First day in Bangkok I decided to check out a few places – Plan was to go to Wat Pho and then the golden palace and the emerald buddha temple. However, Wat Pho was just such a huge labyrinth I ended up spending more than a few hours in there and just really took the time to explore. After all one of the benefits of travelling solo is being able to change plans on the fly. Anyway I digress – this post is my journey to Wat Pho and the beauty I saw there.
So first up – how to get there from Surasak BTS??? Take the skytrain one stop down to Saphan Taksin. (I just walked it there – it is only about ten mins away) and go down exit 2. This will take you to central/sathorn pier. There is a one day ferry pass available for 150 baht but luckily for me I was informed of just getting one pass rides at 15 baht. Beware of all the shops selling the passes for 150 baht. It’s really not worth it unless you are doing more than 10 ferry rides in the day.
Anyway you can get the one ride passes on the boat itself or as you are about to enter the ferry. The boats are quite stable and are really easy to catch. The pier you need to get off at is N8 (Tien Pier) and you walk straight past the various food sellers, cross the road and voila Wat Pho! Entrance free is 100 baht and this includes a small bottle of water which you can get inside.
The Reclining Buddha is the largest Buddha in Thailand so its well worth your time to have a look at it. It’s housed in an elaborate building where the walls are covered with murals. Various stories and myths are portrayed on these detailed paintings. I couldn’t really get the best photos …
As you exit you will see a feature waterfall and if you turn to your right there is a a mediocre door. This unassuming door leads to a small garden which houses an enormous Bodhi tree thought to have originated from the tree at which Buddha himself had sat under when achieving enlightenment. There is a small shelter within the park which has its own unique architecture.
The reclining Buddha is the first building you will encounter though this place holds a large collection of Buddha Images.Yes there are more than this one! I had no idea – so I was up for a huge surprise as I wandered around. It is also possible to get Traditional Thai massage here. Highly recommended to treat yourself after walking around!!!
p.s sorry about all the random placing of photos and words. This thing is driving me crazy.
Adventurous Panda 0_O 