Wat Phraya Maen
Wat Phraya Maen is an abandoned historical temple ruin located outside Ayutthaya's main city island in the Lum Phli area, registered as an ancient monument and sitting quietly off a back road away from the more heavily visited sites of the old city. Unlike many ruins in the region where access is restricted, this site allows visitors to climb and step inside the remaining structures, offering a more hands-on encounter with Ayutthaya's layered history. The grounds are modest in scale, and most visitors find an hour sufficient to explore the site thoroughly. The atmosphere is notably quiet, with few crowds, which lends the place a genuinely contemplative character. The ruins give a clear sense of what a significant Buddhist temple would have looked like at its height, and the relative seclusion makes it a worthwhile stop for travellers seeking something beyond the main tourist circuit. The site has occasionally attracted film productions, a testament to its atmospheric quality. Good to know: Wat Phraya Maen can be difficult to find as it sits on a back road north of the old city, so a GPS-enabled map app is strongly recommended. Visitor reviews note the grounds can be overgrown and maintenance is inconsistent, so wearing closed shoes is advisable. The site appears to be accessible around the clock, but visiting during daylight hours is sensible for both safety and visibility. Respectful dress covering shoulders and knees is expected, as with all Thai temple sites.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Phraya Maen, round out your day in Ayutthaya with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Very interesting place with a few buidings to see.would have looked great in its day.very relaxing as not people but well kept.
Very beautiful place, the day we visited there was a movie production
Wat Phrayaman is an abandoned temple, outside of the city island in the east, Tambon Lum Phli, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat aphra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Registered as an ancient remains on July 20, A.D. 1943 ( B.E. 2486 ) without marking boundary and completely amendatory on October 21, A.D. 1980 ( B.E. 2523 ). No strong evidence of when this temple built and by whom, referring to the archaeological evidence Somdej Phra Phetracha used to be ordained at this temple and his master forecasted that he will be a king, he issued an order to renovate and completely finished in A.D. 1690 ( B.E. 2233 ) and promoted as Reverend Abbot Phra Sri Satjayanmunee after the forecast fulfilled. With such an evidences dating back to the time of this temple established in the Middle to Late Ayutthaya period ( the 22-23th B.E. century ), it was abandoned after Ayutthaya fell to Burmese in A.D. 1767 ( B.E. 2310 ). Situated in the huge area that pave the way for any religious activities, it means this temple must have been the important temple at that time, built on the high land with 3 steps to reach Ubosot so as to get avoid of flooding problems which was often happened ( Ayutthaya was surrounded by 3 rivers, Pa Sak River in the east, Chao Phraya on the west and south and Lopburi River in the north, King U-Thong issued an order to dig these three rivers connected with the purpose of preventing city from invaders). Surrounded with walls,holes of lotus leaves features pierced around the wall for placing candles ( no electric in the ancient time any religious activities executed inside Ubosot was the light needed ). Late Ayutthaya period architecture shown on the twin Prangs in the east, belfry, base and chedi. This temple must have been important as mentioned above, apart from its big area, the light from numerous candles, flood protection ( 3 steps stairs),the water ( wells )system also built. Even though this is abandoned temple, I recommend visitors to visit since it is on very huge area in the middle of the field and selected to be the performance site for special location, no admission fee ( no need to charge because visitors can reach 360 degrees around the area ).
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Wat Phraya Maen: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Phraya Maen worth visiting?
Wat Phraya Maen holds a 4.4★ rating from 191 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Ayutthaya.
What are the opening hours of Wat Phraya Maen?
Wat Phraya Maen is typically open 00:00-23:59 — 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 Phraya Maen?
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 Phraya Maen located?
Wat Phraya Maen is at 9HH3+5GM, Lum Phli, 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
9HH3+5GM, Lum Phli, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, ThailandTours & tickets nearby
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). 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 Phraya Maen
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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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Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan
An iconic riverside Buddhist temple adorned with intricate porcelain-tiled spires in Bangkok's old city.
Where to stay near Wat Phraya Maen
Find hotels in Ayutthaya on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fees
- Compare live prices
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Best rates in Asia
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Hotels.com Rewards
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Tours & tickets nearby
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). 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