Wat Pho

What is it: Bangkok's oldest and largest temple complex. Wat Pho predates the city itself – it was already here when King Rama I established Bangkok as the capital in 1782. The centrepiece is the Reclining Buddha: a 46-metre-long gold-plated Reclining Buddha, recognised as one of Bangkok's most ancient temples and officially classified as a first-class royal temple. The statue depicts the moment of the Buddha's passing into Nirvana. Around the statue is a corridor holding 108 bronze bowls, each representing one of the 108 auspicious characteristics of the Buddha – and it is believed that donating coins into these bowls brings wealth and prosperity. 

What to wish for: Wealth, wellbeing and liberation from what's been weighing on you. The act of dropping a coin in each of the 108 bowls is a full-body practice in presence – it's impossible to rush and still count. At Songkran, devotees visit Wat Pho to make merit and participate in traditional ceremonies during April's water festival. The temple also houses the national school of traditional Thai massage, so after your spiritual intentions are set, a 30-minute foot massage on the premises is arguably the most grounded way to close the loop on new-year good intentions.

Time Out tip: Come via MRT Sanam Chai – it deposits you almost directly at the south gate. The northeast entrance on Chetuphon Road typically has shorter queues. 

B300. 2 Sanamchai Rd, Phra Nakhon. MRT Sanam Chai (5-minute walk). Daily, 8am-6.30pm.