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Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Wat Chaiwatthanaram: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Temples Small Group Tour with Lunch

1. From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Temples Small Group Tour with Lunch

Enjoy a small-group tour of the magnificent temple ruins of Ayutthaya, the capital during the golden age of Siam. All entrance fees, an expert guide, and lunch at a local restaurant are included. Travel from Bangkok in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle or choose to join the tour at your first stop in Ayutthaya, Wat Lokayasutha. This temple is known for its giant reclining Buddha image, one of the few structures remaining intact here. Your next stop is Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, being part of the royal palace complex this is where royalty performed rituals. It is considered the most important temple of Ayutthaya. Then, visit Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya. One of the oldest and most significant temples in the history of Ayutthaya, it once housed the Buddha's holy relic. Admire the famous Buddha head entwined within the roots of a Bodhi tree. After, tuck into a hearty lunch at a local Thai restaurant, where your guide will be available to advise on local culinary specialties. Last but not least, finish your trip at the grand, riverside Wat Chaiwattanaram. Marvel at its compelling architectural style, influenced by the Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia, as you wander around the monumental grounds.

From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Historical Park Small-Group Day Trip

2. From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Historical Park Small-Group Day Trip

Visit sites that date back to 1350 at the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Learn about Buddhist history, architecture, and religion as you explore countless temples with your experienced tour guide. In the 18th century, much of Ayutthaya was destroyed by Burmese invaders; witness the structures in their various states of disrepair. Tree roots growing around scattered Buddha heads only adds to the historical charm of this unique destination. After departing from Bangkok bright and early, see Bang Pa-In Royal Palace en route to Ayutthaya. Used as a summer residence for ancient Thai kings, the golden pagodas and serene pools make for a great introduction to the region’s glorious past. After arriving in Ayutthaya, take several hours to explore fascinating ancient religious sites including Wat Mahathat, where a decapitated Buddha head sits nestled between ancient tree roots. Continue to Wat Mongkol Borpit, known for its enormous seated Buddha statue. Discover Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, the most holy and important complex of the ancient Thai capital. Finally, explore Wat Chaiwatthanaram, known for its towering stone chedis. This site is one of the main reasons Ayutthaya was awarded UNESCO status in 1991.

From Bangkok: Customize Your Own Full-Day Ayutthaya Tour

3. From Bangkok: Customize Your Own Full-Day Ayutthaya Tour

Visit the ancient remains of the Kingdom of Siam’s former capital on a personal, private tour of Ayutthaya Historical Park. Visit key sites, like the magnificent Wat Mahathat and and the capital’s holiest temple, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and travel to and from Bangkok in comfort with a private transfer. A thriving international trading port from 1350-1767 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is an abundance of fascinating history to uncover in Ayutthaya. Pick up to four attractions you’d like to see to customize your itinerary, or ask the expert guides for recommendations. Highlights include Wat Mahathat, a stone Buddha head entwined in tree roots, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, with its towering stone chedis, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the holiest temple of the ancient Thai capital. Enjoy a private transfer to and from Bangkok and, optionally, explore with a knowledgeable guide.

From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Private Full-Day UNESCO Trip

4. From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Private Full-Day UNESCO Trip

Choose to meet your guide at the meeting point or take advantage of hotel transfer services from your accommodation in Bangkok. Drive towards the Ancient city of Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand. Make your first stop at Wat Phra Sri Sanphet which was for a long time considered to be the spiritual center of Thailand. Situated within the royal palace grounds, the temple is the royal monastery and is a model of the royal temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. Then, head to Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya which is one of the oldest and most significant temples in the history of Ayutthaya as it housed the Buddha's holy relic. The temple is most famous for the Buddha head situated in a Bodhi tree root. Next, stop at Wat Ratchaburana which houses a large number of Buddha images and gold artifacts. Enjoy lunch that will be served at Krungsri River Hotel. In the afternoon, continue on to the Chao Samphraya National Museum. Admire the most important objects here including the Buddha relics found inside the crypt of Wat Mahathat and other golden treasures like the golden sword, the golden headgear (hat), the miniature royal regalia, golden sculptures, and more. Then, visit Wat Lokaya Sutharam to see the 42-meter-long reclining white Buddha. Last but not least, finish the trip at Wat Chaiwattanaram which rests on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. Learn about how the temple was ordered to built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong to honor his mother featuring the architectural style influenced by the Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia. Arrive back in Bangkok at around 5 PM.

