Wat Chetuphon or Wat Pho (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon is the real name) is the biggest and older temple of Bangkok. The Thai Wang Road separates it from the Grand Palace.

 

It was constructed in reign of king Petraja of Ayutthaya in 1688. Later, it was restored during 9 years by king Rama I, who enlarged it, when he transfered the capital from Thon Buri to the new localization. Also king Rama III made changings in the temple.

 

It holds a colossal statue of reclined Buddha with 46 meters long and 15 meters heigh. This statue was constructed in 1832 by king Rama III.

 

The Bot of the Wat contains one image of the Buddha in meditation.

 

Besides the countless edifications and chedis, exist here the Farang Guards guarding the doors of the Wat and imitating west figures with top hat.

 

There are also chinese statues similar to those existing in Wat Arun.

 

In one of the rooms there is a collection of golden Buddhas refered in the following image.

 

 

Wat Pho has developed an important function in education, at least since the reign of Rama III, who forced the paper of the temple to become the education accessible to all.

 

The Wat has also a Massage Institut, integrated in a center of traditional medicine.