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Wat Phutthaisawan

A quiet 1353 riverside temple most boat tours rush past, and that's exactly why it's worth your own trip.

4.7(3,049)
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Daily 08:00–17:30

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.

Details

Full opening hours
Monday08:00–17:30
Tuesday08:00–17:30
Wednesday08:00–17:30
Thursday08:00–17:30
Friday08:00–17:30
Saturday08:00–17:30
Sunday08:00–17:30

Why go, and how to do it well

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 apply. 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.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026

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Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat Phutthaisawan, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

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.

15, 13000 Unnamed Road, Tambon Samphao Lom, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand

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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture

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.

Go Early Morning

Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.

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).

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