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The city of Ayutthaya in Thailand is widely known for its rich cultural heritage and unique Ayutthaya Temples which attract visitors from all over the world. Located at a distance of 80 km from Bangkok, the island city houses the most impressive architectural marvels and is also recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It was made the second Siamese capital in 1350 until it was attacked by the Burmese later. The city’s ruins, now called the Ayutthaya Historical Park, boast intricately constructed statues, Ayutthaya temples and monasteries.
10 Ayutthaya Temples In Thailand
Do you wish to immerse yourself in the serenity of a quaint city that pays tribute to the Buddha through its architectural brilliance? Here are 10 Ayutthaya temples you must visit.
1. Wat Phra Mahathat
Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote / Wikimedia Commons
The temple was erected by King Borommarachathirat I in 1374 and Buddha’s only relic was placed in the heart of this temple which holds great significance to the royal family. Wat Phra Mahathat is popularly identified by the popularly photographed Buddha head, intertwined between two tree trunks. The temple bore a different name till the king’s successor, Ramesuan expanded upon the existing property in 1384. Ramesuan was known for spending his time as a monk within the temple’s sacred premises.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Location: The northeast corner of Phra Ram Park
Cost/Person: 50 Thai Baht
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2. Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Photo: Evilarry / Wikimedia Commons
Built-in 1603 by King Prasat Thong, this temple is one of the most picturesque locations in the historical city of Ayutthaya. The temple stretches along the western bank of the Chao Phraya River and is a perfect spot for taking pictures. The name of the temple translates to ‘The temple of long reign and glorious era.’ What sets it apart from other Ayutthaya temples is the distinct Khmer style of architecture, which can also be observed in the rock-cut temples of India.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM.
Location: Ban Phom, Ayutthaya.
Cost/Person: 50 Thai Baht
3. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Photo: Peerapong Prasutr / Wikimedia Commons
This monastery was originally named ‘Wat Pakeew’ and was erected under the reign of King U-Thong in 1357 as an accommodation for monks. The monastery is widely identified by the colossal statue of a saffron-clad Buddha. The locals believe that placing a coin on the 7-metre-long foot of the Buddha brings good fortune. The monastery also houses many stupas of distinct structural forms. The premises of the monastery offer a serene haven for those in search of respite from bustling city life.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:000 PM
Location: Phai Ling, Ayutthaya
Cost/Person: 20 Thai Baht
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4. Wat Phanan Choeng
Photo: Kosin Sukhum / Wikimedia Commons
This Buddhist temple is located on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River and is a popular tourist spot because of the blessing ceremony. The temple is believed to have been associated with the refugee community from the Song dynasty of China. The seated Buddha idol is called the Luang Pho Tho and is revered by Buddhists around the world. In 1854, King Mongkut changed its name to Phra Phuttha Thrai Ratana Nayok. Though it is one of the oldest Ayutthaya temples, followers of its community are extremely loyal to the infrastructure and have made provisions for restoration multiple times.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Location: Khlong Suan Plu sub-district, Ayutthaya
Cost/Person: 20 Thai Baht
5. Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Photo: Sabyk2001 / Wikimedia Commons
Constructed under the reign of King Ramathibodi I, this temple is the largest of all Ayutthaya temples and one of the holiest in Thailand. The successor of the king had added chedis, which are the Thai equivalent of stupas. The hall of worship inside the temple complex is called the ‘Vihara Luang.’ Earlier, a Buddha idol made of pure gold was placed inside the temple, but during the Burmese attack on the city of Ayutthaya, the temple was plundered and the gold was melted. A lot of the chedis still exist at present, though a lot of them have been destroyed.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Pratuchai, Ayutthaya
Cost/Person: 50 Thai Baht
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6. Wat Lokayasuthram
Photo: Nayika C / Wikimedia Commons
Wat Lokayasutharam is an expansive ruin of a temple. It can be identified by two chedis on the margins of its compound. The basic foundation of the temple still exists because of effective restoration, but a large part of it has already been demolished. The architectural style of this monastery is the epitome of ancient Ayutthaya art. The Buddha’s gleaming face warmly welcomes tourists from around the world.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Tambol Pratuchai, Ayutthaya
Cost/Person: Free
7. Wat Thammikarat
Photo: Stefan Fussan / Wikimedia Commons
This temple predates the existence of the city of Ayutthaya. Previously called the Wat Mukaraj, the temple is also referred to as the temple of Maha Nikai. The temple houses a nine-room vihan called the Harn Song Dhamma/Dharma, where one can sit peacefully and listen to Buddhist sermons. The main chedi is surrounded by 50 lions on all sides. These lions are built in the Khmer style of architecture. The Sukhothai art style follows this tradition of circumscribing a monument with lions.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: U-Thong Road, Ayutthaya
Cost/Person: Free
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8. Wat Na Phra Men
Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote / Wikimedia Commons
This temple was built on the cremation grounds of ancient Ayutthaya, on the opposite side of the Royal Palace. It is also one of the few Ayutthaya temples that were not burnt down during the fall of the city in 1767. The temple has not required much renovation and continues to preserve itself. The meticulously constructed temple infrastructure speaks of Ayutthaya’s past and is the perfect place for history enthusiasts.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Klong Sa Bua, Ayutthaya
Cost/Person: 20 Thai Baht
9. Wat Ratchaburana
Photo: Stefan Fussan / Wikimedia Commons
This temple bears intricate architectural components and is located near the Way Mahathat. The temple is said to be endowed with divine abilities. Both Khmer and Sukothai schools of art have influenced the architecture of the temple’s prang. Stucco’s work depicting episodes from Garuda’s life is also found in the prang. Some frescoes have also survived, despite losing their original colour.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Amphoe Phra Nakhon, Ayutthaya
Cost/Person: 50 Thai Baht
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10. Wat Suwandararam
Photo: Iudexvivorum / Wikimedia Commons
The name of this temple translates to ‘The Golden Temple.’ Not a lot of records regarding the history of this temple have survived the test of time. The murals on the walls depict episodes from the life of King Naresuan. What sets the temple apart from the rest of the Ayutthaya temples, is its beautifully designed Ordination Hall and the image of Buddha in the central hall is highly inspired by the Emerald Buddha from Wat Phra Kaeo. The relics of Budhha are placed in the white pagoda, which was added to the temple complex much after its construction.
Timings: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Ho Ratnachai Sub-district, Ayutthaya
Cost/Person: Free
Ayutthaya is home to the magnificent remnants of Thailand’s rich cultural past. The city’s exquisite gardens, temples and monasteries are a tribute to Buddhist art and the overall serene atmosphere attracts visitors from all over the world. If you are yearning for a holiday amidst the brilliance of history, do not forget to connect with TripXL while planning one of the best trips of your life.
Cover Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
