Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan
The giant gilded Buddha is the whole point here, and it's worth the trip. It fills the main hall almost to the ceiling, ringed by antique statues and smaller figures for each day of the week, and the people kneeling in front of it are mostly there to pray rather than photograph. That's what separates this place from Ayutthaya's ruins. It was founded in 1324, before the kingdom itself, and it never stopped being used.
One honest warning: signage is in Thai. If you turn up alone with half an hour off a river boat, you'll take a few photos and leave none the wiser. Some people do exactly that and come away flat. A guide changes the visit completely, because the iconography needs explaining. Failing that, read up beforehand. The grounds are well kept, with wooden floors underfoot and the Chao Phraya running along one side, and there's a quiet garden in one corner if the crowds get much.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan, round out your day in Ayutthaya with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
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.
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.
This temple complex was a complete disappointment. We disembarked our boat trip and was told we had 30 minutes to look around. We did this and took quite a few not very interesting pictures, because there was no signage in English, every sign was in Thai, and really there was no help for foreign visitors at all. The only part I found remotely interesting was a garden area at the corner of the complex, plus there was some interesting shipping activity on the river itself. Not recommended at all unless you go with a guide with your national language. I saw only a handful of other visitors whilst I was walking around for half an hour.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 22,784 reviews on Google.
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Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan worth visiting?
Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan holds a 4.7★ rating from 22,784 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Ayutthaya.
What are the opening hours of Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan?
Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan is typically open 08:00-17:00 — 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 Phanan Choeng Worawihan?
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 Phanan Choeng Worawihan located?
Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan is at 2, Tambon Kamang, 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
2, Tambon Kamang, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand+66 35 243 867www.facebook.com/%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%8D%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3-%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%9E%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%AD%E0%B9%82%E0%B8%95-%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A8%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%98%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%B2-1796324470644105/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 Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan
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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

San Chao Mae Soi Dok Mak
A two-floor Chinese goddess shrine within Wat Phanan Choeng, known for its peaceful spiritual atmosphere.

Wat Rattanachai
A neighbourhood temple in Ayutthaya's historic heartland, offering a calm retreat from the busier sites.

Phet Fortress
A historic riverside fortress marking where the Pasak and Chao Phraya rivers meet in ancient Ayutthaya.

Baan Hollanda
Free museum tracing 400 years of Dutch-Thai trade history, set on a former VOC trading post in Ayutthaya.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand

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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 Phanan Choeng Worawihan
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