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What To Do In Ayutthaya? Explore Top Best Temples In Ayutthaya

Former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya is now one of Thailand’s most fascinating historical sites. Its UNESCO-listed ruins reflect its former glory through majestic temples that blend Khmer influences with Sukhothai style. So, what to do in Ayutthaya? A visit to Ayutthaya is not complete without exploring the Ayutthaya Historical Park, home to the most beautiful temples in Ayutthaya—true architectural gems. Here is our selection of the best temples in Ayutthaya to immerse yourself in the history and spirituality of this legendary city.

I. What to do in Ayutthaya? Suggestions for the best temples in Ayutthaya to visit

1. Wat Phra Si Sanphet – The three chedis

• Address: Pratu Chai Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
• Google Maps: https://g.co/kgs/XPgqesR
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
• Entrance Fee: 30 THB/person (~ 1 USD)

Wat Phra Si Sanphet is one of the most iconic temples in Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. As a former royal temple, it stands as a testament to the past grandeur of the ancient Siamese capital. Its majestic architecture and historical significance make it a must-see in Ayutthaya. If you're wondering what to do in Ayutthaya, discovering this Ayutthaya temple is an essential stop.

The highlight of this Ayutthaya temple is undoubtedly its three grand chedis (stupas), surrounded by smaller ones, creating an impressive architectural ensemble. These chedis house the ashes of three kings of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, earning it the nickname "Temple of the Kings." Unlike other temples in Ayutthaya, Wat Phra Si Sanphet was exclusively a royal temple with no monastic residence. However, it served as a venue for Buddhist clergy during royal cremation ceremonies and other religious rites.

In 1500, King Ramathibodi II commissioned the construction of an impressive 16-meter-tall Buddha statue covered in gold, symbolizing the royal family's devotion. However, during the sacking of Ayutthaya in 1767, Burmese invaders looted the city and melted down the statue’s gold. Later, under the reign of King Rama I, the statue’s remains were relocated to Wat Phra Chetaphun in Bangkok.

Despite the ravages of time and war, Wat Phra Si Sanphet Ayutthaya remains a must-see in Ayutthaya. Today, it has been restored and preserved by Thai authorities, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the glorious history of the former Siamese capital. Recognized as one of the best temples in Ayutthaya, this historic site offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Ayutthaya.

2. Wat Mahathat – The Buddha head in sacred tree roots

• Address: Chikun Alley, Pratuchai Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
• Google Maps: https://g.co/kgs/3btVBey
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
• Entrance Fee: 50 THB/person (~ 1,5 USD/person)

Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya is one of the oldest and most significant Buddhist temples in Thailand, as it once housed sacred Buddha relics. Furthermore, as a royal temple of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, this Ayutthaya temple hosted major ceremonies such as the Royal Kathin. Since the fall of the kingdom in 1767, it has been severely damaged and abandoned.

Located in the heart of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wat Mahathat combines wild beauty with majestic architecture. Built in 1374 under the reign of King Borom Rachathirat I and completed under King Ramesuan, it has witnessed centuries of history and conflict. Destroyed during the 18th-century wars, it was later restored in 1956. Today, a visit to Ayutthaya would not be complete without exploring this historically rich temple, which remains one of the best temples in Ayutthaya.

Despite the ravages of time, Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya still preserves remarkable architectural elements, reflecting its historical and spiritual significance. Its ruins continue to captivate visitors, and several artifacts from the site are now displayed at the National Museum of Thailand. This Ayutthaya temple is also renowned for its numerous sandstone and terracotta Buddha statues, intricately detailed and exuding a serene expression. The central highlight of the temple is a majestic Buddha statue situated beneath the shade of a large sacred tree, where visitors come to pray and admire the ancient carvings that adorn it.

However, the most iconic image of Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya is undoubtedly the 700-year-old Buddha head entwined within the roots of a sacred tree. Likely toppled during the Burmese invasion of 1767, the head was slowly enveloped by the roots, symbolizing the harmony between nature and faith as well as eternity in the face of time’s changes. Furthermore, other remains present on the site are well worth a must-see in Ayutthaya.

If you're wondering “What to do in Ayutthaya?”, exploring the Ayutthaya Historical Park and its architectural treasures is an excellent choice. Among the best temples in Ayutthaya, Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya stands out for its mystical ambiance and fascinating heritage, making it a must-see in Ayutthaya for history enthusiasts and photography lovers alike.

