Wat Ratchaburana
Climb the steps into the crypt beneath the prang, and you've done the one thing Ayutthaya's other ruins can't match.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 08:00–18:30
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
Tours that include Wat Ratchaburana
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Ratchaburana.
Why go, and how to do it well
If you're only paying to enter two of Ayutthaya's temples, make this one of them. The tall Khmer-style prang has survived better than most of what's left in the old city, and you can climb the steps and go down inside it, into the crypt where a hoard of royal treasures was once found. That descent is the reason to come. Plenty of the ruins here start to blur together after your third or fourth ticket, and this one doesn't.
King Borommarachathirat II built it in the 15th century for two elder brothers who killed each other duelling for the throne, which is worth knowing before you stand in front of it. The carvings on the prang repay a slow walk around the base rather than a quick photo. The grounds are open, well kept and quieter than you'd expect. The crypt stairway is steep and narrow, so skip it if that's an issue for you.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
Stay within reach of Wat Ratchaburana
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Tours that include Wat Ratchaburana
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Ratchaburana.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat Ratchaburana, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 1 minView Wat AyutthayaRestaurants & Food · 110 m · 4.7★
- 2 minNoodle Soup & PadthaiRestaurants & Food · 160 m · 4.9★
- 2 minBurindaRestaurants & Food · 160 m · 4.4★
- 2 minBoranRestaurants & Food · 160 m · 4.4★
- 2 minPRANG VIEWRestaurants & Food · 160 m · 4.4★
- 2 minToys AyutthayaNightlife & Bars · 170 m · 4.2★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Ratchaburana, round out your day in Ayutthaya with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Visiting Ayutthaya was absolutely amazing! The whole historical city has such a special atmosphere — beautiful ruins, ancient temples, and so much history everywhere you look. That said, it’s huge, and many of the sites look quite similar. I wouldn’t recommend buying tickets for all of them (there are around 10–11 in total). Instead, choose 1–2 of the most unique ones — especially Wat Ratchaburana, where you can see the famous Buddha head beautifully engraved within tree roots. It’s truly unforgettable. After that, just take a walk around the surrounding gardens and open park areas — they’re free to enter, and you can see many of the temples from outside. The views are stunning, and wandering around at your own pace makes the experience even better. Definitely worth visiting, just plan smart and enjoy the atmosphere! 🌿✨
Wat Ratchaburana is an impressive historical temple with detailed architecture and a tall central prang that stands beautifully preserved. The site has a calm atmosphere and offers a real sense of Ayutthaya’s ancient history. You can even explore the crypt below, which adds an extra layer of mystery and fascination.
Beautiful temple in the heart of old Ayutthaya. A must visit, you can climb the steps and enter the stuppa!
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 2,941 reviews on Google.
9H58+FWF, Soi Chikun, Tambon Tha Wa Su Kri, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within a 8-minute walk of Wat Ratchaburana.
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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 Ratchaburana: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Ratchaburana worth visiting?
Wat Ratchaburana holds a 4.7★ rating from 2,941 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Ayutthaya.
What are the opening hours of Wat Ratchaburana?
Wat Ratchaburana 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 Ratchaburana?
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 Ratchaburana located?
Wat Ratchaburana is at 9H58+FWF, Soi Chikun, Tambon Tha Wa Su Kri, 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).
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