Angkor style
A Khmer central prang from 1630.
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One of Ayutthaya's loveliest and most intact ruins, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River outside the island. King Prasat Thong built it in 1630, said to honour his mother's memory, designing it in Khmer style inspired by the temples of Angkor in Cambodia. At its centre rises a towering prang, ringed by four smaller towers and eight bell-shaped chedis, with a gallery that once held seated Buddha images, a layout symbolising Mount Meru, the centre of the universe in Indian belief. Restored in recent decades, it is now among Ayutthaya's most complete ruins. Foreigners pay about fifty baht; it opens from morning to evening and is sometimes lit at night. Modest dress is required, and traditional Thai costumes can be rented at the entrance for photographs. A combined ticket of about two hundred and twenty baht covers six major temples and is valid for thirty days. The best time is just before sunset, when the sun sinks behind the towers and turns them orange, Ayutthaya's most famous view. You can also see it from the river on evening boat tours.
A Khmer central prang from 1630.
The towers turn orange at dusk.
Seen from evening boats.
West bank of the Chao Phraya River, south-west of the island
Choose Wat Mahathat for the Buddha head in the roots and Wat Chaiwatthanaram at sunset. Add Wat Phra Si Sanphet if time allows.
