Ayutthaya Temple - Historical Park and Surroundings

Also available in: Deutsch

The ancient Siamese royal city of Ayutthaya is best known today for its many temple ruins in the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Every day, many day-trippers from Bangkok come to the city to visit the Ayutthaya temples. However, it’s also worth spending more time in Ayutthaya.

13 Temples in Ayutthaya You Can Visit

The Historical Park of Ayutthaya is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but there are also beautiful and interesting temples outside the park. In this article, we’ll show you which of the hundreds of temples you can visit during your stay or on a day trip to Ayutthaya. This is just a suggestion, and you can take your time to explore more temples in Ayutthaya if you wish.

Accommodations in Ayutthaya – Our Hotel Tip

The Centara Ayutthaya is located in a quiet but well-connected area just outside the city center. Just 3 kilometers away you can find the famous Wat Yai Chai Mongkon temple. The modern hotel offers comfortable rooms with air conditioning, minibar, safe, and free Wi-Fi, as well as a swimming pool, fitness room, and 24-hour reception. A continental or Asian breakfast is served in the hotel’s restaurant every morning. Another highlight is definitely the rooftop bar with views over Ayutthaya, perfect for watching the sunset.

You can find another large selection of hotels in Ayutthaya, including smaller guesthouses, here.

1. Wat Mahathat

Built in 1374 under King Borommaracha I, Wat Mahathat remains one of the highlights of Ayutthaya today. It was expanded by his successor, Ramesuan, in 1384 when he stayed there as a monk.

The central prang was long considered the temple’s most important structure but collapsed in 1911 and was never rebuilt. Today, you can still see its remains. During its time, Wat Mahathat was the holiest temple in Ayutthaya until the city was largely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767.

One of Wat Mahathat’s main highlights is the Buddha head entwined in the roots of a fig tree. According to legend, the Burmese beheaded numerous statues to demonstrate their power. To preserve one of the severed heads, the locals buried it, and as nature would have it, a fig tree grew and eventually enveloped the head.

Admission to Wat Mahathat is 50 Baht, and it’s open to visitors from 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM.

2. Wat Nok

Right next to Wat Mahathat, you’ll find the small ruins of Wat Nok. Here you can see the remains of a prang and a prayer hall. It was likely built during the late Ayutthaya period. Many visitors even mistake it for part of Wat Mahathat.

You can visit Wat Nok completely free of charge at any time of day. It’s best to combine it with a visit to Wat Mahathat, as visiting Wat Nok alone isn’t really worth it in our opinion.

3. Wat Ratchaburana

Wat Ratchaburana is one of the most famous temples in Ayutthaya, along with Wat Mahathat, and is located not far from it. It was built in 1424 to house the ashes of two brothers of the then king who killed each other in a duel.

However, there are several stories about its origin, and no one knows for sure which one is true. The main prang is very well preserved, and you can climb it to enjoy a great view. It’s also the most popular photo spot at Wat Ratchaburana.

The temple is open daily from 8.30 AM to 5.00 PM and costs 50 Baht per person for admission.

4. Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wat Phra Si Sanphet was built in 1448 when the old royal palace was relocated. As such, Wat Phra Si Sanphet is considered a royal temple, located on the grounds of the former royal palace.

The first two chedis were commissioned by King Ramathibodi II to enshrine the ashes of his father and brother. The third chedi was added in 1592. Wat Phra Si Sanphet was primarily used for royal ceremonies and was not inhabited by monks.

Except for the three chedis, which were restored in 1956, the Burmese destroyed nearly everything in this temple during their invasion of Ayutthaya in 1767. You can visit daily from 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM. Admission is 50 Baht.

Tip: You can explore Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Mahathat on a bike tour that also takes you through the city center of Ayutthaya. This way, you can experience the city beyond its temple ruins.

5. Wat Lokayasutharam

Wat Lokayasutharam is best known for its 42-meter-long reclining Buddha statue. The temple is sometimes also referred to as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, or in Thai, Wat Phra Non.

No one knows exactly when this temple was built. However, based on the foundations around the reclining Buddha, it is assumed that it was originally housed inside a building. Today, little remains of the temple complex aside from the large statue.

There are no official opening hours for Wat Lokayasutharam, so you can generally visit at any time. Admission is also free.

6. Wat Senatsanaram

Wat Senatsanaram is not on the itinerary of most tourists visiting Ayutthaya. Unlike many of the city’s ruins, this temple is relatively new and still largely intact.

One of the highlights of this temple complex is the golden reclining Buddha statue. The grounds are beautifully designed and offer something rare in Ayutthaya: complete tranquility. Because the temple is tucked away in a small side street, only a few people pass by, making it a special and peaceful place to visit.

There is no entrance fee here either, and Wat Senatsanaram is open daily from 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM.

7. Wat Khunsan

Wat Khunsan is a small temple ruin in Ayutthaya with not much left standing today. It’s located near the Hua Ro Market, right by the road. What makes this ruin unique is that it looks like a smaller chedi is enclosed by a larger one.

