I just returned from a business trip to Bangkok, Thailand. I worked so much, that I barely had time to do any site seeing! But I did manage to visit Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It was pretty amazing. Wat Pho is famous for the huge reclining buddha that it houses. This unique buddha is 46m long and 15m high with beautifully inlaid mother of pearl soles. Wat Pho was built by King Rama I (reigned 1782-1809) nearly 200 years ago and houses a gigantic gold-plated Reclining Buddha.
Wat Pho is also a long established center of public education and is sometimes referred to as Thailand's First University. The temple is also the center for traditional medical practitioners in Thailand. Stone plaques and inscriptions describe treatments for various ailments and methods of massage and meditation. Snake handlers also have their businesses there. I didn't see any of the snake handlers!
I wish I could have seen more of Bangkok. It's an amazing city. I'll probably be back again someday, and I promise myself to take some vacation days next time!
I didn't take a picture of the Reclining Buddha because it felt disrespectful. But you can learn more about it here.
