Chedi Phra Sri Suriyothai, Ayutthaya

A stunning religious site, Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit is whre you can find one of the most detailed bronze Buddha statues in the world. Here, the Buddha image has lap measurement of 9.55 meters. The statue stands at a height of 12.45 meters and features exceptional level of detail. Highlights: The highlight of this temple is the Buddha statue, which is one of the largest in the country. It is believed that the beautiful statue was built during the Ayutthaya Era of King Srongtam. But, a thunderbolt had caused some damage to the main dome of this temple, which has been restored over the years. Now, the interesting part of this temple is that the roof of the dome is a part of the cathedral, which makes it similar to a Church. Over the years, it was restored again to the Ayutthaya architectural style.Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District.

Located a few kilometers from the Ayutthaya island is the Wat Yai Chai Mongkol Temple, which will transport you to a bygone era. The place is a Buddhist temple, built extensively by King U-Thong. The king had constructed this temple to accommodate monks. The monastery here was named as Wat Pakaew. Highlights: The temple is popular for its later constructions as well, including Chedi or Pagoda that was built by the King Naresuan, the great. The large Chedi in the monastery was built for the purpose of unique architecture and later on, it was come to be known as Wat Yai Chiamongkhon. The Buddha image restored here is considered to belong to the 2508 BE, according to the publication of Wat. Here, there’s a Buddhist temple and the top has been designed extensively. The satellite stupas have structural formation and the place also has a hall meant for important religious ceremonies.Location: 3477 Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District

Built during the Late Ayutthaya period, Wat Suwan Dararam is another place of worship It was built by father of King Rama I when he ascended to the throne. The temple is considered a Golden Star in the island. But over a period of time, this temple underwent massive destruction. In fact, after the Burmese invasion of 1767, the temple was particularly in ruins. Highlights: The temple has gone under complete restoration and today, its main highlight is the Buddha image, which is a large stone copy of the Emerald Buddha that is found in Bangkok. The place has stunning roof columns, which have been extensively carved. It also features bot dips in the center, which was once a building tradition of that time. The temple is in service every day and is a serene place of worship.Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District

Considered the temple of royal restoration, Wat Ratchaburana in Ayutthaya is well known for its restored ruin which once had a beautiful monastery. It is located on the city island and is a reflective of a bygone era. The temple was originally founded in 1424 by King Borommarachathirat II of the Ayutthya Kingdom. The temple is supposed to be built on the cremation site of the king’s two elder brothers. The temple has main prang, which is one of the finest in the city. Highlights:The temple is known for its prang, which is basically a spire, tall like a tower. It is richly carved and derives architectural elements from Hindu and Buddhist architecture. The prang has now gone intense restoration. But still, one can see the original stucco work and the mythical creatures on the prang. It also has four Srik Lankan Stupas with a crypt that’s accessible by steep stairs.Location:Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya’s most ancient temple, Wat Phra Si Sanphet is a grand, beautiful structure that should be explored once in a lifetime. The stunning temple was built in 1350 by King Ramathibodi I and has a beautiful architecture. Although the original temple was destroyed by Burmese in 1767, the structure and its legacy still remains. The temple, during its period of complete existence was the temple of the royal family. No moks lived at the place. Highlights: The impressive structure of the place has additional facilities that are on the raised platform. These platforms are called the three Chedis and has been restored. The design is in Ceylonese style, which is a reminiscent of a bell. Overall, the terrace is surrounded by a cloister. It has symmetrically designed four halls which were once used for meeting purposes. Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District

A stunning place of worship, Wat Na Phra Men is an active monastery in Northern area of Ayutthaya. The temple was originally built in the 13thcentury and it has been renovated over the years, most extensively in the 1990 to ensure that it is still functional. The temple is just opposite Grand Palace on the island. Originally constructed during the reign of King Ramathibodi II, the place is known for its stunning architecture. Highlights: The still functional place has ordination halls for conducting different ceremonies. It is extensively designed to reflect Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles. It is here that one can find crowned Buddha, the structure of which is 6 meters high. It is covered in cast of metal and gold life as well. The royal dress is completed with a crown. It is one of the most popular Buddha images that were used in the Late Ayutthaya Period.Location:Thailand