Temples in Ayutthaya
- 01
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
A Khmer-style riverside temple with a central prang and four smaller towers, built in 1630 on the west bank of the Chao Phraya.
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Late afternoon in the cool season
- Tickets
- Entry fees, opening hours and any combined ticket change, so check current details at the gate or on the Fine Arts Department source before you go. Buy tickets only from the official counter. Dress respectfully: cover shoulders and knees, and do not climb on or pose disrespectfully with Buddha images.
- 02
Wat Lokayasutharam
A large reclining Buddha in the open air among brick ruins, in the north-west of the old island.
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon
- Tickets
- Entry fees, opening hours and any combined ticket change, so check current details at the gate or on the Fine Arts Department source before you go. Buy tickets only from the official counter. Dress respectfully: cover shoulders and knees, and do not climb on or pose disrespectfully with Buddha images.
- 03
Wat Mahathat
The central ruined temple of old Ayutthaya, best known for a sandstone Buddha head held in the roots of a tree. Court chronicles date it to the 1370s and 1380s.
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Opening time, or late afternoon in the cool season
- Tickets
- Entry fees, opening hours and any combined ticket change, so check current details at the gate or on the Fine Arts Department source before you go. Buy tickets only from the official counter. Dress respectfully: cover shoulders and knees, and do not climb on or pose disrespectfully with Buddha images.
- 04
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Three bell-shaped chedis standing in a row on the grounds of the old royal palace, the most photographed skyline in Ayutthaya.
- Time needed
- 45 to 60 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon
- Tickets
- Entry fees, opening hours and any combined ticket change, so check current details at the gate or on the Fine Arts Department source before you go. Buy tickets only from the official counter. Dress respectfully: cover shoulders and knees, and do not climb on or pose disrespectfully with Buddha images.
- 05
Wat Ratchaburana
A brick-and-stucco temple whose tall central prang rises over a crypt that once held royal treasure. Founded, by tradition, in 1424.
- Time needed
- 45 to 75 minutes
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Early morning
- Tickets
- Entry fees, opening hours and any combined ticket change, so check current details at the gate or on the Fine Arts Department source before you go. Buy tickets only from the official counter. Dress respectfully: cover shoulders and knees, and do not climb on or pose disrespectfully with Buddha images.
- 06
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
A working monastery south-east of the island, dominated by a large chedi that King Naresuan began building in 1592.
- Time needed
- 45 to 60 minutes
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Late afternoon
- Tickets
- Entry arrangements and any fee can change; check at the gate. This is an active monastery, so dress modestly and remove shoes as directed.
Places of worship in Ayutthaya
- 07
Viharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit
A working Buddhist hall housing a large seated bronze Buddha image, beside Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Locals come to make offerings.
- Time needed
- 20 to 30 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning
- Tickets
- Entry arrangements and fees can change, so check on arrival. Dress respectfully as in any active temple, with shoulders and knees covered and shoes removed.
- 08
Wat Phanan Choeng
A riverside temple with the Luang Pho To, a gilded seated Buddha about 19 metres tall, revered by Thai-Chinese worshippers.
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning
- Tickets
- Entry arrangements and any donation can change; check on arrival. Dress modestly and remove shoes where required.
Museums in Ayutthaya
- 09
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
The main museum of Ayutthaya, built to hold finds from the crypts of Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Mahathat, with gold objects and Buddha images.
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Midday, to avoid the heat
- Tickets
- Opening days, hours and fees change; check the Fine Arts Department source or the museum before you go. Photography rules can vary by gallery.
