Wat Chaiwatthanaram
If you only fit one temple into an Ayutthaya day trip, make it this one. The central Khmer-style prang, built in the 17th century under King Prasat Thong, is ringed by smaller towers and rows of headless Buddha statues, and the whole thing rises off the western bank of the Chao Phraya with nothing crowding it. The grounds are wide and open, brick pathways underfoot, and reviewers keep using words like calm and slow. That's fair.
My advice is to arrive in the late afternoon. Daylight is when you can actually read the architecture and the detail, and then the illumination comes on and the prangs turn into silhouettes. Two visits in one, no extra effort. It's a favourite for photography too, professional shoots included, and there are shops nearby renting traditional Thai clothing if that's your thing. Conservation work by the Fine Arts Department and the World Monuments Fund has been ongoing since the 2011 floods, so expect to see some of it in progress.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Chaiwatthanaram, round out your day in Ayutthaya with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Ayutthaya Province: A Place of Tranquility and Solemnity In the long river of history, Wat Chaiwatthanaram shines like a brilliant pearl, quietly embedded in the depths of time. It is not only a treasure of Buddhist art but also a guardian of profound historical culture; every brick and tile tells a story of past glory and vicissitudes. Stepping into this temple is like traveling through a time tunnel. The ancient pagodas and exquisite Buddha statues evoke a transcendent tranquility and solemnity. The Buddha statues enshrined within possess a dignified expression, retaining their sacredness despite the passage of time, as if conveying boundless wisdom and compassion to the world. Wat Chaiwatthanaram is not only a religious sanctuary but also an epitome of Thai history and culture. Every carving and every stone slab contains profound cultural significance and historical stories, attracting countless tourists and scholars for pilgrimage and research. Here, you can quiet your mind and listen to the ancient, melodious chanting, feeling the unbroken power of faith from ancient times to the present. Chaiwat Thanaram Temple is a refuge of faith and a solace for the soul; it speaks of the past and inspires the future in a silent language.
WAT CHAIWATTHANARAM CONSERVATION PROJECT The Fine Arts Department of Thailand's Ministry of Culture and World Monuments Fund are working together to conserve Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a landmark temple in Ayutthaya Historical Park. This collaboration began in response to the devastating 2011 floods, which caused widespread damage to the site. Since then, the project has conducted thorough surveys, assessments, and documentation of the site's condition, leading to the design and implementation of improved drainage and flood control systems. With these foundational plans in place, conservation efforts have shifted to address the temple's specific needs. Currently, the work focuses on preserving the Meru pavilions and the surrounding galleries of the central prang. This important conservation initiative is undertaken by World Monuments Fund through funding from the Friends of Heritage Preservation and the Robert W. Wilson Challenge to Conserve Our Heritage. The Thai Government has also made a significant commitment to ensure the long-term protection of this historic site.
This is easily one of the most stunning temples in Ayutthaya. Even though it’s slightly outside the main city center, it is absolutely worth the trip. It’s a popular spot for photography; you’ll see many people doing professional photoshoots here. There are plenty of shops nearby where you can rent traditional Thai clothing. We’re so glad we added this to our itinerary
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 21,672 reviews on Google.
Also Popular in Ayutthaya

Ayothaya Floating Market
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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.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Chaiwatthanaram worth visiting?
Wat Chaiwatthanaram holds a 4.7★ rating from 21,672 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Ayutthaya.
What are the opening hours of Wat Chaiwatthanaram?
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is typically open 08:00-18:30 — 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 Wat Chaiwatthanaram?
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 Wat Chaiwatthanaram located?
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is at 31 8GVR+8PW 1 ตำบล บ้านป้อม Tambon Ban Pom, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat 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
31 8GVR+8PW 1 ตำบล บ้านป้อม Tambon Ban Pom, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, ThailandVisitor 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 Wat Chaiwatthanaram
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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 Kasattrathirat Worawihan
A working temple, not a ruin, and far quieter than the big-name sites across the river.

Wat Jao Prap
A peaceful, free-to-enter historical temple within Ayutthaya Historical Park, known for its restored prang and tranquil grounds.

Wat Tha Ka Rong
A working 16th-century monastery with robotic pandas, giant monk models and a merit-market attached.

Wat Lokaya Sutha
The reclining Buddha here is huge and freshly restored, so temper your expectations if you came for weathered stone.
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 Wat Chaiwatthanaram
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