Beautiful, breathtaking temple complex! This is a must see if you are in Ayutthaya. You can buy the ticket on the spot and just take a slow walk around the grounds. We went with a local Thai guide. The first thing he told us was not to take pictures of the Buddha standing, not to be higher than his head.. Be respectful

People could borrow umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun. It is necessary to carry a lot of water because the sun is strong. It was necessary to follow the dress code, not to have bare knees and bare shoulders.

It is known for its historical value and the iconic Buddha head embedded in the roots of the tree. The complex is large, in 45 minutes you can walk around it at a fast pace and take photos, for a comfortable walk and enjoy the complex I recommend a minimum of 2 hours. The site is full of ancient ruins that tell the story of the city's rich history. The atmosphere is tranquil, making it a perfect place for meditation. If you are interested in history, ruins and ancient sites, this is the place for you.

We saw many groups of people sitting on the lawn painting and drawing. I have seen on some travel blogs the recommendation to rent a bicycle to get around Ayutthaya between the different monuments.

A tip for photographers: stay until sunset and the golden hour... The bricks will have a glorious warm colour and shots of the setting sun between the magnificent ruins will have soul. The temples are beautifully illuminated by lanterns and other lights. You can also see them during the day, they are very pretty.

This is one of the most important temples in the Ayutthaya Historical Park, which was once the spiritual and administrative centre of the ancient capital. It is famous for its historical value and the iconic Buddha head embedded in the roots of a tree. Its history dates back to the 14th century and was the centre of religious life in the Ayutthaya kingdom. The remains of the temple include a large central stupa (prang) surrounded by the ruins of other buildings and Buddha statues. The architectural style is typical of the Ayutthaya period, with an influence of Khmer architecture. The missing Buddha heads are one of the most interesting mysteries at this historic site. There are several theories that try to explain this phenomenon, for example that the most likely cause is the devastating period when Ayutthaya was attacked and burned several times. The sacking by Burmese troops in 1767, which was one of the most significant and devastating attacks, was when the city was completely destroyed. During the invasion, many statues were destroyed or damaged and their heads were often chopped off. Soldiers and looters often chopped off the heads of statues as trophies or out of religious intolerance. The heads were valuable because they were believed to contain spiritual power. These heads were either taken as trophies or sold on the black market for antiquities.

Wat Mahathat is famous for holding some of the relics of the Buddha. This temple was one of the most important spiritual centres in the kingdom of Ayutthaya and was considered an important place to keep relics of the Buddha, adding to its religious significance.

Relics of the Buddha were often kept in stupas (prangs) or chedis in Thai temples, and Wat Mahathat was no exception. The main stupa of this temple was supposed to be the place where the relics were kept. This tradition adds to the spiritual and historical significance of the temple, making it an important site for Thai Buddhists and tourists seeking spiritual and cultural experiences.

Wat Mahathat is part of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park includes several important temples and monuments from the period when Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam (now Thailand), between 1350 and 1767. The UNESCO listing ensures the protection and preservation of this historic site, helping to safeguard its cultural and historical significance for future generations.