Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Thailand

One of the best-preserved ancient royal monasteries, situated just before the eastern entrance to the inner city, the temple is famous for its large reclining Buddha and a 62-metre inverted bell-shaped chedi (pagoda) built to commemorate King Naresuan’s victory over the Burmese.

Set in vast landscaped grounds, the temple was constructed during King U-Thong’s reign (1350 – 1369) as a forest temple school. Surrounding the principal chedi are cloister walls lined with several Buddha images – a unique architectural feature of the Early Ayutthaya Period.