Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

The appeal of this place lies in its vastness. While Wat Mahathat draws crowds and long queues for photos, this 14th-century complex in Ayutthaya Historical Park invites exploration at one's own pace – and that's precisely what transforms the atmosphere of the ruins. The central prang, a corn-cob-shaped Khmer-style tower, rises above the grounds, Buddha statues are incorporated into the outer walls, and a large pond surrounds part of the complex. Ancient trees provide shade, which is more important than one might think.

Visit the site right when it opens. The heat between March and May is unbearable, and there's hardly any shade between the chedis. Therefore, it's advisable to visit the stonework at 8:00 a.m. or in the last hour before closing, as it's at its best then. Take 40 minutes to admire the structures at your leisure, rather than just rushing from one temple to the next.

Some visitors have complained about litter on the grounds and chained elephants used for tourist rides nearby. If this bothers you—and it should—then don't spend any money there.