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Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan
Temples & Culture
Ayutthaya

Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan

4.7(21,814 reviews)

Built by the river in 1324, this ornate temple complex features an enormous, gilded sitting Buddha.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan, round out your day in Ayutthaya with contrasting stops nearby.

Visitor Reviews

We went here with a guide, so we received a lot of information about what was what. I'd say it was worthwhile being a part of a private or small group tour, because you get much more insight into what is going on, especially if you are not familiar with Thai culture or Buddhist religion. This is an active and working temple, so you really get to experience what the religion means for local people. And of course, you should be respectful because of that. The large Buddha statue is very impressive and during our visit it was decorated to celebrate and honour the King and Queen.

It is a temple in Ayutthaya province with the beautiful of the big Buddha. Around the Buddha there are antiques can see . The area around the temple is beautiful with wooden floors. The side of the temple is next to the river. When you go to Ayutthaya, Thailand, should not miss to visit Wat Phanan Choeng. Convenient transportation in the city of Ayutthaya. Thai temples must be visited.🙏🙏🙏

A smaller but very nice temple in Ayutthaya. It was cool to see and learn about the giant Buddha and the ones that represent each day of the week. The temple is well maintained and can get a little crowded. Our tour guide walked us through and gave us great tidbits about the temple's history. Now for my standard comments. Location is clean and well kept. As usual, you do need to be mindful and take shoes off before entering the temple.

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.

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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

Moderate

Peak: November – February

Getting there

Train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong (~1.5 hrs, very cheap). Minivan from Bangkok's Mo Chit (~1.5 hrs). 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