This 14th-century temple is best known for its Buddha head encased in the roots of a fig tree. It also features a prang and chedis, as well as two seated Buddha statues, one of which is surrounded by an avenue of smaller, but poorly preserved, statues.

Opening hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Price: 80 THB

Wat Mahathat is easily accessible by rented bicycle. There are numerous bicycle rental shops in downtown Ayutthaya, and your accommodation may also provide bicycles free of charge. Alternatively, you can hire a tuk-tuk, either just for the temple or for a city tour. The price is approximately 200 THB per hour. Depending on the location of your hotel in Ayutthaya, the temple may also be within walking distance. Another option is to rent a scooter from your accommodation or in the city.

Wat Mahathat is a temple, and when visiting a temple in Thailand there are some rules to follow: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), take off your shoes when entering the building, be quiet, do not hug or kiss, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, do not smoke.

How to get there

How do you get to Wat Mahathat? You can reach Wat Mahathat by renting a bicycle from one of the many rental shops in downtown Ayutthaya or at your accommodation (sometimes bicycles are provided free of charge). Alternatively, you can hire a tuk-tuk, either just to go to the temple or for a city tour, for around 200 THB per hour. Depending on the location of your hotel in Ayutthaya, the temple may also be within easy walking distance. Another option is to rent a scooter at your accommodation or in the city.