Wat Phutthaisawan
Go under your own steam. The boat tours that pass this place on the Chao Phraya give you half an hour if you're lucky, and some people don't get past the gate at all, which is a shame when the interesting old brick buildings are set back at the rear of the grounds. Come independently and you can walk the whole complex at your own pace.
Founded in 1353, it's one of Ayutthaya's older temples and sits far enough from the main ruin circuit to stay genuinely quiet. The main Buddha image is inside the big tower, the one that gives the temple its name, roughly "monastery of Lord Buddha of the heaven". Signage is thin and there's rarely a guide, so read a little before you arrive or you'll walk past things without knowing it. Two honest warnings: birds have made themselves at home and some of the enclosed structures smell strongly of it, and a few areas carry beware-of-dog signs that put some people off.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Phutthaisawan, round out your day in Ayutthaya with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
This temple feels like a quiet pause from the world. Walking through the old brick ruins and sitting near the golden Buddha, everything slows down in the nicest way. It’s not crowded or noisy, just soft light, warm air, and a deep sense of history. I spent time wandering without any rush, taking in the details of the statues and the calm atmosphere around them. It’s a beautiful place to clear your mind, reflect, or simply enjoy the stillness. I sit in a quiet space and meditate for quite a while. It’s the nicest feeling ever. Sathu 🙏🏻 If you’re looking for somewhere peaceful in Ayutthaya, this is definitely worth a visit.
The temple comex is beautiful and has some pretty features. Unfortunatly just rushed through as part of the boat trip, didn't have time even to enter. Also did not like 'do not enter beware of the dogs signs' some places, made me feel unsafe. I would not enter where signed not to go anyway, no need for threats, unless there are actually agressive dogs on the loose there.
A very beautiful temple complex with lots to see. Very quiet as it’s a bit out of the way. The only downside is that there’s a bit of a bird pest problem and some of the temples smell very strongly of bird poo.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 3,049 reviews on Google.
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Wat Phutthaisawan: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Phutthaisawan worth visiting?
Wat Phutthaisawan holds a 4.7★ rating from 3,049 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Ayutthaya.
What are the opening hours of Wat Phutthaisawan?
Wat Phutthaisawan is typically open 08:00-17:30 — 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 Phutthaisawan?
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 Phutthaisawan located?
Wat Phutthaisawan is at 15, 13000 Unnamed Road, Tambon Samphao Lom, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat 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
15, 13000 Unnamed Road, Tambon Samphao Lom, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand086 171 7175www.facebook.com/Putthaisawan?mibextid=ZbWKwLVisitor 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 Phutthaisawan
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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
Wat Jao Prap
A peaceful, free-to-enter historical temple within Ayutthaya Historical Park, known for its restored prang and tranquil grounds.
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
Go here before the ruins, not after: the gold from Wat Ratchaburana's crypt explains everything else.
Ayutthaya Gold Treasure Exhibition Building
A focused cultural exhibition in Ayutthaya showcasing gold treasures and artefacts from Thailand's ancient capital era.
Ayutthaya Elephant Palace & Royal Kraal
An elephant riding operation by the ruins, and the welfare complaints in the reviews are hard to ignore.
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 Phutthaisawan
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