10 Must-See Ayutthaya Temples
Explore the ancient beauty of Ayutthaya Temples – a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thailand. Discover top temples, history, travel tips, and stunning photos for your next trip!
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Have you ever wandered through a place that feels like it’s straight out of a dream? That’s exactly how I felt the first time I set foot in Ayutthaya. Picture this – ancient temples around you, monks in orange robes quietly going about their day and the warm sun shining down on centuries-old ruins.
Everywhere you look, there’s something beautiful and mysterious waiting to be discovered. Ayutthaya isn’t just another historical site—it’s a living story. As I walked among crumbling stupas and giant Buddha statues, I could almost hear the echoes of the past. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, look closer, and soak it all in. This place = magic.
If you’re curious about Thailand’s history, in this guide, I’ll share my favourite spots. Trust me, you’ll want to stick around for this adventure!
Visiting the Temples in Ayutthaya
Just 80km north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya is one of those places you have to visit while you’re in Thailand. It’s close enough for a day trip, but if you’ve got the time, staying for a night or two makes the whole experience way more relaxed — and lets you dig a little deeper than just the temple-hopping.
If you’re heading there solo (or skipping a tour), start things off at the Ayutthaya Tourist Centre. It’s a handy little spot with exhibitions that give you a peek into what the ancient city once looked like — plus, they’ve got free maps to help you get your bearings.
1. Wat Phra Si Sanphet
At the very heart of the ancient city stands Wat Phra Si Sanphet, once the grandest and most important temple in Ayutthaya. Built in the 14th century, this temple was the royal chapel within the old palace grounds and served as a model for Bangkok’s famed Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The temple’s most striking features are its three massive bell-shaped chedis (stupas), standing in a perfect row against the sky. These chedis once housed the ashes of Ayutthaya’s kings, symbolising the city’s royal power and religious devotion. Visitors to Ayutthaya Temples often describe Wat Phra Si Sanphet as the quintessential image of the ancient capital.
Interestingly, recent tourism initiatives, such as the night tour program, have helped bring new life and visitors to Wat Mahathat, which allows more people to experience its magic after dark. Interestingly, recent tourism initiatives, such as extended night tours, have also helped local businesses thrive.
Costume rentals, for example, earn an estimated 600,000–700,000 baht per weekend, and entrance fees to Ayutthaya Historical Park have exceeded 2 million baht in just two months.
Our Pro Tip: Early morning light casts a golden glow on the chedis—perfect for photography and peaceful contemplation. After marvelling at Wat Phra Si Sanphet’s royal chedis, transition from ancient to modern in a giffy. Bangkok’s rooftop bars offer panoramic city views and craft cocktails, which are a perfect cultural counterpoint to Ayutthaya’s spiritual grandeur.
2. Wat Mahathat
Few images capture the spirit of the Ayutthaya Temples like the famous Buddha head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree at Wat Mahathat. This temple was once a major religious centre and the site of royal ceremonies.
The mysterious Buddha head, partially engulfed by nature, symbolises resilience and the passage of time. Legend has it that the head was severed during the Burmese invasion in 1767 and was later embraced by the tree’s roots, creating one of Thailand’s most iconic sights.
Recently, Wat Mahathat was one of the key sites featured in the “4 Temples, 1 Palace of Early Ayutthaya Era” project, where stunning lighting art installations illuminated the temple at night to boost tourism and celebrate Ayutthaya’s rich history. This event was held in November 2024 and included projection mapping shows that brought the ancient kingdom’s stories to life after dark.
3. Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is one of Ayutthaya’s most stunning temples. Why? Well, because it showcases Khmer-inspired architecture.
A little history – Built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong as a tribute to his late mother, the temple features a striking central prang (tower) that rises 35 meters high. Imagine that. Now top that up with its surroundings. It’s got smaller chedis arranged in a perfectly symmetrical layout. By the way, its design was inspired by Cambodia’s famous Angkor Wat.
Once a royal temple used for important ceremonies, Wat Chaiwatthanaram was abandoned after the Burmese invasion in 1767. Today, it has been partially restored and remains one of Ayutthaya’s most photogenic and visited temples.
As the sun sets, the temple’s red brick structures glow warmly and create a magical atmosphere that draws visitors from far and beyond. Now, if you’re seeking breathtaking views and moments of tranquillity, this is the place to be.
Our Pro Tip: Visit on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. The temple opens for night visits from 6 pm to 10 pm. Get ready to embrace the Temple’s unique experience of its beauty under soft lighting.
4. Wat Ratchaburana
Wat Ratchaburana holds a story of royal rivalry and tragedy. Built by King Borommarachathirat II in memory of his two elder brothers, who died in a dramatic duel for the throne. Did you know that the temple’s central prang houses ancient murals and a crypt that once contained priceless treasures? That’s right.
If you climb the steep, narrow staircase into the crypt, you’ll notice a chill, the air grows cooler, and the light dims—an atmosphere thick with the weight of history. In the 1950s, looters tunnelled in and made off with a fortune in gold relics. All they left behind were echoes and faded murals of mythical creatures. Of course, some of these treasures have since been recovered and are now displayed in the nearby Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. Standing in this crypt, you can almost feel the thrill and heartbreak of discovery.
