Visit Wat Mahathat Worawihan (Ratchaburi)

Wat Mahathat Worawihan is the most important historical site in the city of Ratchaburi. The temple is particularly interesting because its architecture reflects several successive historical and architectural periods: Dvaravati, Khmer influence, and Ayutthaya.

The complex was already a religious sanctuary during the Dvaravati period, between the 7th and 11th centuries. In the 13th century, under Khmer influence, a Khmer-style sanctuary was built on the site. Then, at the beginning of the Ayutthaya period, in the 15th–16th centuries, the large main prang and secondary prangs that we see today were constructed. The temple was officially registered as an ancient monument in 1935.

Main elements

• the large central prang
• the secondary prangs
• the laterite walls
• the cloister with its Buddhas
• ancient mural paintings associated with Ayutthaya art
• the Vihara Luang
• Buddhas from the Ayutthaya period

I've seen my share of temples in Thailand, but I really enjoyed walking around this one, both for its peaceful atmosphere and for its architecture and historical weight.