Wat Pho

Having spent 150 baht each for an all day ferry ticket, we though we'd do a bit of hop on / hop off travelling.  Mr John is none too keen on crowds and seemed reluctant to start the hop off. Having reached the end of the route and heading back to our starting point, both guys being slightly indecisive, I asked if we could get off at Tha Tien Pier (N8) for the flower market.  I thought it would be pretty, good photo opportunities and there was bound to be food vendors.

So I was indulged and we were allowed to get off the ferry.  Leon spotted the souvenir sellers and decided he should get some of his shopping out of the way - we pointed out that Chan is really a tourist destination and if he wanted anything, now was probably his time to get it.

And we're following the little tourist booklet you get with your ticket for the instructions to the flower market.  On the way, we pass a temple and Mr John asks whether Leon would like to see one.  Up for most things, he decided it would be a good idea.  We were then rather pleased to find that entry was only 100 baht (and includes a free, small, bottle of water) and I was beside myself when I found out we were actually at Wat Pho - home of the 150 foot (46 metres) reclining Buddha.  It was something I'd always wanted to see and couldn't believe we'd found it by accident. 

As you can see, it is too big to fit in one photo (I didn't have a panoramic facility) with it being about 45 foot (15 metres) high.  It is covered in gold leaf and the feet are inlaid with mother of pearl.  It's the most beautiful statue and the building it is housed in is incredibly ornate as well.  You are given a bag to put your shoes in and if you're inappropriately dressed (too much leg or arms showing) there are robes you are given to cover up.

The grounds are roughly 19 acres (or 8 hectares) and although busy, we didn't feel that it was impossibly crowded - even Mr John enjoyed himself and he's not a fan of crowds. We spent quite a while wandering around the grounds before heading back to the pier and enjoying a really good pad Thai and some souvenir shopping.  The ferry is a great way to get around and we would definitely do the trip again.