Our Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning, you might just have the crypt all to yourself. While there, take a moment to close your eyes and listen—it’s as if the past is waiting for someone to remember.
5. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon remains a deeply spiritual place for local Thai visitors, who often come to pray for success and victory. Its historical connection to King Naresuan’s legendary elephant duel that helped secure Siam’s independence also plays a great role. According to recent visitor reviews and local reports from early 2025, weekdays tend to be less crowded and offer a more peaceful experience. This local devotion gives the temple a unique atmosphere that many travellers miss when visiting on busy weekends.
So, if you want to experience the real spirit of Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, skip the weekend rush. Come early, listen to the soft chanting, and watch as the first rays of sunlight catch the golden cloth on the chedi—a moment most guidebooks never mention, but one you’ll never forget.
6. Wat Lokayasutharam
Another impressive reclining Buddha awaits at Wat Lokayasutharam. This enormous statue, measuring 37 meters long and 8 meters high, represents the Buddha entering Nirvana.
Though the temple itself is mostly in ruins, the serene expression of the reclining Buddha remains a powerful symbol of peace and enlightenment within the Ayutthaya Temples. The statue’s current brick-and-plaster form is a restoration from the 20th century, carefully reconstructed after centuries of weathering and war damage. The statue’s peaceful smile is said to embody the Thai concept of “santi”—a deep, enduring peace that transcends suffering.
Interestingly, local devotees frequently wrap the reclining Buddha in vibrant saffron cloths as acts of merit-making, a tradition that connects the past with present-day spiritual life. This ongoing ritual breathes life into the ruins, reminding visitors that Wat Lokayasutharam is not just a relic, but a living place of faith where history and devotion intertwine.
7. Wat Phanan Choeng
Unlike many ruins, Wat Phanan Choeng remains an active place of worship and is home to one of Thailand’s largest seated Buddha statues, dating back to 1324. The temple beautifully blends historical significance with living tradition, as locals and visitors come to pray, make offerings, and participate in vibrant festivals.
One fascinating aspect is that Wat Phanan Choeng is particularly revered by both Thai and Chinese communities. These communitues both celebrate four major annual events. The Maha Songkran festival and the biggest Ting Krajard festival in Thailand both feature Chinese opera and cultural shows. This highlights the temple’s unique role as a bridge between cultures and a living symbol of Ayutthaya’s diverse heritage. It also serves as a vibrant reminder that the Ayutthaya Temples are not just relics but part of a continuing spiritual journey.
8. Wat Thammikarat
Known for its distinctive lion statues guarding the entrance, Wat Thammikarat offers a quieter, less touristy experience among the Ayutthaya Temples. The temple’s ruins reveal some unique architectural features, like a large chedi surrounded by smaller stupas and remnants of ancient murals.
An intriguing detail is that Wat Thammikarat was once a royal temple built during the reign of King Narai in the 17th century, and its lion statues are believed to symbolise protection and royal power—an uncommon feature compared to other Ayutthaya temples. This is one of the many reasons that make this temple a fascinating site for those interested in the kingdom’s symbolism and art.
9. Wat Na Phra Men
Wat Na Phra Men is remarkable for being one of the few temples in Ayutthaya that escaped destruction during the Burmese invasion in 1767. Its well-preserved Buddha images and intact structures offer a rare glimpse into the city’s original grandeur.
Visitors to the Ayutthaya Temples complex often marvel at its peaceful atmosphere and intricate Buddha statues. Did you know that Wat Na Phra Men houses the famous Phra Buddha Lokanat? This is a stunning bronze Buddha statue dating back to the early Ayutthaya period. It’s also renowned for its graceful posture and detailed craftsmanship, one of the finest examples of Thai bronze sculpture still in its original location.
10. Wat Suwan Dararam
Though less visited than some of Ayutthaya’s more famous temples, Wat Suwan Dararam holds royal significance as it was built during the reign of King Narai in the 17th century. The temple is renowned for its exquisite murals depicting Buddhist cosmology and Jataka tales, which have been carefully preserved over the centuries. Surrounded by peaceful gardens and shaded by ancient trees, Wat Suwan Dararam offers visitors a tranquil retreat where ongoing religious ceremonies continue to bring the temple to life. This quiet sanctuary provides a rare glimpse into Ayutthaya’s spiritual heritage away from the usual crowds.
The Enduring Magic of Ayutthaya Temples
The Ayutthaya Temples are more than ancient ruins—they are timeless stories etched in stone, places of spiritual reflection, and windows into a kingdom that shaped Thailand’s identity.
Whether you wander among the towering chedis, marvel at the Buddha heads entwined in roots, or join locals in prayer, the magic of the Ayutthaya Temples guarantees an unforgettable imprint on every traveller’s heart.
Pack your camera, bring your curiosity, and prepare to be transported back to a world where history and spirituality converge in the breathtaking beauty of the Ayutthaya Temples.
FAQs About Ayutthaya Temples
- How many Ayutthaya Temples can you visit in a day?
You can comfortably visit 4-5 major temples in a day.
2. Are the Ayutthaya Temples open every day?
Yes, most are open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.
3. Can you visit Ayutthaya Temples without a guide?
Yes, but a guide enriches the experience with historical context.