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 One of the most photographed
spots in Ayutthaya, Wat Mahathat
is comprised of a large stone Buddha

head set in a colossal and deep-
rooted tree. Exactly how the head

became locked in its present location
is unclear, however it is thought to
be linked to the immense flooding

and destruction of previous years,
and the rapid vegetation growth

which ensued afterwards. Legend
has it that, a few meters from this

spot, two brothers fought violently
over who would succeed as the King
of Siam. The victor, King Ramathibodi

I, subsequently built the palace and
all the Buddha statues here in honor

of his brother.

• The head in the tree is
believed to originate from

one of these statues, and
so is thought to be an

every replica of the
defeated brother.
Whether or not this story

is true, it makes a popular
and interesting anecdote

when visiting the
attraction, told often by
guides around the area.