Wat Phra Ram
Quieter than Wat Mahathat, with a tall Khmer-style prang and a pond, best walked slowly at 8am.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 08:00–18:30
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
Tours that include Wat Phra Ram
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Phra Ram.
Why go, and how to do it well
The draw here is space. Where Wat Mahathat pulls the crowds and the lines for photos, this 14th-century complex in the Ayutthaya Historical Park lets you wander at your own pace, and that changes how the ruins feel. The central prang rises corn-cob shaped above the grounds in the Khmer style, Buddha images sit carved into the outer walls, and a large pond wraps part of the site. Mature trees give you shade, which matters more than you'd think.
Go at opening. The heat between March and May is punishing and there's not much cover between the chedis, so 8am or the last hour before closing is when the stonework looks its best anyway. Give it 40 minutes and actually look at things rather than ticking it off between temples.
Some visitors have complained about litter around the grounds, and about elephants in chains being used for tourist rides nearby. If that sort of thing bothers you, and it should, don't give it your money.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
Stay within reach of Wat Phra Ram
SponsoredSearch Ayutthaya hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.
See hotels near Wat Phra RamOpens Booking.com with your dates
Tours that include Wat Phra Ram
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Phra Ram.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat Phra Ram, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 3 minKing Ramathibodi I MonumentTemples & Culture · 240 m · 4.7★
- 3 minKum Khun PhaanTemples & Culture · 270 m · 4.4★
- 4 minAyutthaya Gold Treasure Exhibition BuildingTemples & Culture · 310 m · 4.8★
- 4 minChao Sam Phraya National MuseumTemples & Culture · 350 m · 4.6★
- 5 minWiharn Phra Mongkhon BophitTemples & Culture · 380 m · 4.7★
- 5 minBueng Phra Ram ParkActivities & Tours · 380 m · 4.4★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Phra Ram, round out your day in Ayutthaya with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Quiet, resting atmosphere. Great for nomads needing a good night sleep. Stable trees surrounding the temple. Make sure to hang the hammock at least half a meter high, to avoid dogs and lizards. Morning breakfast, water may be complimentarily included by good samaritans from surrounding temples. Lights will be turned off by the nice people, when you fall asleep. Sleep quality: 4/5 Friendly times: 10pm-7am
Wat Phra Ram is a beautiful ancient temple complex similar to Wat Mahathat, but with its own unique charm. The old ruins and tall prang create a majestic view surrounded by nature. It feels peaceful, full of history, and perfect for taking photos and enjoying the atmosphere of old Ayutthaya.
Beautiful temple, however the amount of plastic and garbage is disgusting. There are thousands of paying tourists daily, they surely have the money for maintaining the park and cleaning the piles of rubbish that are everywhere. On top of that, the cruelty of seeing the elephants in chains used by ignorant tourists to go around is just appalling. It's simply unacceptable. Elephants are wild animals, are aggressive in their natural environment and are incredibly powerful. It's crazy to see this disgusting and predatory behavior by Thai guides and foreign tourists in 2025.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 1,816 reviews on Google.
Pratu Chai Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within a 4-minute walk of Wat Phra Ram.
King Ramathibodi I Monument
Kum Khun Phaan
Ayutthaya Gold Treasure Exhibition Building
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
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.
Wat Phra Ram: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Phra Ram worth visiting?
Wat Phra Ram holds a 4.6★ rating from 1,816 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Ayutthaya.
What are the opening hours of Wat Phra Ram?
Wat Phra Ram 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 Phra Ram?
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 Phra Ram located?
Wat Phra Ram is at 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).
Also popular in Ayutthaya
Central Ayutthaya
The Summer House
Chiwaplang Massage Ayutthaya
Mr.Biker Motor Scooter Rental Ayutthaya
Similar Temples & Culture across Thailand
Wat Arun
Wat Mahathat
Wat Khao Sap
