🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Wat Mahathat sits right in the middle of Ayutthaya's island town. It is an old temple built around the late 14th century, once an important site that enshrined Buddha relics and held a large central prang. Today it is mostly ruins left after the fall of the kingdom, but it is still a pleasant place to wander — the prang base, the rows of headless Buddha images, and the smaller stupas all around.
The Buddha Head in the Tree Roots — what everyone comes to see
The star of the temple is the sandstone Buddha head embedded in the roots of a bodhi tree beside the assembly hall. Only the head remains; the body is gone. It is thought the head fell to the base of the tree back when the kingdom fell, and the bodhi roots slowly grew up and wrapped around it, creating an unusual sight that eventually became a symbol of Ayutthaya.
The head sits almost at ground level, so people come down low beside it to take photos — which lines up neatly with the local custom of not standing higher than the Buddha's head.
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Opening hours and entry fee
- Opening hours — open daily, roughly 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ticket sales sometimes stop around 4:30 PM, so aim to arrive before late afternoon)
- Entry for Thai nationals — 10 THB
- Entry for foreign visitors — 50 THB
- 6-temple combo ticket — 220 THB flat, worth it if you plan to walk several temples in one day
- Students — usually free (bring your student card)
The best time to go
Go early before 10 AM, or in the late afternoon after 3 PM — the sun is gentler and it is quieter than midday. The Buddha head in the roots is easier to photograph when the crowd thins out, because there can be a bit of a queue at that spot on weekends.
Photo spots in the temple
Buddha head in the bodhi roots
The main photo spot. Crouch down so your head is lower than the Buddha's — you get a good shot and show respect at the same time. There's a queue on weekends, so be patient.
Base of the central prang
The large ruined prang in the middle of the temple. Shoot looking up to catch the old brick structure for atmosphere — best in soft morning or evening light.
Rows of headless Buddha images
Buddha images lined up around the gallery — a strong reflection of the site's history, and a spot most people walk past.
Viewing etiquette worth knowing
- Don't stand higher than the Buddha's head — when taking photos with the head in the roots, crouch or kneel so your own head is lower. It's a custom Thai people take seriously.
- Don't climb, sit on, or lean against the ruins — the old brick is fragile and it's a registered heritage site.
- Dress modestly — this is a religious historical area, so skip spaghetti straps or very short shorts.
- Don't be loud or fly a drone on a whim — drones need permission first.
- Take your trash with you — there aren't many bins inside, so a small bag in your pocket helps.
Getting there and where to go next
Wat Mahathat is on Chee Kun Road in the center of the island town. From Bangkok you can come by van, train, or your own car, about 1.5 hours. Once you reach Ayutthaya, renting a bicycle or motorbike is popular, since many of the important temples are close together and you can walk or cycle between them.
Wat Ratchaburana
Directly across from Wat Mahathat — just cross the road. It has a prang you can climb to see the mural paintings inside the crypt.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
The iconic row of three stupas of Ayutthaya, not far away and an easy cycle on from here.
Plan a full day of temples and places to stay in Ayutthaya
See the Ayutthaya travel guide →