike the Grand Palace, which is dazzling and bustling, Wat Pho exudes a quiet and solemn atmosphere. The most awe-inspiring sight is the 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha in the main hall. The statue is entirely covered in gold leaf, with a serene and compassionate expression. Its feet are adorned with 108 auspicious patterns, symbolizing the sacredness of Buddha. Many visitors pause in front of the statue to take photos, pray, or simply reflect, creating a harmonious ambiance. Beside the hall, there is a row of bronze bowls where you can exchange 20 baht for coins to drop into each bowl as a gesture of blessing. The crisp sound of each coin falling feels like a wish being made. Beyond the Reclining Buddha, the temple houses numerous Buddha statues and ancient architectural structures. It is also regarded as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. I even experienced an authentic Thai massage at the temple's massage school, which was both professional and relaxing, relieving the fatigue from walking. While Wat Pho may not be as grand as the Grand Palace, its serenity and historical depth left a lasting impression on me. It is a place worth savoring, where one can slow down and find peace.