Wat Jao Prap
Wat Jao Prap is a historical temple and landmark situated within the Ayutthaya Historical Park in Pratu Chai Sub-district. Part of one of Southeast Asia's most significant ancient cities, this partially abandoned temple offers a quieter alternative to Ayutthaya's more heavily visited sites, making it a rewarding stop for those looking to explore the region's rich cultural and architectural heritage at a relaxed pace.
Visitors can expect a serene atmosphere, particularly in the morning hours when the grounds are calm and largely uncrowded. The temple features a restored central prang — the distinctive corn-cob-shaped tower characteristic of Ayutthayan religious architecture — alongside small bridges and winding lanes that make for a pleasant walk through the site. The combination of ancient ruins and considered restoration gives Wat Jao Prap a contemplative, unhurried quality that visitors consistently highlight.
Entry to the temple is free of charge, which makes it an accessible addition to any Ayutthaya itinerary. As with all temples in Thailand, visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees out of respect for the site's religious significance. Arriving in the early morning is recommended to experience the grounds at their most peaceful, before the midday heat sets in. No official website or published opening hours are currently available, so it is advisable to visit during daylight hours and check local information upon arrival.
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Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Wat Jao Prap — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Jao Prap, round out your day in Ayutthaya with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Beautiful, silent and peaceful
Wat Chao Prab is an abandoned temple on U Thong Road, Pratu Chai Subdistrict, Ayutthaya.
Cozy and beautiful place😌
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 35 reviews on Google.
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Sriayuthaya Lion Park
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Wat Jao Prap: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Jao Prap worth visiting?
Wat Jao Prap holds a 4.5★ rating from 35 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Ayutthaya.
What are the opening hours of Wat Jao Prap?
Wat Jao Prap 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 Wat Jao Prap?
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 Jao Prap located?
Wat Jao Prap is at 8HR4+R6C, 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
8HR4+R6C, Pratu Chai Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, 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 Jao Prap
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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 Phutthaisawan
A quiet 1353 riverside temple most boat tours rush past, and that's exactly why it's worth your own trip.

Ayutthaya Elephant Palace & Royal Kraal
An elephant riding operation by the ruins, and the welfare complaints in the reviews are hard to ignore.

Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
Go here before the ruins, not after: the gold from Wat Ratchaburana's crypt explains everything else.

Ayutthaya Gold Treasure Exhibition Building
A focused cultural exhibition in Ayutthaya showcasing gold treasures and artefacts from Thailand's ancient capital era.
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 Jao Prap
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