A must on any travel itinerary, the UNESCO World Heritage town of Ayutthaya is just 86 km (53 miles) north of Bangkok. In recent years, the town has flourished on the back of increased domestic tourism and there a great choice of small resorts and homestays plus excellent restaurants. If you are a bit of a culture vulture and looking for a couple of nights escape from Bangkok, it’s hard to beat.  

After Sukhothai, the town is considered Thailand’s second most important historical site and is scattered with ancient temple ruins and imposing Buddha images.

While in town for Khao Phansa, I had the opportunity to revisit a handful of temples including one of my favourites, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol.

Built in 1357, it features an enormous chedi and many enigmatic Buddha images.

I arrived just before dusk to catch the warm evening light and to photograph the candlelit procession.