Much of Ayutthaya's history revolves around trade with other nations, but these nations were not allowed to set up camp inside the city walls. Thus, surrounding Ayutthaya's waters are plenty of remains from the countries that once set sail here, such as the settlements of Japan, the Netherlands and Portugal, as well as the interesting Thai-Chinese temple of Wat Phanan Choeng.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Southwest off the island on route 3413 (Take route 3263 off the island and turn left onto route 3413.). 8:30AM-5PM, daily. The temple that graces the official tourist pamphlet for Ayutthaya, this Wat is a must see. Many intact pagodas surround a central chedi that you can climb from all sides. A nice view of the city can be had from the top. Very photogenic.50 baht. �
Wat Na Phra Mane. This Wat offers a mix of old and modern buildings. It is unique because it survived the destruction of the city in the 18th century. Of interest are the vaulted ceilings and a Buddha made of black stone �
Wat Phanan Choeng (วัดพนัญเชิงวรวิหาร)), Bang Pa-in Rd (About 2 km southeast of town, turn south at the road 309 roundabout). 8:30AM-5PM, daily. A working monastery located south of Ayutthaya, no one knows how old it is, but it existed before Ayutthaya was founded as the capital. It contains the oldest large cast bronze Buddha image in Ayutthaya, called "Phrachao Phananchoeng", built in A.D. 1325; it is made of stucco in the attitude of subduing evil. A small room to the right of the main hall contains a nice collection of Buddha images and the room is painted with many individual unique pictures, in bright colours offset with gold.20 baht donation. �
Chedi at Wat Phu Khao Thong
Wat Phu Khao Thong, (About 3 km north of town, west off the Ang Thong Rd). Impressive and huge white, and slightly wonky, chedi set in a big field. You can climb to the top for extensive views over the countryside surrounding Ayutthaya, although the modern town and power lines obscure much of the historic city on the horizon. The actual nearby temple is still working and has small grounds with a smiling fat buddha image set in the ruins of a small viharn. You will see the 'Monument of King Naresuan the Great' on the way.Free. �
Wat Yai Chaimongkon (ดใหญ่ชัยมงคลหรือวัดเจ้าพระยาไท), Bang Pa-in Rd (1 km east of Wat Phananchoeng). 8PM-6PM, daily. The large pagoda from far away, and some it's ruins appear on well known photos of temples in Thailand. Constructed in the reign of King U-Thong, the temple features a large reclining Buddha in saffron robes in its own ruined wiharn, and, most spectacularly, a huge chedi swathed in golden cloth set in a courtyard which is lined by Buddha images all wearing saffron robes. Very photogenic 20 baht. �
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Ayutthaya
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Ayutthaya - updated Apr 2024
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Ayutthaya Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
