Buddhas, strutting cockerels & a beautiful shade of orange...

Wat Pho...a peaceful place. Being there felt like an intrusion, like I needed to step softly and try to be invisible. The temple grounds are quite big and it's not easy to work out what's what as there was no signage that I could see. Monks were busying themselves sweeping leaves and there were a lot, I mean a lot, of very handsome cockerels strutting about like they, well, ruled the roost. 

The temple is in Baan Tai - en route there you'll drive past the 2 tallest trees on the island, called twin coconut trees but I'll never know why because they look nothing like palm trees...

The temple, one of about 20 Buddhist temples and shrines on Koh Phangan, is famous for the traditional herbal steam sauna (operates 15h-18h). Lateral Paul was intrigued as the monks heat lemongrass (his fave), other herbs and Asian remedies, said to have all sorts of benefits to the skin and body. We never tried it but the reports are good so perhaps we'll go back. The steaming happens outside the temple grounds by the way, so look for the signs or ask a local for more info.

NB to dress discreetly when visiting...if you're in shorts, wrap a sarong around your waist and wear a T-shirt to keep your shoulders covered. Ladies, don't approach the monks, it's just not PC. For more info, www.kohphanganthailand.com *

Beautiful temple detail...

Gathering leaves...

Such a friendly, happy. Temple dog...

The fabric on the biggest statue at tis temple...

As with other temples, uplifting sayings (some are in English) are nailed to the many trees ...

Cockerels everywhere & with their own tree ladder...

Enjoy your visit & don't forget to make a donation...there'll be a box somewhere for you slip a few Baht into...