This panorama shows the view over the surrounding countryside from part way up the Phu Khao Thong chedi near to Ayutthaya. The picture was taken late in the afternoon and the setting sun is sinking behind the chedi.

View from Phu Khao Thong Chedi - Ayutthaya visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'View from Phu Khao Thong Chedi' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Central Thailand.

This chedi at Wat Phu Khao Thong (Golden Mount) was built in the 18th century by King Borommakot. It stands over 80m tall among paddy fields and is adorned with a golden ball on the top, installed to commemorate the foundation of Buddhism.

The chedi is the second on the site. It is built on the foundations of an earlier Burmese chedi which was erected by the Burmese after they conquered Ayutthaya in the 16th century. A short time later the Burmese were forced out by King Naresuan. Buddhism prohibits the destruction of religious sites so the emblem of Burmese victory remained. There was, however, no requirement to maintain a structure, and eventually the Burmese chedi collapsed through neglect allowing King Borommakot to erect a new one in Thai style. Ironically, the Thais had little time to enjoy it as the Burmese invaded Thailand again shortly after, destroying Ayutthaya and forcing the Thais to establish a new capital at Bangkok.

Road: Wat Phu Khao Thong is about 2km northwest of Ayutthaya, off the 310 road.