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

The chedi is the main reason to visit. It dominates the surrounding area and is visible from afar, even before reaching the gate. According to tradition, King Naresuan had it built to its current height after his victory over the Burmese crown prince in an elephant combat in 1592. It is therefore known as the Victory Chedi, although the royal chronicles do not record who built it. The temple itself is older; it was founded in 1357 by King U-Thong for monks ordained in Sri Lanka and is still an active monastery with resident monks.

Set aside an hour. Walk the entire circuit past the seated Buddha statues, draped in saffron-colored cloths, that surround the base of the chedi. Then, take the steep stairs on the east side up to the terrace, from which a passage leads into the reliquary chamber. The reclining Buddha in its own hall near the entrance is another highlight: pale, elongated, and usually covered in gold leaf left by worshippers. Buy a square piece and add another if you like.

Foreign visitors pay 20 baht; Thais enter free. This is a separate ticket and is not included in the combined ticket for the island's ruins. The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If possible, a morning visit is recommended to avoid the heat and the tourist buses from Bangkok.

The temple is located southeast of the old city island, across the river, about a 15-20 minute tuk-tuk ride from the center. It can easily be combined with a visit to the giant seated Buddha at Wat Phanan Choeng, which is also located southeast of the island. Protect your shoulders and knees and dress appropriately for walking in the sun.