Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today
Temples & Culture
Ayutthaya

Wat Phraya Maen

4.4(191 reviews)

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.

Book tours & tickets in Ayutthaya

Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Wat Phraya Maen — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Experience hints

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 ).

Also Popular in Ayutthaya

Ayothaya Floating Market

Ayothaya Floating Market

3.9(18,734)
65/19 Tambon Phai Ling, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand

A tourist-oriented floating market in Ayutthaya where visitors explore souvenir stalls and food vendors by foot or boat.

Ayutthaya City Park

Ayutthaya City Park

4.4(8,493)
126 หมู่ที่ 3 ถนน สายเอเชีย, Tambon Khlong Suan Plu, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand

A large indoor-outdoor shopping complex in Ayutthaya with 500+ stores, dining, banking, and everyday essentials.

Sriayuthaya Lion Park

Sriayuthaya Lion Park

4.7(7,217)
91, Tambon Nong Khanak, Amphoe Tha Ruea, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13130, Thailand

A large, well-organised zoo in Ayutthaya where visitors can feed and observe lions, tigers, giraffes, and more.

Chet Sao Noi National Park

Chet Sao Noi National Park

4.5(7,149)
2224, Tambon Muak Lek, Amphoe Muak Lek, Chang Wat Saraburi 18180, Thailand

A compact, seven-tiered waterfall park in Saraburi offering shaded forest trails and a cool, peaceful retreat from the city.

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, Thailand

Tours & tickets nearby

Opening Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
ThursdayClosed
FridayClosed
SaturdayClosed
Sunday00:00-23:59

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). 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

Find hotels in Ayutthaya on the booking sites travellers trust most.

  • Free cancellation on most rooms
  • No booking fees
  • Compare live prices

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

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.

Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Featured

Wat Phra Kaew

4.6(85,000)
Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Bangkok's most sacred temple sits within the Grand Palace complex, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.

Doi Suthep Temple
Featured

Doi Suthep Temple

4.6(58,000)
Doi Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

A sacred mountaintop Buddhist temple from 1383, offering a golden chedi and sweeping views over Chiang Mai.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace

4.6(76,723)
Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

A breathtaking 18th-century royal palace complex showcasing centuries of Thai history, gold-adorned architecture, and sacred temples.

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan

4.7(43,616)
158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand

An iconic riverside Buddhist temple adorned with intricate porcelain-tiled spires in Bangkok's old city.