Colors of Ayutthaya: UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour

5. Colors of Ayutthaya: UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour

Meet your guide at the meeting point, a short walk from Ayutthaya train station. Then enjoy a bike fitting before the start of your tour. Tours run daily from 10:00 and follow the road in a northern direction. Ride through idyllic villages and alongside rice paddies. Visit a local elementary school (if open) to interact with the children. Continue the ride and pass Phaniat Royal Elephant Kraal. During Ayutthaya’s heyday this structure was used to entrap wild elephants herded down from the north. The elephant round-ups in the Elephant Kraal were traditionally presided over by Ayutthaya kings who would choose the best and strongest elephants that would be trained for war and labor. The closer you get to the old capital the more temple ruins you will see. At around 12:30, stop for a Thai lunch at a riverside restaurant. Then enter the old capital to visit Wat Mahathat and Wat Pra Sri Sanphet. Learn the history of Ayutthaya and its temples and kings. Next take a short ride to a local market to see typical local baked and fried delicacies. Continue to the huge reclining Buddha statue at Luang Phor Lokayasuttha. Marvel at the largest Buddha statue in Ayutthaya. Then pedal on to the beautiful temple of Wat Chai Wattanaram on the west banks of the Chao Phraya River. This remarkable temple was constructed in 1630 by King Prasat Thong as a memorial of his mother's residence in the area. Continue along the west bank of the Chao Phraya River until your reach the pier. Cross the river to return to the city and reach the end of the tour.

Ayutthaya: 3-Hour Sunset Ride Bike Excursion

6. Ayutthaya: 3-Hour Sunset Ride Bike Excursion

During this Ayutthaya Sunset Ride, explore the former capital of Thailand and UNESCO World Heritage Site by night. After sunset, the ruins and temples in the ancient capital are beautifully illuminated by spotlights from the ground contrasting with the pitch black sky. With explanations from your guide, imagine how beautiful Ayutthaya’s temples were and how powerful the Thai kings of Ayutthaya were before its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767. As soon as you have selected a bicycle, ride to the pier where you will board a ferry to cross the Pa Sak River. Once you arrived on the other side, cycle through Chao Phrom Market, the most famous local market in Ayutthaya. Then cycle along Chankasem Palace, nowadays a national museum, the old prison and Hua Ro Market before you arrive at Bang Ian Night Market. Park your bicycles and walk through this busy night market with many vendors selling clothes and, of course, food. Have appetizers here and get a glimpse of the local nightlife. Once the sun has set, cross the road to Wat Mahathat, one of the most famous temple complexes in Ayutthaya Historical Park. Wat Mahathat, a royal monastery, once served as the seat of the Sangaraja, the head of the Buddhist monks. Continue your spectacular evening bike ride and pass the illuminated Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Phra Ram. Of course, you can stop to make some pictures. The next impressive temple will be Wat Phra Si Sanphet built in several phases during the 15th and 16th-centuries. It was located inside the compound of the Grand Palace and served as a royal chapel. After the Burmese conquered Ayutthaya, the temple was sacked and mostly destroyed; all that remained were the three chedis which contain the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings. For dinner, you will stop at a local restaurant where your guide will order some delicious Thai dishes. After dinner, continue exploring Ayutthaya and cycle over the bridge to cross the Chao Phraya River where you will be able to see the illuminated ruins of the magnificent Wat Chaiwattanaram in the distance. A couple of minutes later, you will be standing in front of this stunning temple complex, wonderfully lit up at night. Wat Chaiwattanaram was built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong to honor his mother, featuring the architectural style influenced by the Angkor temple in Cambodia. The moon, shining brightly high up in the dark sky, makes this amazing temple look even more magical. Before returning to the office, make a last stop at Wat Lokayasutharam to take a picture of the huge reclining Buddha, the largest in Ayutthaya. While cycling back, you pass the enlightened Ayutthaya City Pillar or Lak Muang. People visit the city pillar to make offerings and pray for good fortune, pregnancy and other favors. Arrive at the office again where this amazing Ayutthaya sunset bicycle adventure ends.

Ayutthaya UNESCO , World Heritage private tour

7. Ayutthaya UNESCO , World Heritage private tour

Head north from Bangkok on this private full-day trip to Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The visit ฺBang Pa in Summer palace (Long pants & Long sleeve are required) you will see many buildings, Beautiful yards in side Palace area and listen to the stories of many kings who spend time here. Visit Wat Phrasrisanphet and the former palace, the prototype for the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Take a walk to Wihan Mongkon Borpit to see the seated Buddha statue. Continue on to Wat Mahathat and Wat Ratchaburana and hear the story of the battle fought from the backs of elephants. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Or you could visit one of the temples which is highlighted called Wat Pra ngam. Spend some time at Wat Chaiwattanaram, the stunning temple on the river, before returning to Bangkok.

