5 must-see temples in Ayutthaya – Ayutthaya travel guide

Located 85 kilometers from the north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya is a famous tourist attraction with hundreds of ruined temples and historical sites. This article will show you 5 must-see temples in Ayutthaya to make your trip less hassle because most of the temples in Ayutthaya are quite similar. If you visit Ayutthaya for the first time and don’t know what to visit in plenty of spots, this post is definitely for you.

The best route for these 5 temples is Wat Yai Chaimongkhon > Wat Mahathat > Wat Ratchaburana > Wat Phra Si Sanphet > Wat Chaiwatthanram.

1. Wat Chaiwatthanaram

The first one of the 5 must-see temples in Ayutthaya is Wat Chaiwatthanaram, located along the Chao Phraya river. This temple was built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong to honor his mother. The highlight of this temple is the 35-meter Khmer style called Prang Noi. Prang Noi assemble Mount Meru – the universe center in Buddhist and Hindu cosmology. The prang is surrounded by 8 small prangs. Those small prangs are connected with each other by a wall with 120 Buddha statues. Sadly, all these Buddha statues are heads cut off during the Burmese invasion.

• Opening hours: 8:00 AM– 4:30 PM every day except for holidays.
• Ticket fee: 50 THB / person
• Location: 8GVR+5PX, Tambon Ban Pom, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000 (See map)

2. Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat is also known as “the temple of the Great Relic” because its main prang enshrines the Buddha Relics. It is one of the must-see temples in Ayutthaya built in 1374 by King Boromma Rachathirat I. The temple collapsed 2 times in the early 17th century and early 20th century and was not reconstructed after the latter collapse. Wat Mahathat is highlighted with the Buddha’s head in the banyan tree root. The point is one of the favorite spots for photographers in Ayutthaya.

• Opening hours: 8:00 AM –  4:30 PM
• Ticket fee: 50 THB/ foreigner; 10 THB/ Tha
• Location: Naresuan Rd, Tha Wasukri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000 (See map)

3. Wat Phra Si Sanphet

It is a big miss if we skip Wat Phra Si Sanphet when mentioning must-see temples in Ayutthaya. Wat Phra Si Sanphet was constructed in the 14th century. More and more structures were added over Ayutthaya Kings until it reach its heyday in the second half of the 17th century. The outstanding point of this temple is 3 big bell-shaped stupas enshrining the ashes of Ayutthaya Kings. Nowadays, visitors are not allowed to enter these 3 chedis due to safety and conservation reasons.

• Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
• Ticket fee: 50 THB/ foreigner; 10 THB/ Thai
• Location: ​​9H45+77R, Tambon Pratuchai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000 (See map)

4. Wat Yai Chaimonkhon

Wat Yai Chaimongkhon was built in 1357. It is considered one of the must-see temples in Ayutthaya because of the complex of the monastery, chedi, and plenty of Budhha statues. The highlight of this temple is the main bell-shaped chedi with a steep stair entrance. Visitors are allowed to come in to worship the Buddha and experience the interior structure of the chedi. In the surrounding, it is easy to find hundreds of Buddha images and 100-year-old plumeria trees.

• Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
• Ticket fee: 20 THB/person
• Location: ​​40/3 Moo 3 Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (See map)

5. Wat Ratchaburana

The fifth of 5 must-see temples in Ayutthaya is Wat Rachaburana. The temple was built in 1424 by King Borommarachathirat II to memorate the death of his 2 brothers who fought each other to die for the throne. The design of Wat Ratchburana is quite similar to Wat Chaiwatthanaram which assembles the Angkor Wat. The main highlight of this temple is the corncob-shaped prang built on an elevated base. In front of it stands a big assembly hall with only the wall remaining. All the details cover the place with an ancient atmosphere which makes the temple more attractive.

• Opening hours: 08:00 – 16:30
• Ticket fee: 50 THB / person
• Location: 9H58+FWF, Chikun Alley, Tambon Tha Wa Su Kri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000 (See map)

When visiting those temples, there are a few temple manners you need to follow, please make sure you know it before to avoid entrance rejection.

• Dress politely. Your clothes must cover your knee and shoulder
• Respect the Buddha
• Do not sit or climb on Buddha’s images
• No food and drinks inside the temple
• Do not show affection in the temple area

There are several ways to travel from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. However, the most convenient ways are by train and by minivan. You can check for an updated schedule and price, and book a ticket to Ayutthaya here.

Check it out for more tips regarding Ayutthaya traveling:

• 6 easy ways to go from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
• 11 temple manners in Thailand you’d better follow