Wat Phra Ram
The draw here is space. Where Wat Mahathat pulls the crowds and the queues 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.
One honest note: 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.
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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.
Also Popular in Ayutthaya
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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 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).
Location Info
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 Phra Ram
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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
King Ramathibodi I Monument
A tribute to Ayutthaya's founding king, set in the historic heart of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
Kum Khun Phaan
A replica nobleman's residence with lotus ponds and traditional architecture, offering a quiet glimpse into Ayutthaya's heritage.
Ayutthaya Gold Treasure Exhibition Building
A focused cultural exhibition in Ayutthaya showcasing gold treasures and artefacts from Thailand's ancient capital era.
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
Go here before the ruins, not after: the gold from Wat Ratchaburana's crypt explains everything else.
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 Phra Ram
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