The Temple of the Reclining Buddha

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, also known as Wat Pho, is a first-class royal monastery and one of Thailand's most stunning historical attractions. The iconic Wat Pho, located on Rattanakosin Island south of the Grand Palace, is home to over 1000 Buddha statues, including one of the largest single pictures at 46 meters in length.

Wat Pho was also home to a French Star Fort, which King Phetracha dismantled during the Siege of Bangkok in 1688. Following the Burmese conquest of Ayutthaya in 1767, the capital was shifted to Thomburi, where King Taskin placed his palace across the river from Wat Pho, increasing the monastery's stature.

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha as we know it today has undergone two further restorations since then: one during King Rama III's reign and another in 1982. The Reclining Buddha, with its gold-plated body reaching 46 meters long and 15 meters high, is the greatest depiction of Buddha in Thailand.

It's also the birthplace of Thai massage, which visitors can partake in at the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Wat Pho is a 20-acre temple with a view of the current monastery, in addition to the Reclining Buddha and Thai massage.

Location: Bangkok