Wat Ratchaburana
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. One warning: the crypt stairway is steep and narrow, so skip it if that's an issue for you.
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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.
Also Popular in Ayutthaya
Ayothaya Floating Market
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Ayutthaya City Park
Air-conditioned refuge with 500-odd shops, a Lotus, a Robinson and a Sizzler, all joined up under one roof.
Sriayuthaya Lion Park
A big, clean zoo with cheap feeding stations, brilliant with kids, but the animal shows sit badly with some.
Chet Sao Noi National Park
Seven gentle tiers along a shaded stream, and really only the fourth one is worth getting wet in.
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).
Location Info
9H58+FWF, Soi Chikun, Tambon Tha Wa Su Kri, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, ThailandVisitor 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 Ratchaburana
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
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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
Ayutthaya
An ancient former capital packed with remarkable temple ruins and rich cultural heritage.
Wat Mahathat
The Buddha head in the tree roots is the draw, but the wider ruins are what stay with you.
Buddha Head In The Roots Of A Bodhi Tree
Iconic sandstone Buddha head cradled within ancient Bodhi tree roots at Ayutthaya's Wat Mahathat.
Wat Langkha Khao
A lesser-known Ayutthaya temple ruin distinguished by its striking bell-shaped chedi and quiet, unhurried atmosphere.
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 Ratchaburana
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