Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today
Wat Ratchaburana
Temples & Culture
Ayutthaya

Wat Ratchaburana

4.7(2,795 reviews)

Wat Ratchaburana is one of Ayutthaya's most striking historical landmarks, built in the 15th century and renowned for its tall central prang — a Khmer-style tower that remains impressively well-preserved amid the surrounding ruins. The site holds particular historical significance as it was constructed by King Borommarachathirat II to honour two elder brothers who died in a duel for the throne, and its crypt once contained a remarkable collection of royal treasures. Visitors can expect a calm, open atmosphere that contrasts with the grandeur of the architecture. The detailed stone carvings that adorn the prang reward closer inspection, and the grounds are well maintained. One of the more distinctive features of the site is the opportunity to descend into the crypt beneath the central tower — a rare and atmospheric experience that gives a tangible sense of the temple's layered history. Wat Ratchaburana is open every day from 08:00 to 18:30 and charges an entrance fee, so visitors should bring cash. Given Ayutthaya's size and the number of temples worth exploring, the site pairs naturally with nearby Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Sri Sanphet for a full day of historical exploration. Modest dress is expected at all temple sites in Thailand, so shoulders and knees should be covered. Arriving earlier in the day helps avoid the midday heat and any group tour crowds.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Visitor Reviews

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! 🌿✨

A historic and majestic temple. The central tower is stunningly beautiful and truly impressive. The inside is clean and well maintained. It’s quiet yet feels open and spacious. There’s an entrance fee, but it’s a great spot for young people to take photos. Unlike in Bangkok, the weathered state of the buildings here gives a real sense of history — very emotional and moving.

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.

Location Info

9H58+FWF, Soi Chikun, Tambon Tha Wa Su Kri, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
Opening Hours
Monday08:00-18:30
Tuesday08:00-18:30
Wednesday08:00-18:30
Thursday08:00-18:30
Friday08:00-18:30
Saturday08:00-18:30
Sunday08:00-18:30

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 Ratchaburana

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

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.

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.

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.

Pattaya Walking Street

Pattaya Walking Street

4.3(51,994)
Walking St, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand

Pattaya's iconic pedestrian nightlife strip, buzzing nightly with bars, clubs, seafood, and neon lights.