Wat Tha Ka Rong
This is the Ayutthaya temple that splits people in half, and you should know which half you're likely to land in before you go. It's a genuine working monastery, said to date to the mid-16th century, but over the years it has picked up robotic figures, animatronic mannequins, oversized models of famous monks and a floating market where the trade is largely in merit rather than souvenirs. Reviewers use words like Disneyland and kitsch. Others use words like soul. Both are fair.
What I like about it is that the place keeps unfolding. You think you've seen the lot, then there's another courtyard, another shrine, another robotic panda near the toilets. Locals are actually worshipping while all this goes on, which is the interesting part. Go on a weekday if you can. The car parks and seating suggest it gets heaving at weekends. Fair warning from one visitor: the steps can be wet and grubby, which matters when you're padding around in socks.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Tha Ka Rong, round out your day in Ayutthaya with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
The temple that keeps on giving. Just when you think you've seen everything you stumble on another little area. From robotic pandas and robotic women welcoming you to the toilets, to giant models of famous monks, a floating market, just to mention some of the attractions this temple has it all. You'll not be bored. Went during the week and it was fairly quiet. I can only imagine going by the car parks and seating area it gets busy at other times.
Wat Tha Kak Rong is a peaceful temple with a calm atmosphere and beautiful Thai architecture. The area is clean and welcoming, making it a nice place to relax, pray, and experience local culture.
A very strange place. Like a Buddhist kitsch Disneyland. The talking mannequins were properly creepy, and the temple steps were dirty and wet, which was not ideal while wearing socks.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 5,315 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 Tha Ka Rong: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Tha Ka Rong worth visiting?
Wat Tha Ka Rong holds a 4.4★ rating from 5,315 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Ayutthaya.
What are the opening hours of Wat Tha Ka Rong?
Wat Tha Ka Rong is open 24 hours a day — 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 Tha Ka Rong?
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 Tha Ka Rong located?
Wat Tha Ka Rong is at 52/2 ถนน อยุธยา - บางบาน, Tambon Ban Pom, 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
52/2 ถนน อยุธยา - บางบาน, Tambon Ban Pom, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand080 108 8884www.facebook.com/watthakarong/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
Where to stay near Wat Tha Ka Rong
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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 Kasattrathirat Worawihan
A working temple, not a ruin, and far quieter than the big-name sites across the river.

Pridi Banomyong Memorial
A riverside memorial and former home honouring Pridi Banomyong, a key architect of Thai democracy.

Reclining Buddha Sai Yat - Phra Buddha Sai Yat
A 37-metre reclining Buddha out in the open, quieter than the big-name ruins, but freshly restored.

Wat Lokaya Sutha
The reclining Buddha here is huge and freshly restored, so temper your expectations if you came for weathered stone.
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 Tha Ka Rong
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