3. Wat Ratchaburana – One of the best temples in Ayutthaya

• Address: Chikun Alley, Tambon Tha Wa Su Kri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
• Google Maps: https://g.co/kgs/wAArHF5
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
• Entrance fee: 50 THB/person (~ 1,5 USD/person)

Wat Ratchaburana, located within the Ayutthaya Historical Park, is one of the most iconic temples showcasing the influence of Hindu architecture in Thailand. Built in the mid-15th century by King Borommaracha in memory of his younger brother, it stands out for its historical and artistic significance. If you're wondering "What to do in Ayutthaya?", exploring this Ayutthaya temple is an unmissable experience.

One of the highlights of Ayutthaya Wat Ratchaburana is its preaching pavilion, a sacred space where sermons, Buddhist teachings, and Dharma explanations were once delivered by esteemed monks to devoted followers and practitioners.

The main structure of this Ayutthaya temple still preserves finely decorated stucco frescoes, crafted by a Chinese artist from Ayutthaya. Its central prang, influenced by Angkorian architecture, bears a resemblance to temples such as Phnom Bakheng and Angkor Wat. The intricate naga (mythical serpent) and Garuda (divine bird) motifs highlight the strong Hindu influence.

Although the ancient structures of Ayutthaya Wat Ratchaburana have been partially eroded over time and are no longer intact, the site remains a valuable testament to history and the destruction left by wars. Its mysterious and spiritual atmosphere makes it a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts during an Ayutthaya trip. Ranked among the best temples in Ayutthaya, it offers visitors a unique glimpse into the glorious past of the Siamese kingdom.

4. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon – A symbol of spiritual tourism in Ayutthaya

• Address: 40 Luang Pho Khao, Soi 3, Phai Ling, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
• Google Maps: https://g.co/kgs/S6FbKvw
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: 50 THB/person (~ 1,5 USD/person)

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon Ayutthaya is one of the most significant temples in this ancient Thai capital and a renowned spiritual site. Unlike other historical ruins, this Ayutthaya temple remains an active monastery where monks still reside. Both Thai locals and travelers come here to pay homage to Buddha and honor King Naresuan the Great. If you're wondering "What to do in Ayutthaya?", exploring this temple is an essential stop.

Historians believe that Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon Ayutthaya was once a Khmer sanctuary before being transformed into a royal temple by King U-Thong in 1350. After his victory over the Burmese in 1593, King Naresuan restored the temple and expanded the main chedi, naming it Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, or The Great Temple of Auspicious Victory.

Plundered in 1767 during the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese, this Ayutthaya temple was left abandoned. In the 1950s, a new monastery was established, and restoration efforts began, including the reconstruction of many Buddha statues.

What to do in Ayutthaya? Don’t miss Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, one of the best temples in Ayutthaya, located within the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Surrounding its main chedi, numerous small stupas stand on a lush green courtyard, though some have been partially eroded by time. Inside the temple grounds, rows of Buddha statues draped in golden fabric are carefully aligned, adding a sacred and serene ambiance to the site.

This Ayutthaya temple is famous for its imposing Reclining Buddha statue and spectacular bell-shaped stupa. The latter, towering at 62 meters high, rests on a broad platform flanked by two large Buddha statues. Visitors can climb the steps leading to a terrace that offers panoramic views of the entire site. A rectangular corridor surrounds the chedi, adorned with dozens of stone Buddha statues. Originally covered in gold, these statues are now draped in saffron-colored cloth.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is a must-see in Ayutthaya, blending history, spirituality, and architecture for an unforgettable experience.

5. Wat Chaiwatthanaram – The most beautiful temple in Ayutthaya Historical Park

• Address: 31 1 Ban Pom Sub-district, Ban Pom, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
• Google Maps: https://g.co/kgs/1Uk6HG7
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
• Entrance fee: 50 THB/person (~ 1,5 USD/person)

Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is one of the best temples in Ayutthaya, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history and architecture of the former Siamese capital. If you're wondering, "What to do in Ayutthaya?", exploring this temple is an absolute must.

Built in 1630 during the reign of King Prasat Thong, this Ayutthaya temple features Khmer-style architecture inspired by Angkor Wat, as a tribute to the king's mother. Restoration efforts in the 1980s helped preserve its major architectural elements, ensuring that this spectacular monument remains a significant cultural landmark.

The central feature of this Ayutthaya temple is Prang Noi, an imposing 35-meter-high tower representing Mount Meru, the sacred mountain in Buddhist cosmology. Surrounding it are several smaller stupas, arranged in a square and connected by galleries adorned with 120 headless Buddha statues, haunting remnants of the destruction caused by past wars.

