Even if Wat Po wasn't Bangkok's oldest Buddhist monument, the temple's gigantic reclining statue of Buddha is often enough to entice most visitors during their trips to Thailand.
Built during the 16th century, the Reclining Buddha is made of brick, thickly-laid plaster, and gold leaf, making the 50-foot-high, 140-foot-long depiction of the well-known religious figure even more overpowering.
Buddha's relaxed posture outside Wat Po reflects the internal practices of the temple, which has long been a place of learning massage. Traditionally, Wat Po's resident monks were the main masseurs, yet the art of a Thai massage is practiced and taught by laymen and women in modern times. Visitors who can take on an extended stay may want to attend a class to learn some of the secrets of this therapeutic practice. However, guests can also benefit from indulging in a massage for themselves. Wat Po offers a number of massage and therapy treatments, all of which are sure to provide a level of rejuvenation.
While Wat Po's massage services offer peace of body, the temple's astrology and palm-reading sessions may be able to offer peace of mind. Those who receive an unwanted fortune may want to pick up a monk-created bracelet, which places a blessing on the individual to hopefully change their luck.
Recline with Buddha at Wat Po
Posted on Monday, April 23rd, 2012
