Religious, Spiritual sights in Ayuthaya
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A
Wat Phanan Choeng
One of the major Ayuthaya highlights, the busy and modern-looking Wat Phanan Choeng is a popular pilgrimage destination for weekenders from Bangkok. Although the original temple allegedly pre-dates the Ayuthaya era, many Thai-Chinese regard this temple with special reverence because of its later benefactor Sam Po Kong (Zheng He), a Chinese explorer who visited Ayuthaya in 1407.
As an emissary of the Chinese imperial court, Sam Po established diplomatic and trading relations all along his sea voyage, which extended as far west as Africa. For many local worshippers, the famous Buddha image (Luang Por Phanan Choeng or Phra Phanan Choeng) is often directly associated with the…
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B
Wat Na Phra Meru
This Wat Na Phra Meru escaped destruction during the Burmese attack in 1767 because it was used as the invading army's headquarters. It was also the site where the Burmese king was fatally injured after firing a defective cannon. His death ended the sacking of Ayuthaya.
Restoration of the temple, which was originally built in 1546, took place during the reign of King Rama III of the Bangkok era. The primary draw here is the main bòt (central sanctuary) which contains an amazing carved wooden ceiling depicting the Buddhist heavens, with Mt Sumeru in the centre. There is also a splendid Ayuthaya-era Buddha image sitting 6m high. The unique characteristics of the Ayuthaya a…
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C
Wat Chai Wattanaram
Everyone's favourite sunset shot, Wat Chai Wattanaram is one of Ayuthaya's most impressive homages to the Angkor/Khmer style. A central prang is flanked by minor prang arranged in each cardinal direction, in a prime riverside setting. The temple is said to have been built in the 17th century by King Prasat Thong in honour of his mother and was extensively restored in the 1980s. These ruins can be reached by boat or by bicycle via a nearby bridge.
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D
Wat Ratburana
Across Th Naresuan from Wat Phra Mahathat, the Wat Ratburana retains one of the best preserved prang on the island. It was built in the 15th century by King Borom Rachathirat II on the cremation site for his two brothers who had died battling each other in hopes of assuming the throne. Monument building in Ayuthaya was often done as an act of merit for a deceased royal elder rather than for glorification of the present ruler.
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E
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Built by King U Thong in 1357, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is a quiet old place that was once a famous meditation wat. According to some legends, the monks at this temple were consulted by conspirators for an auspicious time to stage a royal coup. Most impressive though is the large 7m-long reclining Buddha, obviously enjoying the sunshine. The temple is southeast of the town proper and is best reached by motorised transport.
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