What to do in Ayutthaya? Explore 12 golden Buddha statues intricately carved into the sanctuary walls, creating a solemn and spiritual atmosphere that faithfully represents Thai Buddhist aesthetics. Near Wat Chaiwatthanaram, you can also find the ruins of an abandoned monastery, left in decay since the fall of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Its weathered appearance and historical significance add to the site's mystical aura.

Located in the Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wat Chaiwatthanaram preserves valuable remnants of the past, bearing witness to the Burmese invasions that shaped Thailand’s history. Many religious artifacts and ancient relics from the temple are now safeguarded and displayed at the National Museum of Thailand.

Seamlessly blending Thai Buddhist architecture with Khmer heritage, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a must-see in Ayutthaya. Its captivating ambiance and majestic aesthetics enchant visitors, especially at sunset, when the temple is bathed in a golden glow. At night, illuminated under the starry sky, it offers a breathtaking and unforgettable spectacle.

6. Wat Lokayasutharam – The largest reclining Buddha statue in Ayutthaya

• Address: Tambon Pratuchai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
• Google Maps: https://g.co/kgs/MFi6wTP
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free

Wat Lokayasutharam Ayutthaya is an ancient temple in Ayutthaya that reflects the rich historical past of the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Built during the reign of King Nakharin Thammathirat in 1995, the temple exudes timeless charm through its ruins and remnants, bearing the scars of war. This Ayutthaya temple is a must-visit for those wondering "What to do in Ayutthaya?"

The main attraction of Wat Lokayasutharam is its massive outdoor Ayutthaya reclining Buddha statue, measuring 42 meters long and 8 meters high. Known in Thai as Phra Buddhasaiyart, this statue represents Buddha entering Nirvana. Its head rests on a sculpted lotus-shaped pedestal, while its feet are perfectly aligned, mirroring the iconic reclining Buddha of Wat Pho in Bangkok. Surrounding the statue, 24 octagonal brick columns were originally erected for protection, though most now lie in ruins.

A significant place of devotion for Thai Buddhists, Wat Lokayasutharam Ayutthaya welcomes many worshippers who come to offer flowers and incense as a gesture of merit and respect. In front of the giant statue, a small altar houses a miniature reclining Buddha, covered in gold leaf placed by pilgrims as an act of piety.

Behind the Ayutthaya reclining Buddha stands an ancient ruined prang, a remnant of the temple’s former glory. Its stone structures and stupas bear witness to a past marked by conflict and destruction. Despite this, this Ayutthaya temple continues to attract history and spirituality enthusiasts.

So, what to do in Ayutthaya? With its monumental reclining Buddha and the ruined prang, Wat Lokayasutharam Ayutthaya draws history, archaeology, and spirituality lovers eager to explore the raw beauty and spiritual heritage of this fascinating site.

II. Practical tips for visiting temples in Ayutthaya

Visiting Thailand and the temples of Ayutthaya is a rewarding experience that requires proper preparation to make the most of it. Here are some practical tips to help you plan your visit:

1. Appropriate attire & Respect for the site

• Dressing respectfully is essential when visiting the temples.

• Opt for modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

• During your visit, be mindful of local customs by avoiding physical contact with sacred statues and speaking in a low voice.

2. Sun protection

If you're visiting Ayutthaya between march and may, expect intense heat and strong sunlight. To fully enjoy your exploration of the best temples in Ayutthaya, don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

3. Choosing your mode of transportation

There are several ways to explore the Ayutthaya temples:

• Bicycle rental: Ideal for moving at your own pace between nearby sites. Many guesthouses offer bike rentals for around 50-60 THB per day.

• Tuk-tuk: For a more comfortable visit, you can hire a tuk-tuk driver. The usual rates are around 200 THB per hour.

4. Entrance Fees

Most temples in Ayutthaya charge an entrance fee, typically around 30-50 THB per person. If you plan to visit multiple temples, consider purchasing a combo pass for 220 THB, which grants access to six temples and is available at the entrance of each site.

5. Planning your itinerary

To make the most of your visit to the best temples in Ayutthaya, it’s advisable to plan ahead by selecting the temples you want to explore based on their location and historical significance.

By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to fully appreciate the cultural and historical richness of Ayutthaya temple.

Visiting Ayutthaya means diving into the heart of Thailand’s history and spirituality. With its majestic temples, fascinating ruins, and unique atmosphere, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam is a must-visit destination. What to do in Ayutthaya? Explore the best temples in Ayutthaya, admire the famous Buddha entwined in the roots of Wat Mahathat, or enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the Chao Phraya River at Wat Chaiwatthanaram. For an unforgettable journey, AUTOUR ASIA, Thailand travel company, offers tailor-made tours that blend culture, history, and authentic discoveries.