Ayutthaya landmark copied? Cambodia’s ‘Buddha Head in Tree Roots’ sparks debate

2026-03-10 - 08:53

AYUTTHAYA — Images circulating on social media showing a temple site in Cambodia that appears to replicate the famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat have sparked widespread discussion online. Cambodian visitors pay respect to a Buddha head entwined in tree roots at a temple site. On 10 March, several popular social media pages shared photos of a structure resembling the iconic Buddha head within tree roots — a landmark attraction at Ayutthaya Historical Park. Many users questioned whether the structure had been newly constructed, noting that the cement base and tree roots in the images appeared not fully dried. Some comments suggested it may have been created to imitate the famous “Unseen Thailand” landmark. A Buddha head entwined in tree roots at a temple site in Cambodia that has drawn attention on social media. Reporters visiting Wat Mahathat found that the historic site continues to attract large numbers of visitors, particularly to the bodhi tree where a Buddha head is entwined within the roots — one of the most photographed highlights for both Thai and foreign tourists. Visitors often stop to admire the site and take photos, while tour guides provide historical background and advise tourists on proper etiquette and appropriate photo angles to show respect for the Buddha head embedded in the roots. Wichian Charoensuk, a security officer at Wat Mahathat and a native of Ayutthaya, said the temple ruins are about 500 years old. The Buddha head within the tree roots is believed to have been there for more than 50 years. He explained that during a major restoration of the ruins, fragments of damaged Buddha statues were gathered and arranged. One of the heads was placed near the base of a bodhi tree, whose growing roots eventually wrapped around it. As photos of the site spread online over the years, the unique combination of nature and ancient art gained admiration from visitors and became a key landmark of Ayutthaya tourism. The iconic Buddha head within tree roots at Wat Mahathat, one of Ayutthaya’s most photographed landmarks. Natchathapong Thiapkaew, a tour guide bringing visitors to the temple, said attempts to replicate the landmark elsewhere are unlikely to affect tourism in Ayutthaya. “Tourists consider many factors when choosing a destination, such as history, safety and how visitors are welcomed,” he said. He added that the Buddha head in the tree roots at Wat Mahathat holds value not only in the sculpture itself but also in the tree and the surrounding ancient ruins. “It was not created overnight. Its history and story make it unique, which would be difficult to replicate,” he said.