This monastery is also known as Wat Phra Chao Phya-thai and Wat Yai Chai-mongkol. The main Chedi here stands 62 meters high and took over 28,000 tons of bricks to construct. The chedi was constructed in 1357 by King U-Thong for monks who had been studying Buddhism in Ceylon. Upon their return, the King named the Monastery, Wat Chao Phya-thai which means “The Temple of the Supreme Patriarch.”   Later, the chedi was renamed Phra Chedi Chai-mongkol, meaning Auspicious Victory, to commemorate a victory over the Burmese. It is a bit unclear how exactly the named transferred from Chai-Mongkol to Chai-Mongkhon.

It is a beautiful location and the chedi are fairly well preserved. There is much erosion of the brick, especially on the main chedi and steps ascending to the top. The grounds are open with very little shade. Surrounding the main chedi are lines of ceramic Buddhas.  A very impressive sight, especially from the top of the chedi.  The climb to the top of the main chedi is steep and the brick stairs are very eroded.  The descent is more precarious than going up so take care when coming down.  The top has excellent views in all directions.  I was here early in the morning and the lighting seemed to work out very well.  Inside the Chedi there are several gold leaf Buddhas and a shaft. I could not find any information on the shaft.  It is worthwhile to climb the stairs and get an overview of the entire grounds.

I was surprised to see this large reclining Buddha at Wat Yai Chaimongkhon. It is 7 meters long and was constructed during the period of King Naresuan’s reign from 1590 to 1605. The Buddha was restored in 1965. Many tourist and locals come to visit just for the Reclining Buddha. What seems to be a tradition is to press gold leaf or coins on the exposed feet of the Buddha.

There is a 20 Baht fee to enter. Well worth it!

The original capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 and was the second capital of Siam. The city was one of the largest and most important of the region and remained like this between the 14th and 18th century. In 1767, the Burmese Army invaded Ayutthaya and burned the city to the ground. All the inhabitants of Ayutthaya left the city and it was never rebuilt to the status it was.

Today Ayutthaya is a UNESCO Heritage Site. The ruins of the old city are amazing to explore. This is a great day trip from Bangkok or take your time and spend a few days.

Things To Do

Castleton Tower is a distinctive tower just off the La Sal Loop Drive. The tower can easily be seen from the road but for a closer look you can hike up the Access Trail. This trail goes up a short canyon that is a little bit of a challenge. There is a small dry waterfall that requires a short little climb but not difficult. Once up from here, you walk out to an open are with a full view of Castleton Tower. You can continue toward the tower or turn right on a 4×4 road that runs though the area. Follow this down to you see the next canyon down and turn right again. This will take you back out to La Sal Loop rd and an easy walk back to the trail head.

The Halfway Stage Station is another ruin site that is located off of Mill Canyon rd. This station served as the half way mark between Moab and Thompson which is where the train station was. It was 35 miles between Moab and Thompson so travelers would stop for lunch on there way to or from Thompson. The first train came to the area in 1883. All that remains is part of the stone wall within a fenced area. There are also some artifacts people have gathered and placed on the wall.  There is a sign marking the location with a description.