The three stupas
Ashes of three Ayutthaya kings.
Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China — CC0 · Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China — CC0 · Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China — CC0 · Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China — CC0
Ayutthaya's most important and most photographed temple: it was the royal temple within the old palace walls, the counterpart of today's Emerald Buddha temple in Bangkok's palace, housing no monks but reserved for royal rites. Its highlight is a row of three bell-shaped stupas holding the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings, one of Thailand's most photographed symbols. The temple once held a huge standing Buddha covered in some three hundred and forty kilograms of gold, which the Burmese invaders melted down in 1767 when they burned the temple. Next to it today is the Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit hall, rebuilt in the twentieth century, housing one of the largest bronze Buddha images in Thailand. Foreigners pay about fifty baht; the temple opens from morning to evening, and modest dress is required. A combined ticket of about two hundred and twenty baht covers six major temples and is valid for thirty days. The three stupas look best in morning light or just before sunset. The temple sits at the heart of the historical park, so make it the start of your bike or tuk-tuk tour of the ruins.
Ashes of three Ayutthaya kings.
Within the old palace walls.
A huge bronze image next door.
The heart of Ayutthaya Historical Park
Wat Lokaya Sutha (Reclining Buddha)A huge open-air reclining Buddha, about forty-two metres long, built of brick an8 minutes walk
Chao Sam Phraya National MuseumAyutthaya's most important museum, holding treasures found in the city's ruins, 9 minutes walk
Wat Mahathat (Buddha Head in the Tree Roots)One of Ayutthaya's most important ruins; Ayutthaya was the capital of the Siames13 minutes walk
Wat RatchaburanaA temple built by King Borommarachathirat II in 1424 on the cremation site of hi13 minutes walkRent a bicycle or hire a tuk-tuk for half a day, as the temples are spread out and the heat is fierce. A tuk-tuk with a driver who knows the route is easiest with family; agree the price in advance.