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Reclining Buddha Sai Yat - Phra Buddha Sai Yat

A 37-meter reclining Buddha out in the open, quieter than the big-name ruins, but freshly restored.

4.6(658)
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Open 24 hours daily

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.

Details

Full opening hours
MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Why go, and how to do it well

The draw here is scale. A reclining Buddha somewhere between 37 and 42 meters 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.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026

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Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of Reclining Buddha Sai Yat - Phra Buddha Sai Yat, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

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.

9H42+6WP, Pratu Chai Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand

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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture

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.

Go Early Morning

Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.

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).

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