Wiharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit
Busy, modern temple best known for its massive, gilded statue of the sitting Buddha.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wiharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit, round out your day in Ayutthaya with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
The first time I set foot in Ayutthaya, this was the first temple that I visited. Fast forward to my most recent visit for the umpteenth time (March 2025), it still feels great to see it. It's a monumental piece, a significant part of the ancient capital's history. You will see fascinating photos of the past when you are inside the temple. The Buddha statue inside is massive, but for a long time, it is covered due to it being reinforced. Nearby is the equally grand temple complex named Wat Sri Sanphet and after your visit you can go to the Ayutthaya Souvenir Market just right beside this white temple.
Really enjoyed stopping by. It’s super easy to visit if you’re already exploring the nearby ruins. Unfortunately, the giant Buddha was under restoration when we visited, so we missed that 🙍🏻♀️ but I can imagine it’ll look amazing once it’s done. The architecture is beautiful and it was a nice break from the ruins and a lovely place to just take it all in.
Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit Temple is very quiet and gives an impressive sense of solemnity. I bought a small sacred Buddha amulet there.
Location Info
9H34+GV8 ประตูชัย Thanon Naresuan, Tambon Pratuchai, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, ThailandTips 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
Visitors can walk or ride a boat around this hub of souvenir shops & eateries lining a waterway.
Ayutthaya City Park
500+ stores at a modern, indoor-outdoor shopping center with a convention hall & futsal arena.
Sriayuthaya Lion Park
A well-kept zoo in Ayutthaya where visitors can feed and observe lions, giraffes, tigers, and more.
Chet Sao Noi National Park
A peaceful national park near Saraburi featuring a seven-tiered waterfall, forest trails, and natural swimming spots.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple, home to the Emerald Buddha
Doi Suthep Temple
Hilltop temple overlooking Chiang Mai with stunning golden chedi
The Grand Palace
Built in 1782, this ornate royal palace complex now houses a museum & is open to visitors.
Pattaya Walking Street
Colorful red-light area, closed to vehicles nightly & lined with bars, nightclubs, eateries & neon.
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). 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