Cover picture: Wat Mahathat (Ayutthaya)
Temple sign and entrance (50 baht p.p.)
The complex is surrounded by old stone walls
Visitors can enter the ruins freely
An antique Buddha statue is centrally located at the entrance
A special natural spectacle: the famous Buddha head of Ayutthaya, deeply entwined in the roots of a Bodhi tree (poplar fig)
It almost looks as if the tree deliberately wanted to expose only the head of the statue - a truly unique motif that attracts many tourists every day!
The ruins are just as unique and exude a mystical tranquillity
The ancient remains are surrounded by trees and lots of greenery
A walk through the ruins is worthwhile and will take you back to an ancient age
The broken paths are a little depressing, but fascinating at the same time
People once lived and celebrated here that we can hardly imagine
The ancient architecture dates back to the Khmer Empire (9th to 15th century) and can be admired in a similar way at the famous Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia
The stepped architectural style forms a mostly roundish prang (spire) towards the top
The entire temple complex is huge, so you should allow plenty of time
We couldn't stop taking photos of this impressive place!
At sunset, Wat Mahathat shines again in a completely different light
The warmth of the sun settles gently over the ancient ruins every day ...
... and creates an almost romantic atmosphere!
In the evening, lanterns light up the large trees at Wat Mahathat
A wonderful walk and day comes to an end~
We can only warmly recommend this place to you!
Costs
50 THB p.p.
(≈ EUR 1.32)
Opening hours
Daily 08:30 - 18:30
Wat Mahathat (Ayutthaya)
Wat Mahathat is the landmark of the ruined city of Ayutthaya, which was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Siam until 1767. Today, the Ayutthaya Historical Park with more than 40 temples - once there were over 400 temples - is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every day.
In the city center is the Wat Mahathatone of the oldest and most important temples in the history of the city. The approximately 50 meter high Prang (= ancient temple spire, built in Khmer style) in the center of the complex and other small Prangs and Chedis (= gilded temple spires in an inverted bell shape) were probably built by King Boromaraja I between 1370-1388. Numerous ceremonies were held in the once royal temple site and sacred relics of Buddha were housed there.
A special natural highlight is the famous Buddha head - a remnant of an old sandstone statue - embedded in the roots of a Bodhi tree (= poplar fig). This unique picture is one of the most photographed motifs in Thailand!
Tip:: From Bangkok you can easily take a Day trip to Ayutthayaª and visit the top sights and the most important temples.
Places of interest in the vicinity
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet
- Wat Lokaya Sutharam
- Wat Kudi Dao
Map
More Ayutthaya highlights