The exact construction year of Wat Khunsan is unclear but is estimated to be between 1569 and 1590. There’s no entrance fee, and since the temple is located right along the street, it’s always open.

8. Wat Thammikarat

Just outside Ayutthaya Historical Park lies Wat Thammikarat. Despite being slightly outside the main area, you can easily reach it by bicycle or motorbike from the other famous temples. Wat Thammikarat is still an active temple and has been rebuilt and restored several times over the years.

The ruins date back to around 1351 and the site is still closely linked to Ayodaya. A former Khmer settlement, which explains the many Khmer-style statues you can find there.

The grounds of Wat Thammikarat are well maintained, and besides the ruins, you can find additional golden Buddha statues and a reclining Buddha. It’s open daily from 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM, with an entrance fee of 20 Baht.

9. Wat Hasadavas

North of Ayutthaya’s Historical Park lies the small ruin of Wat Hasadavas, sometimes also referred to as Wat Hatsadawat. The temple was active only for a short time, as a monk living there was expelled for breaking several rules (such as eating meat).

Today, you can stop by the temple, which stands right next to the road, on your way to Wat Choeng Tha or Wat Phu Khao Thong. There are no official opening hours or entrance fees.

10. Wat Choeng Tha

Wat Choeng Tha is believed to have been built during the early Ayutthaya period, though the exact year remains unknown. According to legend, the daughter of a wealthy man fell in love and ran away. In response, he built a bridal house at the site of Wat Choeng Tha to seek forgiveness if she ever returned.

However, she never came back, and the man later built a temple with the original name Wat Koy Tha, which means “waiting.” Over time, the temple had many names until King Rama IV gave it its current one.

In addition to the ruins, new buildings have been constructed and are still in use as an active temple today. Wat Choeng Tha is rarely visited by tourists, making it a real hidden gem. There’s no entrance fee, and it’s open daily from 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM.

11. Wat Phu Khao Thong

Located northwest of Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wat Phu Khao Thong features an 80-meter-high white chedi showcasing two distinct architectural styles due to the wars between Ayutthaya and the Burmese. The base was built by the Burmese in 1569, while the upper section was completed by the Thais in 1584 in a Thai style.

You can see the white chedi of Wat Phu Khao Thong from afar, and during your visit, you can even climb it. From the top, you’ll enjoy a wonderful view of the surrounding area. The temple’s distinct appearance sets it apart from other temples in Ayutthaya, making it truly special. It’s open roughly from 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM, and admission is free.

12. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

Southeast of Ayutthaya’s Historical Park lies the impressive Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, a truly massive temple complex. While the temple itself was built as early as 1357, the large chedi was added around 1660.

The chedi, which stands on a rectangular base, can be accessed via a staircase where you can view the crypt inside. Around the chedi, you’ll find numerous seated Buddha statues, many draped in yellow robes.

Originally, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon was built for monks returning home after studying Buddhist teachings. It remains an active temple to this day. You can also find a reclining Buddha and additional chedis on the premises.

Admission is 50 Baht, and it’s open from 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM. Definitely worth a visit.

13. Wat Phanan Choeng

Not far from Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, right by the river, lies Wat Phanan Choeng. Although it may not look like it from the outside, the foundation of this temple was laid back in 1324. About 10 years later, in 1334, the 19-meter-tall Buddha statue was completed.

The golden Buddha and the Chinese shrine on the river-facing side are the highlights of Wat Phanan Choeng. There are also several local legends surrounding the shrine, one claims that many years ago, a Chinese princess took her own life here after a Thai prince refused to marry her. The shrine was later built in her honor and is still highly revered by Thai-Chinese visitors today.

Admission to Wat Phanan Choeng is 20 Baht, and it’s open daily from 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM.

Ayutthaya Sights: Tours and Tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know the attractions of Ayutthaya in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Ayutthaya’s sights.

How to Get to Ayutthaya

To get to Ayutthaya, there are several options. However, there are currently no flights available, so you would have to travel by plane via Bangkok. You can find tickets and prices at Skyscanner.

We describe the journey from Bangkok, but you can also travel from many other parts of the country, such as Chiang Mai. The most expensive option from Bangkok would be to rent a taxi. Prices start at about 2000 Baht, and the journey takes about 1 ½ hours, depending on where you are in Bangkok.

The second option is the bus or minivan, either from Khao San Road or Mo Chit Bus Terminal. The price ranges from 90 to 150 Baht, and the journey takes about 2 hours.

However, our favorite is the train ride. You can depart from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok or the train station right next to Don Mueang Airport. The journey takes about 1 to 1 ½ hours and costs 20 Baht from Hua Lamphong and 15 Baht from Don Mueang Airport.

You can buy tickets directly at the ticket counters of the train station. Alternatively, you can buy them online at 12go.asia, where you can find all the information about bus and train connections, including schedules, prices, and tickets.

Info: You can also travel from Bangkok by boat. The price here is about 1400 Baht per person, and the journey takes 5 hours. However, this takes a very long time and is expensive, which is why we won’t go into further detail.

Which temple in Ayutthaya do you like best? Do you have any other recommendations for temples in Ayutthaya? We look forward to your comments.