A Large Pagoda

This very large pagoda, located on the grounds of Waht Po, is seen from the Chao Praya River, the main river of Bangkok. Pagodas are burial sites, often for kings.

I don't know whose pagoda this is. Also, I don't know if the scaffolding surrounding the pagoda indicates that it is being built or is being refurbished.

There are many smaller pagodas at Waht Po. However, the "small" ones are often two stories high.

Marco Polo

Marco Polo was the historic Venetian traveler who, during a journey of 26 years, lived in Cathay (China) for twenty years.

Marco, his father Nicolo, and his uncle, Maffeo, had left their home when Marco was a boy of 17. They returned when Marco was middle-aged, about the year 1295. During the intervening years they lived a remarkable adventure. They met Kublai Khan. They found wealth. Marco rose to become the governor of Hangchow.

The story of Marco Polo must have been legendary since he is depicted in this Thai statue even though he never traveled to the land that is now Thailand. This statue stands on the grounds of Waht Po near a gate.

Small Pagodas

In contrast to the very large pagoda at the top of this page, these are quite small. A sense of scale can be judged based upon the presence of the head and shoulders of my friend, Curt Smith, in the lower right corner.

There are many, many pagodas on the grounds of Waht Po. The ones seen here are among the smallest.

Golden Buddhas

There are maybe 50 of these Buddhas in this location, some of which are not seen in this view. Each was contributed by a benefactor, typically a government official such as the police chief.

The Reclining Buddha

This huge statue is housed in its own building. In fact, the building was constructed around it. The scale of the statue can be judged by comparing it with the doorway near the statue's elbow.

The statue is covered with gold leaf. The white areas on the leg closest to the base on which the statue lies are devoid of gold leaf and in need of repair.