Ayutthaya temples — Top 6 most famous & beautiful temples in Ayutthaya

October 13, 2017

2 Ayutthaya — The ancient capital of Ayutthaya is one of Thailand's tourist destinations rich in both beauty and cultural, historical, culinary and traditional values.

Ayutthaya, Thailand is the capital of temples, statues, and many historical sites. If you do not know how to start your journey to Ayutthaya, have a look at our tips on the seven must-visit places (Ayutthaya temples must see) when visiting this hotspot. But before we get to you the most beautiful monuments in Ayutthaya, we will brief some historical information about this city for you!

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ayutthaya historical park_Thailand — Ayutthaya’s historical value. Image: Ayutthaya places to visit blog.

ayutthaya budda head — Buddha head in tree roots, Ayutthaya

The brief history of Ayutthaya

Over 400 years ago, Ayutthaya was a mighty, wealthy cultural center of Siamese kingdom. By 1767, the Burmese invaded Thailand and destroyed most of the valuable buildings. President Taksin absconded from the city with troops to regain independence in central Thailand in the 1770s. After the king’s death, Taksin ascended the throne and established a new capital in Thon Buri fishing village (which today is called Bangkok).

buddha old temples tourist attractions ayutthaya — Image by: Ayutthaya temples blog.

Wat Chai Watthanaram

The most beautiful templeWat Chaiwatthanaram is considered one of the most beautiful temples of Ayutthaya with huge complexes on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and surrounded by a green lawn.

Tickets to visit: 50 baht = $1.51

Wat Phra Mahathat

The most famous relic of Wat Phra Mahathat is the Buddha head on the tree. It sounds very weird, but if you see it, you can’t help but surprise by the image of the head of Buddha held in the air by a large banyan tree trunk. Only God knows how that was possible. The theory is that the Burmese were the ones who did this, and then years later the banyan tree grew with the gradually rising head. Another theory is that the thieves are the fathers of this unique work.

Tickets to visit: 50 baht = $1.51

Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Three chedis

This temple is one of the main religious buildings of Ayutthaya. This place includes a royal temple and a private court. In 1500, a 16-meter copper Buddha statue was placed here. However, there is no trace left of the ancient Buddha statue because of many different culprits.

chedis-of-wat-phra-si-sanphet-ayutthaya-Thailan ayutthaya temples ayutthaya must see ayutthaya places to visit — Lively temple with tourists. Image by: Ayutthaya temples blog.

There are also three towering monuments that visitors can climb on a part of the tower’s foot. However, you should not try this out in the afternoon as the weather here can be quite hot. Fortunately, there are always bottled-water and soft drink shops outside the campus for 10 baht per bottle.

chedis-of-wat-phra-si-sanphet-ayutthaya-Thailan-2 — A view of this tranquil temple

Tickets to visit: 50 baht.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon: Lively and quiet

Wat_Yai_Chai_Mongkhon_Ayutthaya_temples_Thailand — Amazing intact sacred statues. Image by: Ayutthaya temples blog.

This temple complex still retains its original features with hundreds of intact statues of Buddha managed by the monks who stay there full-time.The highlight of Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is the 7-meter-long Buddha statue.

Ayutthaya_Wat_Yai_Chai_Mongkhon_Temples_Thailand — Ayutthaya Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon temple from a unique viewpoint.

It is said that if you drop a coin on the foot of the Buddha it will bring you good luck. You can also explore the huge towers from above to get a panoramic view of the complex.

Tickets to visit: 20 baht.

Wat Lokayasutharam

A giant statue of reclining Buddha. The highlight of this temple is the 37m long, 8m high Buddha statue at the entrance of Wat Lokayasutharam.

Sightseeing Tickets: Free.

Wat Phanan Choeng

Ayutthaya_Wat_Phanan_temples-Thailand ayutthaya temples ayutthaya must see ayutthaya places to visit — Bronze Bhuda statues in this temple. Image by: Ayutthaya temples blog.

19-meter-high Buddha statueThis giant statue is well known to both locals and international visitors. Fresh air and quiet space are suitable for those who want to find inner peace by the form of prayer or meditation.

Wat-Phanan-Choeng-temples-Thailand — The outter look at this religious site.

For the reason of religious belief, we recommend that you just walk around the Buddha statue and do not step up on the platform to enjoy the quiet space here.

Tickets to visit: 20 baht = $0.6

Transportation in Ayutthaya

Tuk_tuk_in_bangkok_Thailand — Tuk-tuk: A popular vehicle taking you from temple to temple

Temples are scattered throughout the city, but they are easily accessible by motorbike, bicycle, tuk-tuk or taxi. If you use the tuk-tuk to go from one temple to another, you will have to spend about 200 baht, so in lieu of that, we suggest you rent a scooter and explore the city comprehensively. It is only 200 baht per day.

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Are you finding more Ayutthaya travel guide: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Ayutthaya travel blog — The fullest Ayutthaya travel guide, what to do & How to visit Ayutthaya in a day?