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Temples & Culture
Ayutthaya

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

4.7(13,668 reviews)

Get here at opening. That's the single piece of advice I'd give anyone planning Ayutthaya, because by 10am the crowds thicken and the three chedis, the ones that end up on every postcard of this city, are hard to photograph without a queue in the frame. At 80 baht, it's one of the cheapest bits of history you'll buy in Thailand.

This was the royal temple of the Ayutthaya palace, used by the kings themselves, and the three restored chedis are said to hold their ashes. The kingdom fell in 1767 and what's left is laterite walls, broken Buddha images and those towers standing in a row. The grounds are open, flat and kept tidy, and they reward walking slowly rather than ticking off a photo and moving on. It's the natural centrepiece of the historical park, and most people fold it into a loop of the surrounding ruins.

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Experience hints

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Reviews from Google

Did this as part of a tour via trip.com -- Ayutthaya Temples & Ayothaya Floating Market Tour This was a fantastic full-day tour and a great way to experience Ayutthaya. Our guide, Jenny, was excellent from the very first “hello” at the meeting point until the end of the day. She was friendly, highly knowledgeable, and added real depth and context to every place we visited. Our driver, Gai, was equally impressive—very safe and professional, always waiting with the VIP minibus cooled down and ready to go. The meeting point was at 09:50 near Robinsons McDonald’s, next to Terminal 21 Mall. It’s easiest to reach via BTS or MRT (Asoke/Sukhumvit stations), as Bangkok traffic can be unpredictable. If you’re taking a taxi, it’s best to go only as far as the nearest Skytrain or subway station. There’s also a 24-hour Topps supermarket directly below the meeting point, which is handy for grabbing last-minute water, snacks, or mosquito spray. The VIP minivan (around 10–12 guests) was very comfortable. We headed north past Don Mueang Airport, with the journey taking just over an hour depending on traffic. During the day we visited three impressive historic temples, with the Ayothaya Floating Market visited after the first temple. At each stop, Jenny highlighted the must-see features before giving us plenty of free time to explore at our own pace. Her explanations really brought the history to life. Lunch was at the floating market area, where there are plenty of food options and reasonably priced stalls (I’d had a big breakfast, so it was a bit early for me). There’s also a coffee shop stop after the third temple. Highlights included seeing the famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots—remember to sit down when taking photos here. Ladies should cover their shoulders when visiting temples, and you’ll be advised where to remove shoes and hats. Many locations provide umbrellas to help with the heat, which was a nice touch. After the final temple, we made the relaxed drive back to the meeting point. You can enjoy snacks and drinks on the bus or simply nod off after a full day. The tour never felt rushed and was extremely well organised. Overall, it was a great experience, delivered superbly by Jenny. 👍🏼🙏🏼

This is a fantastic spot in Ayutthaya and worth visiting. I would recommend going to visit the historical site in a private car or rental car. You can also rent a bike to cycle around the site but each stupa, temple or bhudda statue can be far apart so it's a fair cycle around. Walking is possible but it does get hot so bring a hat and lots of water.

This is a must-visit destination in Ayutthaya! It offers a fascinating glimpse into Thailand's history. For just 80 baht, you can enjoy a lovely stroll through the area, which is well-maintained and tidy. ✨

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 13,668 reviews on Google.

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Wat Phra Si Sanphet: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wat Phra Si Sanphet worth visiting?

Wat Phra Si Sanphet holds a 4.7★ rating from 13,668 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Ayutthaya.

What are the opening hours of Wat Phra Si Sanphet?

Wat Phra Si Sanphet 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 Si Sanphet?

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 Si Sanphet located?

Wat Phra Si Sanphet 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, Thailand
Opening Hours
Monday08:00–18:30
Tuesday08:00–18:30
Wednesday08:00–18:30
Thursday08:00–18:30
Friday08:00–18:30
Saturday08:00–18:30
Sunday08:00–18:30

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). 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 Si Sanphet

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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.

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