Things to Do at Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Complete Guide to Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya

About Wat Chaiwatthanaram

The central prang rises 35 meters above the Chao Phraya riverbank, surrounded by eight smaller chedis connected by a covered gallery - the whole complex designed to represent Mount Meru, the cosmic center of Buddhist and Hindu mythology. At sunset, the brick towers turn from rust-red to deep orange against a darkening sky, and from across the river the silhouette looks like an Angkor Wat transported to central Thailand. This is Ayutthaya's most photographed temple, and it earns it. King Prasat Thong built Wat Chaiwatthanaram in 1630, partly to honor his mother and partly to prove he deserved the throne he had seized in a coup. The Khmer architectural style was a deliberate reference to Angkor, declaring Ayutthaya the successor to Cambodia's empire. Walk the gallery and you pass 120 seated Buddha images, most headless since the Burmese invasion of 1767, their bodies still seated in meditation posture after 250 years of ruin. The river location, separated from the main historical park, means fewer tour buses and more space to sit among the stones in silence.

What to See & Do

Central Prang Tower

The 35-meter tall central tower dominates the complex and offers the classic Ayutthaya silhouette. You can climb partway up for better views, though the stairs are steep and uneven - worth it for the perspective over the surrounding chedis.

Buddha Statues and Niches

Dozens of Buddha images sit in niches around the prangs, many headless due to centuries of looting, but their serene poses still convey a sense of the temple's former grandeur. The weathered stone actually adds to their contemplative quality.

Riverside Setting

The temple's location right on the Chao Phraya River creates beautiful reflections during certain times of day. You can walk down to the water's edge for a different perspective of the complex, especially nice during sunset.

Surrounding Chedis

Eight smaller chedis encircle the main prang, each representing different aspects of Buddhist teaching. Walking the circuit around them gives you a sense of the temple's original ceremonial purpose and impressive scale.

Gallery Ruins

The remains of covered galleries that once connected different parts of the complex show how elaborate this temple would have been in its heyday. You can still trace the layout and imagine the monks who once walked these corridors.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM). The site tends to be less crowded in early morning or late afternoon.

Tickets & Pricing

50 THB foreigners, 10 THB Thai nationals. Cash only at the gate. The temple is outside the main historical park island, so it requires a separate journey - 3 km west of the central ruins. Open 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Late afternoon (4-5:30 PM) gives the best light and smallest crowds.

Best Time to Visit

Late afternoon around 4-5 PM offers the best lighting for photos and fewer crowds. Early morning (8-9 AM) is also good if you want the place mostly to yourself.

Suggested Duration

Plan for about 45 minutes to 1 hour to properly explore the complex and take photos. If you're really into photography or history, you might want 90 minutes.

Getting There

Wat Chaiwatthanaram is about 2 kilometers west of Ayutthaya's main historical park area, across the river. Most visitors rent a bicycle, motorbike, or hire a tuk-tuk from the town center - expect to pay around 100-150 THB for a tuk-tuk one way. If you're cycling, it's a pleasant 15-20 minute ride through local neighborhoods, though the final approach involves crossing a busy road. You can also take a longtail boat tour that includes the temple as a stop, which actually gives you that nice river approach that shows off the temple's waterside setting.

Things to Do Nearby

Wat Phutthai Sawan
Another riverside temple ruin just a few minutes away, less visited but with its own atmospheric charm and good river views. Worth combining with Chaiwatthanaram if you're already in the area.

Portuguese Village
A small community settlement that gives you a glimpse of local life along the river. Not a major attraction, but interesting to cycle through on your way to or from the temple.

Ayutthaya Floating Market
A reconstructed traditional market about 10 minutes away by bike. It's obviously touristy, but actually pretty well done and offers local snacks and handicrafts if you're looking for souvenirs.

Wat Mahathat
Back in the main historical park, this is where you'll find the famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots. About 20 minutes by bike from Chaiwatthanaram, so easy to combine in a day of temple hopping.

Tips & Advice

Bring a hat and water - there's very little shade on the temple grounds, and it can get surprisingly hot even in cooler months.

The steps up the central prang are steep and can be slippery. Wear shoes with good grip and take your time, especially coming down.

Golden hour lighting (late afternoon) really makes the weathered stone glow, but arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset to have time to explore properly.

If you're cycling, lock your bike at the entrance - there have been occasional reports of theft, though it's generally quite safe.