Wat Lokayasutharam
A colossal reclining Buddha statue amidst ancient ruins, offering a serene spiritual experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Wat Lokayasutharam
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal reclining Buddha statue amidst ancient ruins, offering a serene spiritual experience.
"Must visit place in Ayutthaya, especially if you avoid the tour bus crowds."
🚶♀️ Avoid Tour Buses
Walk from nearby ruins to bypass tour bus crowds and enjoy a more peaceful visit.
🙏 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred Buddhist site.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Enormous Reclining Buddha
Main temple area
Marvel at the sheer scale of this 42-meter-long reclining Buddha statue, a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Lotus Pillow
Buddha's head
Notice the unique lotus flower-shaped pillow, a distinctive detail rarely seen on other reclining Buddhas.
Ancient Ruins
Surrounding grounds
Explore the centuries-old ruins that surround the temple, offering a glimpse into Ayutthaya's rich history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Respectful Attire
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Avoid Tour Buses
Walk from nearby ruins to bypass tour bus crowds and enjoy a more peaceful visit.
🙏 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred Buddhist site.
📸 Capture the Pillow
Don't miss the unique lotus-shaped pillow; it's a distinctive detail!
☀️ Visit during Golden Hour
The late afternoon light creates a beautiful ambiance for photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Avoid Tour Buses
Walk from nearby ruins to bypass tour bus crowds and enjoy a more peaceful visit.
🙏 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred Buddhist site.
📸 Capture the Pillow
Don't miss the unique lotus-shaped pillow; it's a distinctive detail!
☀️ Visit during Golden Hour
The late afternoon light creates a beautiful ambiance for photos.
🗺️ Explore Nearby Ruins
This site is close to other historical ruins, making it a great start or end to your Ayutthaya exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are impressed by the sheer scale of the reclining Buddha and its unique lotus pillow. The surrounding ancient ruins add to the historical ambiance. While some find the recent restorations a bit jarring against the old ruins, most agree it's a peaceful and must-visit site in Ayutthaya, especially when avoiding midday crowds.
"I really liked this, especially since we walked in from the park behind, avoiding all the tour busses, which skip the other ruins only a couple hundred meters away. I was a little disappointed that it had a fresh coat of paint on it, which I thought was a stark contrast from the ancient majestic aesthetic of the ruins around it, but I completely understand wanting to preserve it for future generations. Still impressive and you can't help but be filled with peace when there."
Travis Brink
"One of the must visit places when you’re in Ayutthaya :)
I find that this is a great first or last stop because it’s not as “grandiose” as the other temple grounds so you get to walk around and explore fully in a relatively shorter amount of time. I think the Buddha is being refurbished and repainted right now?"
Louis Lin
"This is said to be the largest reclining Buddha in Ayutthaya, measuring 42 meters in length. To me, the most striking feature is the pillow, which takes the form of a fully bloomed lotus flower — a rare design, as most reclining Buddhas typically rest their heads on polygon-shaped pillows. About six months ago, the statue was restored. I feel that the restoration was overly aggressive and almost erased the original lines and textures of the statue. It lost much of its original aesthetic and now feels out of place within the atmosphere of the ancient ruins. If I wanted to see a polished, gleaming Buddha, why wouldn’t I just go to Bangkok?"
食以解忧
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wat Lokayasutharam is accessible by various means. Many visitors arrive by car or motorbike, and it's also reachable by tuk-tuk from Ayutthaya town. Some suggest it's a good stop after visiting other nearby ruins, as it's not as 'grandiose' as some other sites.
The temple is located along the canal and is often mentioned in Ayutthaya travel vlogs. It's a popular spot, so local drivers will know the way. +1
Yes, it's possible to walk from some of the closer ruins, and some visitors recommend this to avoid tour bus crowds.
Renting a bicycle or hiring a tuk-tuk are popular options for exploring multiple temples in Ayutthaya, including Wat Lokayasutharam. +1
While it's a significant temple, it's often visited in conjunction with other historical sites within the Ayutthaya Historical Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entrance fee for Wat Lokayasutharam, making it an accessible attraction for all visitors.
Temples in Ayutthaya are typically open from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours.
No advance booking is required for Wat Lokayasutharam as there is no entrance fee.
Midday can be crowded with tour groups. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon is recommended for a more peaceful experience.
Yes, some visitors find it's a great first or last stop because it's less 'grandiose' and can be explored in a relatively shorter time.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire reclining Buddha is a prime photo opportunity. Capturing it from different angles, especially with the surrounding ruins, offers great shots. The late afternoon light is also ideal for photography. +1
Photography is generally allowed within the temple grounds, but always be respectful of worshippers and sacred areas.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned, but it's always good practice to be mindful of your surroundings and avoid intrusive photography.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the full scale of the reclining Buddha and the surrounding ruins.
Yes, arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon significantly reduces the number of people, allowing for better photo opportunities.
🎫 🏛️ History & Culture
It's known for its enormous reclining Buddha statue and is set amidst ancient ruins, offering a glimpse into Ayutthaya's historical and religious past. +1
Some legends mention a treasure guardian associated with the temple, adding an element of mystery to its history. +1
Yes, the statue has undergone restoration, with some visitors noting a recent 'fresh coat of paint' or 'nicely decorated' appearance.
The most striking feature is the pillow, which is shaped like a lotus flower, a rare design compared to the typical polygon-shaped pillows.
Yes, as a Buddhist temple, it is a sacred site, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and behave respectfully. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, to ensure a more comfortable experience for everyone. The lack of an entrance fee also makes it a budget-friendly option for families exploring Ayutthaya. Remember to dress modestly to respect the temple's religious significance.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with other free or low-cost attractions in Ayutthaya. Renting a bicycle is an affordable way to get around and explore multiple sites, including this one. Pack some water and snacks to save on expenses during your visit.
📸 Photographers
Aim for the golden hour – early morning or late afternoon – to capture the Buddha and ruins in the best light.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Reclining Buddha
One of the most distinctive features of this reclining Buddha is its pillow, which is uniquely shaped like a fully bloomed lotus flower. This contrasts with the more common polygon-shaped pillows found on other reclining Buddha statues across Thailand. This artistic detail adds to the statue's charm and historical significance.
Recent restorations have given the Buddha a fresh appearance, with some visitors noting a 'nicely decorated' look. While this ensures its preservation for future generations, some feel it slightly alters the ancient, majestic aesthetic of the surrounding ruins. Nevertheless, the sheer scale and spiritual presence of the statue continue to inspire awe and peace in visitors.
Exploring the Ancient Ruins
Many travelers recommend exploring these surrounding ruins, as they are often less crowded than the main Buddha statue. This allows for a more contemplative experience and a deeper appreciation of Ayutthaya's historical significance. Some visitors even suggest that this temple, being slightly less 'grandiose' than others, is a perfect starting or ending point for exploring Ayutthaya's historical sites.
The juxtaposition of the well-preserved reclining Buddha with the weathered ancient ruins creates a unique and powerful atmosphere. It's a place where history, spirituality, and natural beauty converge, offering a memorable experience for anyone interested in Thailand's rich cultural heritage.
Legends and Local Lore
Some local lore also suggests that the temple itself is a 'magnificent, fine art purple vault' created by an abbot, further enhancing its unique character. While the historical accuracy of such tales may vary, they undoubtedly enrich the visitor experience and spark the imagination.
These legends, combined with the visual splendor of the reclining Buddha and the ancient ruins, make Wat Lokayasutharam a place that resonates with both history buffs and those seeking a touch of enchantment. It's a reminder that many historical sites hold stories that go beyond what meets the eye.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit