A Historic Temple of Education and Tradition

Once a centre for public education during the reign of King Rama III, Wat Pho (or Wat Chetuphon) harbours a fascinating collection of murals, inscriptions and sculptures that delve into various subjects, from warfare to literature, astronomy to archaeology. Apart from the main pavilion, the vast temple complex contains a landscaped garden with stone sculptures, stupas adorned with glazed porcelain, a souvenir shop and the College of Traditional Medicine. Tourists must be in polite dress, no shorts, although trousers are permitted. It is polite for people in general and Buddhists alike to pay respect to the temple because it is a sacred place where religious rites and activities are performed. Once entering the precincts of any temple, please keep calm and be polite. Take your shoes off and put them on the shelf before entering every religious building. Women are also prohibited from all areas set aside for monks to perform their rites.