Reclining Buddha Sai Yat - Phra Buddha Sai Yat
The draw here is scale. A reclining Buddha somewhere between 37 and 42 metres long, lying out in the open air with nothing built over it, in the posture that marks the Buddha's passing into Nirvana. You walk the length of it, and that's rather the point.
One honest caveat before you go. The statue has been restored, and not everyone is happy about it. The old weathered brickwork is gone under a smooth golden-yellow finish, and if you came to Ayutthaya for six centuries of visible age, this one won't scratch that itch. Some reviewers still call it magnificent. Others feel the character was scrubbed off. Both readings are fair, and you'll know which camp you're in within about thirty seconds of arriving.
What it does have going for it is space and quiet. Crowds here are thinner than at the headline ruins nearby, so it works well as a slower stop between the busier sites. Go early if you want soft light and the place close to yourself.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Reclining Buddha Sai Yat - Phra Buddha Sai Yat, round out your day in Ayutthaya with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Visiting Phra Buddha Sai Yat (The Reclining Buddha) was a truly mesmerizing experience. The sheer size and elegance of the reclining Buddha statue left me in awe. At 37 meters long, this statue is not only massive but also beautifully detailed. The peaceful expression on the Buddha’s face, paired with the serene surroundings of the temple, creates a calming atmosphere that allows you to take in the spiritual significance of the place. What I found particularly interesting was how the reclining Buddha symbolizes the Buddha’s final moments before attaining Nirvana, a powerful representation of peace and enlightenment. The temple is well-maintained, and the staff and monks are incredibly welcoming, making the visit even more memorable. Whether you’re here for spiritual reasons or to admire the incredible craftsmanship, Phra Buddha Sai Yat is a must-see when visiting Ayutthaya. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore the cultural and spiritual history of Thailand!
I visited the Reclining Buddha at Wat Lokayasutharam, and it’s absolutely stunning! This massive golden-yellow Buddha, peacefully lying at 42 meters long, is such a calming sight. The whole area feels so serene and full of history. It was also renewed recently and I belive still under going maintainance modez
They rebuilt it and now it’s way less iconic than before and not as beautiful as before... now it’s not possible to see the rock anymore and it doesn’t look 600 years old anymore. Restauration doesn’t mean to do that...
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 658 reviews on Google.
Also Popular in Ayutthaya
Ayothaya Floating Market
A purpose-built tourist market rather than a real one, but the food is cheap and the kids will enjoy it.
Ayutthaya City Park
Air-conditioned refuge with 500-odd shops, a Lotus, a Robinson and a Sizzler, all joined up under one roof.
Sriayuthaya Lion Park
A big, clean zoo with cheap feeding stations, brilliant with kids, but the animal shows sit badly with some.
Chet Sao Noi National Park
Seven gentle tiers along a shaded stream, and really only the fourth one is worth getting wet in.
Reclining Buddha Sai Yat - Phra Buddha Sai Yat: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reclining Buddha Sai Yat - Phra Buddha Sai Yat worth visiting?
Reclining Buddha Sai Yat - Phra Buddha Sai Yat holds a 4.6★ rating from 658 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Ayutthaya.
What are the opening hours of Reclining Buddha Sai Yat - Phra Buddha Sai Yat?
Reclining Buddha Sai Yat - Phra Buddha Sai Yat is open 24 hours a day — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Reclining Buddha Sai Yat - Phra Buddha Sai Yat?
The best months to visit Ayutthaya are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in November – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: August – October (flooding risk).
Where is Reclining Buddha Sai Yat - Phra Buddha Sai Yat located?
Reclining Buddha Sai Yat - Phra Buddha Sai Yat is at 9H42+6WP, Pratu Chai Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand, in Ayutthaya. Getting around Ayutthaya: Bicycle rental (best way to see ruins); Tuk-tuks (negotiate half-day rate).
Location Info
9H42+6WP, Pratu Chai Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailandwatthailandbuddhanayo.blogspot.com/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: August – October (flooding risk)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
22°C – 38°C(72°F – 100°F)
Crowds
Peak: November – February
Getting there
Train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong (~1.5 hrs, very cheap). Minivan from Bangkok's Mo Chit (~1.5 hrs). A day trip by car from Bangkok is easy.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (best way to see ruins)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate half-day rate)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Boat tours on the river
Where to stay near Reclining Buddha Sai Yat - Phra Buddha Sai Yat
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Nearby Places
Wat Lokaya Sutha
The reclining Buddha here is huge and freshly restored, so temper your expectations if you came for weathered stone.
Wat Worachettharam
A lesser-known Buddhist temple in Ayutthaya offering peaceful grounds and traditional Thai religious architecture.
Pridi Banomyong Memorial
A riverside memorial and former home honouring Pridi Banomyong, a key architect of Thai democracy.
Million Toy Museum
A quirky two-storey toy museum in Ayutthaya packed with vintage collectibles from around the world.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
Where to stay near Reclining Buddha Sai Yat - Phra Buddha Sai Yat
Find hotels in Ayutthaya on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: August – October (flooding risk)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
22°C – 38°C(72°F – 100°F)
Crowds
Peak: November – February
Getting there
Train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong (~1.5 hrs, very cheap). Minivan from Bangkok's Mo Chit (~1.5 hrs). A day trip by car from Bangkok is easy.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (best way to see ruins)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate half-day rate)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Boat tours on the river