Ayutthaya Evening Tuk Tuk Temples Tour From Bangkok

8. Ayutthaya Evening Tuk Tuk Temples Tour From Bangkok

On this tuk tuk tour, experience the city at night to see the lit up temples of Ayutthaya. The first stop is just in time for dinner as you will get to experience the local night market and explore different Thai dishes! Afterwards, start your journey to the 3 significant temples of Ayutthaya. The first temple on the itinerary is Wat Phra Si Sanphet, which was the holiest temple on the site of the old Royal Palace in Thailand's ancient capital of Ayutthaya until the city was completely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. It was the grandest and most beautiful temple in the capital and it served as a model for Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok. Then, visit Wat Ratchaburana, which was founded in 1424 by King Borommarachathirat II of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and built on the cremation site of his two elder brothers. The two brothers had fought to their deaths in a duel for the royal succession to their father Intha Racha. In 1957, the temple's crypt was looted of a large number of Buddha images and gold artifacts. The thieves were later caught, but few of the treasures were recovered. Enjoy the last stop at Wat Chaiwatthanaram, which is a Buddhist temple in the city of Ayutthaya Historical Park located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, outside Ayutthaya island. It is one of Ayutthaya's best-known temples and a major tourist attraction. The tour will end with a transfer back to your hotel in Bangkok with a unique memory from your time in Thailand. 

From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour by Car with Lunch

9. From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour by Car with Lunch

Explore the Ayutthaya Historical Park on a full-day tour from Bangkok with an official guide. Choose to take a shared group tour from one of two meeting points in central Bangkok, or upgrade your experience to a private tour with included hotel pickup and drop-off. After pickup, drive to Ayutthaya for about 1.5 hours to visit the famous temples in the old city, such as Wat Phra Si Sanphet temple, which was largely destroyed by the Burmese armies in 1767. Make a stop at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, also known as the Summer Palace, then visit Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, a western-style Thai temple, considered a strange beauty in Thailand. Move on to Wat Mahathat, the so-called temple of the Great Relic, the seat of the supreme patriarch and the center of Buddhism in the Ayutthaya Kingdom. This temple features enshrined Buddha relics. Next, explore Wat Yai Chaimongkol, the Monastery of Auspicious Victory, and Wat Chai Wattanaram, one of Ayutthaya’s most impressive temples. In between your trip, stop for lunch at a Thai restaurant for a taste of local flavors. Round of your tour with a visit to the Khmer style and royal temple of Wat Chaiwatthanaram.

From Bangkok: Full-Day Ayutthaya Instagram Tour with Costume

10. From Bangkok: Full-Day Ayutthaya Instagram Tour with Costume

Leave Bangkok for a day trip to Ayutthaya to get photos at the best spots the ancient ruins have to offer. Visit 4 different sites, including Wat Mahathat, home to the famous Buddha head nestling amongst tree roots. Meet your guide and fellow travelers for the 1.5-hour drive north of Bangkok to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand. Entry ticket to Ayutthaya Historical Park is included. On arrival, dress in Thai traditional costume and prepare for a day of sightseeing and photoshoots with beautiful backdrops. Throughout the day your guide will assist in capturing your perfect Instagram pictures. First stop is Wat Chaiwattanaram with its compelling architecture influenced by Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Surrounding the 35-meter high central spire are eight stupas engraved with sculptures depicting the life of Buddha.  Continue to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, part of the royal palace complex where royalty performed religious rituals. The Wat is considered the holiest and most important temple of Ayutthaya.  Next up visit Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya. One of the oldest and most significant temples in the history of Ayutthaya, it once housed the Buddha's holy relic. Now you’ll find Buddha relics scattered around the site, and the famous Buddha head entwined within the roots of a Bodhi tree.  Lunch will be at a local Thai restaurant, where your guide will tell you about the local specialties, and help you understand the menu. Your last visit before returning to Bangkok will be Wat Maheyoung. The most prominent feature of the temple is the red-brick walls of the ordination hall, which make a stunning backdrop for those Insta-worthy pictures. Arriving back in Bangkok your tour ends with drop-off at the centrally-located MBK Shopping Mall.

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What people are saying about Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 1,748 reviews

A super nice trip to Ayutthaya. Well organized and everything is taken care of. You get a bottle of water and the food at a small local restaurant is very good. We had a tour guide who speaks German and knows a lot. He guided us through the individual temples and told us a lot of interesting things.

Our guide was amazing! She knew so much about every where we went and did an amazing job of keeping us on schedule I learned a lot about the history of the area. We went to a locals restaurant on the water for lunch and had a delicious meal. Highly recommend the this tour.

Really good experience to open something new in the Thailand history. Temples are beautiful, but look really same to each other. If you want to make good photos - it's your choice.

Very good day tour from Bangkok. Covered a number of sites. The guide was friendly l, approachable and very knowledgeable. Strong recommendation.

Great driver. Comfortable car. Enjoyed visiting at our own pace