Wat Chai Wattanaram, Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Thailand

Set across the river, facing the inner city, this royal temple boasts one of the most elaborate interpretations of the Mount Meru concept in ancient Khmer architecture, which influenced heavily the architectural style of the Late Ayutthaya Period (1629 – 1767).

The principal prang, modeled after the Ancient Khmer prangs, symbolises the centre of the universe, while the surrounding chedis depict the four continents and the outer universe. Each corner chedi houses two huge Buddha images set inside a wooden frame. The surrounding galleries contain eight smaller chedis and feature ornate relief patterns. The four sets of stairs that lead up the principal prang are very steep, so do exercise caution at all times.