Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit

Ayuthaya

Next to Wat Phra Si Sanphet, this sanctuary hall houses one of Thailand's largest bronze Buddha images, dating to the 15th century, most likely. Coated in gold, the 12.5m-high figure (17m with the base) was badly damaged by a lightning-induced fire around 1700, and again when the Burmese sacked the city. The Buddha and the building were repaired at various points in the 20th century and it's now one of Ayuthaya's must-sees.

In 1956, the Burmese Prime Minister donated 200,000B to restore the building, an act of belated atonement for his country's sacking of the city two centuries before.

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Nearby Ayuthaya attractions

1. Wat Phra Si Sanphet

0.08 MILES

At this captivating ruined temple, three wonderfully intact stupas form one of Ayuthaya's most iconic views. Built beginning in 1448, this was a private…

2. Old Royal Palace

0.21 MILES

The field north of Wat Phra Si Sanphet full of brick foundations, walls and little else was once the royal palace compound of the Ayuthaya kingdom. There…

3. Wat Phra Ram

0.24 MILES

Wat Phra Ram's tall main prang (Khmer-style spire) isn't in the best condition, but it's definitely worth a visit. The temple was constructed on the…

4. Wat Worachetharam

0.33 MILES

A weathered Buddha, about all that remains intact from the wí·hăhn (assembly hall), sits picturesquely in front of a bell-shaped stupa at this small…

5. Wat Lokayasutharam

0.35 MILES

This early-Ayuthaya temple ruin in the island's northwest features an impressive 42m-long reclining Buddha in front of a precariously leaning prang (Khmer…

6. Chao Sam Phraya National Museum

0.38 MILES

The most impressive treasure of Ayuthaya's premier museum is the haul of royal gold (jewellery, utensils, votive tablets, spittoons) unearthed from the…

7. Ayutthaya Tourist Center

0.39 MILES

A good first stop in Ayuthaya, the historical exhibitions in the former city hall contextualise the kingdom's history and culture from ancient times to…

8. Wat Thammikarat

0.41 MILES

The most prominent features of this ancient and presently active temple is not the large wí·hăhn lŏo·ang (royal assembly hall) but the modest stupa in…

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