Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Address: 8GVR+5PX, Tambon Ban Pom, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
Opening hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm daily
Entrance fee: 50 baht per person
Reason to visit: Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a stunning example of Khmer-style architecture and a symbol of Ayutthaya’s glorious past. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular spot for photography and cultural exploration.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a Buddhist temple in Ayutthaya, the central region of Thailand. It is also one of the important attractions of Ayutthaya Historical Park. It is famous for its majestic Khmer-style architecture and its historical stories. It is a place worth visiting. This article will introduce the history, features, ways of visiting, and information of Wat Chaiwatthanaram, hoping to provide some reference and help for your trip.
History of Wat Chaiwatthanaram
The construction of Wat Chaiwatthanaram began in 1630. It was ordered by King Prasat Thong of Ayutthaya Kingdom to commemorate his mother. King Prasat Thong's mother used to live here, and later married a Khmer prince, so King Prasat Thong also had Khmer blood. He had a deep interest and respect for Khmer culture and art, so he chose the Khmer-style architecture to build this temple. The name of Wat Chaiwatthanaram means "the temple of victory", implying King Prasat Thong's conquest and rule over Khmer. Wat Chaiwatthanaram is also called "the temple of the concubines", because King Prasat Thong's harem had many beautiful concubines, who often came here to pray and play.
Khmer-style architectural features
The main structure of Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a central tower, 35 meters high, surrounded by four smaller towers, and then eight smaller towers and four tower gates. These towers are all Khmer-style, square or octagonal, with conical tops. The central tower represents the center of the universe in Buddhism, the four smaller towers represent the four heavenly kings, the eight smaller towers represent the eight directions, and the four tower gates represent the four basic elements. These towers are made of red bricks and mortar, with exquisite reliefs and carvings, depicting Buddhist stories and Khmer myths. Wat Chaiwatthanaram is surrounded by a wall, with a moat inside, symbolizing the pure world of Buddhism. There are 120 sitting Buddhas on the wall, and 12 large Buddhas in the eight small towers, all made of lime and sand, with solemn and compassionate expressions. The architectural style and layout of Wat Chaiwatthanaram reflect the religious beliefs and aesthetic tastes of Khmer, and also show the prosperity and glory of Ayutthaya Kingdom.
How to enjoy your trip in Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a suitable attraction for walking. You can enjoy the panorama of the temple along the moat trail, or enter the interior of the temple, and carefully observe the details of the towers and the appearance of the Buddhas. There are many shops around the temple, selling souvenirs, drinks and snacks, and renting traditional Thai costumes. You can rent a traditional costume nearby, put it on and take pictures in the temple, and feel the culture and atmosphere of Thailand. You can also buy some souvenirs in the shops near the temple, such as amulets, bracelets, incense burners, etc., as a souvenir of your trip. When you visit here in the hot summer, you can buy some cold drinks to dispel the heat. The best time to visit Wat Chaiwatthanaram is in the evening, because you can avoid the crowds and the high temperature, and you can see the outline of the temple showing a golden light in the sky at sunset, which is very spectacular and beautiful. And of course the temple is especially beautiful against the sunny blue sky and white clouds, which makes for great photos anytime.
Information of visiting Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is located in the southwest corner of Ayutthaya, about 2 kilometers from the city center, on the west bank of Chao Phraya River. It is not far from Chaiwatthanaram Temple by tuk-tuk, boat or motorcycle. Chaiwatthanaram Temple is open daily and the entrance fee is 50 baht. There are no dress restrictions and you can wear shorts and skirts, but this is a religious temple, so don't dress too revealingly and don't climb or trample on the buildings.
Transportation to Wat Chaiwatthanaram
- From Bangkok, you can take a train, bus or taxi to Ayutthaya, and then take a tuk-tuk or taxi from the bus station or train station to Wat Chaiwatthanaram. The journey takes about 10 minutes and costs about 50 baht.
- From the city center of Ayutthaya, you can take a tuk-tuk or taxi to Wat Chaiwatthanaram. The journey takes about 10 minutes and costs about 50 baht.
- From the city center of Ayutthaya, you can also take a ferry to the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, and then walk for about 15 minutes to Wat Chaiwatthanaram. The cost is about 10 baht.
- From the city center of Ayutthaya, you can also rent a bicycle or motorcycle, and ride along the river bank to Wat Chaiwatthanaram. The journey takes about 20 minutes and costs about 50 baht.