A look at Wat Pho from the street
Wat Pho is number 1 on the list of temples to visit
Bangkok is home to over 400 Buddhist temples. Wat Pho is perhaps the biggest, most beautiful, and most important from a historical perspective. With over 400 temples to choose from, this temple should be the first temple complex on your list to visit to Thailand. Wat Pho is close to Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, so for a great adventure, include all three and a boat trip in the Chao Phraya River in one day.
I took so many pictures here that I had to divide into two photo essays. In my first, I concentrated on the Buddhist images. There are over a 1,000 to choose from. The Reclining Buddha is the largest and most outstanding.
Another shot from outside on the street
My second photo essay is concentrating on everything else. The beautiful spires, the temples as seen from the outside, and other likenesses not Buddha make up the rest.
As soon as you enter, your eyes are greeted with sights like these
As soon as you enter this enormous temple complex, your eyes are assaulted with overload. Each spire, each temple, each Buddha is brilliantly done in bright gold, ornate architecture latticed with marble and gold figurines, and obelisk and spires protruding right in your face. The mental stimuli is very similar to being in a U.S. national park like the Grand Canyon, Big Bend, or Zion and looking at an incredible scenic overlook.
I made a list of tips in my Buddhist images photo essay for visiting. Be sure to check that out.
A spire reaching to the sky
Two figurines guard an entrance way
Not sure exactly what this is, but it is cool looking
Wat Pho Bangkok Thailand
Whenever you look at something closer here, it becomes even more amazing
Another spire
And more
And a few more with a temple in the background
Just to mix it up, a photo of a dragon at the end of staircase
Obelisk in the courtyard
Guardian of the temple complex
Another gate guarded by mythical figures
The front of a temple
Wat Pho Bangkok Thailand
Another courtyard obelisk
Adventure on!
TT
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I really love your photos here! The spires are unbelievably beautiful, the architecture is to die for – thanks for sharing.
JP recently posted..Admiring the Views from the Foothills Parkway – Cosby, Tennessee
Thanks JP,
Wat Pho is definitely worth a visit or two. This is one place I had to return to.
What a spectacular photo essay Ted! The buildings are exquisite! I can’t get over the elaborate ornamentation, the details on every facade. It’s remarkable!
I have never visited Thailand before but I sure hope to one day, especially now that you brought it life in your article! Wonderful!!
Jeff Titelius recently posted..ArtOdysseys: The Art of Norway and Nikolai Astrup
Just like Europe is full of amazing old churches, Thailand has incredible Wats. Wat Pho is one of the best as you can see. Thanks!
Nicely done, Ted. I always hear so many horrible things about Bangkok, but seeing these pictures really shows the side of the city that seems to get lost among all of its chaos and sordid affairs. These photos are just what every traveller needs to see before deciding to skip Bangkok!
Ryan O’Rourke recently posted..11 Travel Planning Mistakes You Don’t Know You’re Making
Thanks,
I enjoy Bangkok. I love the food and the craziness and the amazing wats. It is not a place I would want to stay too long if I only had a short time in Thailand, but I do like staying here.
Wat Pho sure is a stunner! In general, Bangkok has so much to offer from astonishing temples, shopping malls and street food. I never seem to get tired of this bustling city.
Miriam Jasmin Risager recently posted..Top 5 Temples in Bali
A lot of people do not like Bangkok, but I enjoy it. I love just walking around and eating delicious street food.
As a huge fan of the city, I honestly don’t get that! Like you, I also just love walking around and indulging in the delicious Thai food. It’s so diverse, that’s what makes it great.
Miriam Jasmin Risager recently posted..Bali scams – and how to avoid them
I think some people discount Bangkok because they do not think it is the “real” Thailand. Sure it is important to see other places in this amazing country, but there is so much to see and do here that it is definitely worth spending time here too.
Going all the way to Bangkok is worth it if only just to visit Wat Pho. The statue of the reclining Buddha is just breath taking. The overall operation is run very professionally, and your entrance even includes a water bottle (very welcomed during the summer). Dress appropriatelly when visiting (longer skirts, pants, no tank tops). Do not miss the little metal containers where you can toss coins and make wishes, located right behind the statue. The grounds and other sides of the temple are also worth visiting.
Thanks for the tips.