#watpho

A row of standing golden buddhas with hand raised at Wat Pho. This gesture symbolizes shield (Abhaya mudra). It represents strength, security, and fearlessness. I think they are saying "Sawadee kap! Welcome and fear not any virus. Hang in there and stay positive. Better days are coming!" สวัสดีครับ🙏🏻

With exotic islands, lush jungles, and chaotic city streets, Thailand is a magnificent country that caters to all types of adventures. However, one of the most significant reasons to visit Thailand is to visit one of the many Buddhist temples scattered throughout the nation. The temples in Bangkok are some of the best in the nation. Thailand's temples, known as wats, are literally everywhere in the country. There are over 400 temples in Bangkok alone. With different architectural styles and unique characteristics, each temple is worth checking out.

The Naga Buddha. The 7 headed snake Buddha at Wat Pho

Click on links below to read more:

Wat Arun 

Wat Pho 

The Royal Grand Palace 

Baiyoke Sky Hotel Bangkok 

Wat Pho

“The temple is first on the list of six temples in Thailand classed as the highest grade of the first-class royal temples. It is associated with King Rama I who rebuilt the temple complex on an earlier temple site. It became his main temple and is where some of his ashes are enshrined. The temple was later expanded and extensively renovated by Rama III. The temple complex houses the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, including a 46 m long reclining Buddha.

 The temple is considered the earliest centre for public education in Thailand, and the marble illustrations and inscriptions placed in the temple for public instructions has been recognised by UNESCO in its Memory of the World Programme. It houses a school of Thai medicine, and is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage which is still taught and practiced at the temple.”

The architecture of Wat Pho is breathtaking and the detail and extent of the ornamentation on the buildings is just incredible. It is also way less crowded than Wat Phra Kaew & the Grand Palace, and to top it all off, there are a lot of friendly cats on the temple grounds :-)

Source: Lonely Planet guide to Thailand.