Visit the Historic Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya

Wat Chaiwatthanaram is an ancient temple from the late Ayutthaya period, located on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River, outside the main island of Ayutthaya. It was commissioned by King Prasat Thong, the 24th monarch of Ayutthaya, in 1630 AD. Renowned for its stunning architecture, it is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Ayutthaya. The temple also serves as the burial site of Prince Thammathibet (Prince Krom Khun), a prominent poet of the late Ayutthaya period, and Princess Sangwan. The central prang of the temple is built on a square base, with smaller prangs at each of the four corners. During King Prasat Thong's reign, a large central prang was constructed as the temple's main feature. Surrounding the central prang is a gallery with stucco Buddha images in the Maravijaya posture. The gallery walls are made of brick and plaster, adorned with intricate lattice designs. The ordination hall (ubosot) is located at the front of the temple, housing the remains of a principal Buddha image in the Maravijaya posture, crafted from sandstone and adorned in imperial attire. The sema stones of the ordination hall are carved from colored stone with intricate patterns, and a twelve-cornered chedi stands in front of the hall, showcasing an art style that became popular during King Prasat Thong's era. Wat Chaiwatthanaram has been declared a national historic site of Thailand. It is located in Moo 9, Ban Pom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.