Monday, December 29 Part 3: Wat Pho (the Reclining Buddha)

Was Pho is a large complex of viharn (worship halls) and chedi (pagodas). Many of the viharn are not open to the public. The large crowds here are oppressive and tiring. This is the high tourist season, and it is always especially crowded before New Year’s Day. I fell into line with the crowds of tourists to see the reclining Buddha.

Wat Pho is guarded by these sentries, very different than those at Wat Arun and other temples. It appears that Wat Pho is guarded by the wise men.

Each time I have seen the reclining Buddha, the sheer size is astonishing. It is at least 25 meters long, and the head is at least 4 meters high.

The feet are over 3 meters high. This is a large reclining Buddha.

The bottom of the Reclining Buddha’s feet.

It is hot, humid, and as I said, the crowds are oppressive. I got a fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice, and started towards the boat.

The Thai people use the Buddhist year for almost everything in Thailand. The Buddhist year is based on the year the Buddha died, and is the international year plus 543. This year is 2557, and will change to 2558 in two days.

As is done in the U.S. some sidewalks and other things are stamped with the date. Note the year in this covering in the sidewalk. It was just made last year, 2556.

I continued the walk to the boat, and then the sky train back to the hotel. After a brief respite, I wandered down to the Siam Parragon mall just down the street, and I am enjoying the chicken tacos from the faux food truck in Bangkok.

Next: Last Day In Bangkok