Home to one of Thailand’s largest seated bronze Buddhas (55.5-feet/17-meters with the base), this sanctuary was rebuilt in the 1950s with funding from the Burmese who destroyed the original a couple of centuries ago (can you say karmic atonement?). The area was originally designated for royal cremation ceremonies, and the viharn (assembly hall) was later constructed to house the Buddha image. It is the only newish building in the ancient city and is generally the first port of call for Thai visitors, who come to pay their respects to the huge Buddha image.