This temple was constructed on the premises of the royal palace. The site was dedicated for the construction of the temple in 1448. The temple is known for it’s three large stupas. The stupas are dedicated to King Boroma-Tri-Loka-Not, King Boroma Ratchithirat III and King Ramathibodi II. Ashes of the Kings are stored in these stupas.

The stupas are very impressive and there were not many visitors when I was here. The grounds have other minor chedi made of brick. The three main stupas are on a raised platform which seems to be different from others I have seen.

Hours are from 8:00am to 6:00pm and there is a 50 Baht entrance fee for foreigners.
Directions: Located between Khlong Tho Road and Rama Public Park.

This small temple is located between Wat Matathat and Rama Public Park entrance. There is an ordination hall and chedi At the alter and entrance of the chedi are the remains of three seated Buddhas. Probably destroyed during the Burmese destruction in the 1700’s. The temple does sit outside the walls of Wat Matathat but you can hardly tell do to it’s close proximity. Several trees are on the left of the temple and provide good relief from the sun to take are rest after touring Wat Matathat.  The chedi is leaning backward substantially as you can see in the photos. I could not detect any attempts to assure this does not fall over.

Directions: Along the entrance to Rama Public Park at Wat Matathat.

Wat Mahathat means “Monastery of the Great Relic.” This is because a relic of The Buddha was housed in the Chedi here. This temple was the largest and center of the religion in Ayutthaya being built around the mid to late 1300’s. In 1767, the Burmese invaded Ayutthaya and burned Mahathat. They also decapitated all the Buddha statues you see at this location.  The grounds here are beautiful. Chedi are dotted around and you can see how age is wearing on the brick structures as some are learning one way or another.

Wat Ayutthaya is probably best known for the Buddha head that is encased in the roots of a tree. Many people come here just to see this. But it is worth taking the time to wander around and see the remains of this important temple.  Note, much of this site is exposed completely to the sun. Bring a hat, water and sun block. Rest when you find some shade, most of which is at the location of the Buddha head in the roots of the tree.

As mentioned, the Buddha Head that is entwined in the trunk/roots of a Banyan tree at Wat Mahathat. I have seen pictures of this many times over the years. When I first saw this in person it was a surreal feeling. I thought the head was bigger was my first thought. I was fortunate no one else was visiting the day I was here.  Much speculation exists on how the Buddha Head came to be embedded in this tree. Some believe the head simply feel off a Buddha statue and landed at the base of this tree. Others believe that it was among the number of items being stolen by thieves that did not have space to take it with them or were hiding it for a return visit.  What ever the cause, it is a very impressive sight. The tree provides plenty of shade and protection against the elements. The head is near the entrance of Wat Mahathat. Simply turn right and walk toward the shaded area near the wall along the road you enter the park from.

There is a 50 Baht entrance fee for foreigners!
Directions: At the corner of Chikun Alley and Naresuan Alley. It is also bordered by Rama Public Park

This temple sits on the banks of Chao Phraya on the outskirts of the main city of Ayutthaya. The main attraction here is a seated Buddha made of stucco but covered in gold leaf. The Buddha is 57 feet tall which is very large for a seated Buddha and was constructed in 1325. It is very popular with Chinese tourist and the parking area is often crowded with tour buses.  There is no charge to enter this temple. The Buddha is very impressive. There are smaller Buddha figures around the outer walkway in the temple.  Very impressive and worth a visit.

Directions: Off of Route 3477 where the Pa Sak river feeds into the Chao Phraya.