Wat Mahathat, Ayutthaya

The most well-known temple in Ayutthaya is surrounded by numerous other breathtaking ruins and is situated in the middle of a historical park. Ayutthaya was formerly the center of government for Bangkok and the biggest city in the world by the year AD 1700.

Wat Mahathat may not be the biggest temple in Ayutthaya, but the main viharn (the living quarters) and impressive ubosot (the ordination hall) are still breathtaking. A temple complex is a spectacular group of temples that draws plenty of visitors, even though the central prang (tower-like spire) collapsed long ago and just the base remains. The stone head of a Buddha locked in the roots of a tree is one of the temple's main attractions.