Exploring 10 Famous Temples in Ayutthaya – Blend history and art
Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a window into Thailand’s glorious past. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, the city is famous for its stunning temples that blend history, art, and spirituality. Each temple showcases unique architecture. Exploring the temples of Ayutthaya is like stepping back in time. Let’s journey through the 10 most famous temples in Ayutthaya and uncover their fascinating charm.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Wat Phra Si Sanphet, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the former royal temple of the ancient Ayutthaya Palace. it is one of Ayutthaya’s most famous attractions. The highlight of the temple is the three towering Sri Lankan-style stupas, standing majestically in a row. These impressive structures make Wat Phra Si Sanphet one of Thailand’s most significant and charming historical sites.
Address : Pratuchai Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District
Opening Hours : Daily, 8 AM – 6.30PM
Entrance Fee : Foreigner tourists 30 THB
Google maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/rkx2keYBHZVGw2XG9
Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat is near Wat Phra Sri Sanphet. This temple has a Buddha head in a tree, over a hundred years old, resting in the roots of a tree. The head is made of sandstone, with the body of the statue missing, and the head is an example of Ayutthaya art. It lies within the roots of a banyan tree beside the vihara, creating a unique and beautiful sight. This unusual and stunning scene has made the temple famous.
Address : Tha Wasukri Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District
Opening Hours : Daily, 8 AM – 6.30 PM
Entrance Fee : Foreigner tourists 50 THB
Google maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/vC27tLtaZ5Yaik7Q6
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is another old temple from the late Ayutthaya period. It’s different from other temples because some of its design is inspired by Khmer art, like Angkor Wat. It has a main prang (tower) and corner prangs all on the same base, surrounded by four smaller prangs. It’s a really precious, ancient place that you should visit in Ayutthaya.
Address : 31/1, Ban Pom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District
Opening Hours : Daily, 8 AM – 06.30PM
Entrance Fee : Foreigner tourists 50 THB
Google maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/ME1TSjKSXbhNeLAT7
Wat Ratchaburana
Wat Ratchaburana is an old temple located north of Wat Mahathat. Inside, there’s a main prang (tower) surrounded by a walkway. There’s also a viharn (prayer hall) to the east and an ubosot (ordination hall) to the west, all in a line. Wat Ratchaburana is famous because a lot of gold treasures were found inside the main prang. You can also go down and see old Ayutthaya period murals (wall paintings) there.
Address : Chikun Soi, Tha Wasukri Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District
Opening Hours : Daily, 8 AM – 06.30PM
Entrance Fee : Foreigner tourists 50 THB
Google maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/bUui7XFXRsnLPNgC8
Wat Phanan Choeng
Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan has a very big, golden Buddha statue inside called “Luang Pho To”. It’s from the late U Thong period and people have been worshipping it for a very long time. This ancient Buddha statue has been with Ayutthaya since the very beginning of the city.
Address : Khlong Suan Phlu Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District
Opening Hours : Daily, 8 AM – 5 PM
Entrance Fee : Foreigner tourists 20 THB
Google maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/fVSanYWQsyw24ocEA
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Wat Yai Chaimongkol is a very important temple in Ayutthaya’s history. It has amazing buildings and the tallest chedi in Ayutthaya . At the back of the temple, there’s a shrine to King Naresuan the Great, where people can go to pray. There are also beautiful gardens to relax in. If you visit Ayutthaya, you shouldn’t miss this temple
Address : 40 Luang Pho Khao Soi 3, Phai Ling Subdistrict
Opening Hours : Daily, 8 AM – 5 PM
Entrance Fee : Foreigner tourists 50 THB
Google maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/SPVTNe3iuv8Mtq7p9
Wat Lokayasutharam
Wat Lokayasutharam is famous for its huge reclining Buddha statue. The white statue is made of brick and plaster. This temple is historically important because it was on the pilgrimage route of King Borommakot. There’s a main prang and ruins of old buildings to explore. Wat Lokayasutharam survived the war without being destroyed and is one of the highlights of Ayutthaya temple
Address : U Thong Road, Pratuchai Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District
Opening Hours : Daily, 8 AM – 04.30PM
Entrance Fee : Foreigner tourists Fee
Google maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/Sigvgk2knirVQmsf8
Wat Na Phra Men
Wat Na Phra Men is the only temple in Ayutthaya that wasn’t destroyed by the Burmese. It still looks exactly like it did in the Ayutthaya period! Inside, there’s a very large Buddha statue wearing royal clothes – the biggest one from the Ayutthaya period. There’s also a small viharn (prayer hall) with a green stone Buddha statue from the Dvaravati period. It’s one of only 5 statues like it in all of Thailand.
Address : 76 Lumpli Subdistrict Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province
Opening Hours : Daily, 8 AM – 6.30 PM
Entrance Fee : Foreigner tourists 50 THB
Google maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/WRCbs6R1u4YmwMUF8
Wat Phutthaisawan
Wat Phutthaisawan is an ancient temple in Ayutthaya. It’s famous for its tall, white prang (tower) that’s really impressive. It was built in the Khmer style of architecture to celebrate a victory by King U Thong, the founder of Ayutthaya. Inside the temple, you can also find a sacred reclining Buddha.
Address : 15, Samphao Lom Subdistrict Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Opening Hours : Daily, 8 AM – 5.30 PM
Entrance Fee : Foreigner tourists
Google maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/zu5U21BqG3vCrsxH8
Wat Phu Khao Thong
Wat Phu Khao Thong is important old temple in Ayutthaya is beautiful because of its white chedi, called “Golden Mountain.” You can see it from far away! There are white stairs all the way to the top, where you can walk around and see the view. It’s a unique temple in Ayutthaya because most temples here are made from old bricks.
Address : Phukhao Thong Subdistrict Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province
Opening Hours : Daily, 7 AM – 5 PM
Entrance Fee : Foreigner tourists Fee
Google maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/BakC77pCf5m5SbQq8
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