Bangkok to Ayutthaya and Wat Muang: Private day trip

Taking nearly 20 years to complete, Wat Muang, otherwise known as the Great Buddha of Thailand, stands an amazing 300 feet high, making it not only the tallest statue in Thailand, but the seventh-tallest in the world. The complex surrounding the giant glistening golden Buddha is both beautiful and informative, with the onsite museum exhibiting sacred objects, antiques and figures, as well as the first and largest silver holy Buddha image in Thailand. Elsewhere within the temple compound are vibrant depictions of heaven and hell, and Thai and Chinese paradises. There is also a series of statues narrating the gruesome history of the Thai-Burmese battle in Wiset Chai Chan.

Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom, which flourished until it was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century. Before its fall, Ayutthaya was one of the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities. Today, it’s a 289 hectare archaeological site recognized by UNESCO. At the 15th century Wat Ratburana, you’ll find a Khmer-style prang, and stairs leading down to a secret crypt with unrestored images of Buddha on the walls. At Wat Mahathat, the next temple over, you’ll find the iconic Buddha head stuck in the roots of a Banyan Tree - one of the most famous Thai images. The largest temple at Ayutthaya is Wat Phra Si Sanphet, otherwise known as ‘the Grand Palace’, which is best known for its three large chedis. Wat Lokaya Satha is another favourite for its 42-meter-long reclining Buddha Statue. Wat Chai Wattenaran, on the other hand, goes for quantity, with 120 Buddha statues throughout the grounds.