Wat Pho Temple

Wat Pho is one of Thailand's most important temples. Constructed in the 16th century and located in the historic Rattanakosin Island district, just over the road from the Grand Palace, the complex is home to the country's oldest center for public education, home to a school for Thai medicine and known as the birthplace of Thai massage.

More interestingly for visitors, Wat Pho houses both the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand and the largest Reclining Buddha statue in the country. At 150 feet (46 m) long, this gold-plated figure barely fits in the temple that shelters him!

The majestic Reclining Buddha is well worth a visit, and the grounds of the temple provide a lovely peaceful stroll too. There are over 100 intricately-carved chedis (also known as stupas) of varying sizes; a bot, or central shrine; and a number of viharas, pavilions, and gardens, as well as a small museum.

Wat Pho is still home to a Thai massage school, and if you're looking for a relaxing experience, you can be guaranteed these will be good-quality massages. The massage pavilions, or "sala", are open from 9 am until 4 pm, and prices are around 420 THB (US$ 12.10) for an hour.