Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Majestic ruins of Ayutthaya's former royal palace and temple, famed for its three towering chedis.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid the midday heat
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Best Time
Avoid the midday heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Majestic ruins of Ayutthaya's former royal palace and temple, famed for its three towering chedis.
"A beautiful place for sure!! Be aware foreigners do pay way more than natives."
☀️ Stay Hydrated!
Bring plenty of water, especially during hot midday hours. Umbrellas are often available for free.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The grounds are extensive and require a good amount of walking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Three Majestic Chedis
Central Courtyard
Iconic bell-shaped stupas, once housing royal remains, stand as a testament to Ayutthaya's grandeur.
Royal Palace Ruins
Surrounding Grounds
Explore the remnants of the former royal palace, imagining the splendor of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
Buddha Images and Stupas
Various Structures
Admire well-preserved Buddha images and smaller stupas scattered throughout the expansive grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Entry Fees and Attire
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Stay Hydrated!
Bring plenty of water, especially during hot midday hours. Umbrellas are often available for free.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The grounds are extensive and require a good amount of walking.
👗 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temple sites.
📸 Capture the Views
The ruins offer stunning photographic opportunities, especially during golden hour.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Stay Hydrated!
Bring plenty of water, especially during hot midday hours. Umbrellas are often available for free.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The grounds are extensive and require a good amount of walking.
👗 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temple sites.
📸 Capture the Views
The ruins offer stunning photographic opportunities, especially during golden hour.
🐶 Beware of Stray Dogs
You might encounter stray dogs; they are generally harmless.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Wat Phra Si Sanphet for its historical significance and impressive ruins, particularly the iconic three chedis. The affordability and beauty of the site are frequently highlighted. However, some note the higher entrance fees for foreigners and the intense heat, advising visitors to prepare accordingly.
"A beautiful place for sure!! Be aware foreigners do pay way more than natives. 10 baht for Thai and 80 baht for foreigners. Also some of the parts you WILL need to dress for temple attire so no shorts and tank top.
We went on a very hot and humid mid day so bringing drinks is very important. They do have umbrellas you can take to protect yourself from the sun. For the one with the very big tower (first picture) you WILL need an umbrella as there are barely any trees.
Don't mind the stray dogs walking around there either."
Jen W
"Reputed to be the most ancient temple in Ayutthaya, Wat Phra Si Sanphet was built in 1351, and the area served as a royal palace.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet was once the most sacred temple on the site of the old Royal Palace. The temple and palace ground ruins later served as a model for Wat Phra Kaew in the present-day capital of Bangkok. It is most well known for its three majestic, towering chedis."
Julius Tan
"Great place to go; a must-see place. Take a taxi or any organized trip to this place. We took an organized trip and enjoyed it pretty much. Take an umbrella with you; the sun is burning so much!"
Bedrich Vychodil
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to take a day trip from Bangkok. You can hire a taxi, join an organized tour, or take a bus to Ayutthaya and then a tuk-tuk or songthaew to the temple.
Yes, you can rent bicycles, hire a tuk-tuk for a few hours, or use a songthaew (shared taxi) to explore the historical park and its various temples.
Many visitors opt for organized day tours from Bangkok, which often include transportation and guided visits to key sites like Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
You can take a bus from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, and then local transport like a tuk-tuk or songthaew to reach the temple complex.
Absolutely! Ayutthaya offers a fascinating glimpse into Thailand's historical past, with impressive ruins and a unique atmosphere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically around 50 baht for foreigners and 10 baht for Thai nationals.
Information on specific discounts for children or students is not widely available, but the general foreigner fee is quite affordable.
No, tickets can usually be purchased on-site at the entrance. It's advisable to check official sources for any changes.
The historical park generally opens early and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. It's best to confirm exact hours before your visit.
Yes, many visitors report that free umbrellas are provided at the entrance to help shield you from the sun.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, avoiding harsh midday sun and creating beautiful golden hour shots.
The three main chedis are iconic. The surrounding ruins and open spaces also provide excellent backdrops for capturing the historical atmosphere.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and permissions before flying a drone in the historical park.
Any camera, including a smartphone, can capture great shots. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the expansive ruins.
Generally, photography is allowed throughout the site, but always be respectful of the religious nature of the location.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The grounds are quite large, so plan for at least 1-2 hours to explore thoroughly.
Dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Restrooms are usually available within the historical park. It's recommended to bring your own water, though some vendors might be present.
The site has many uneven surfaces and ruins, which might pose challenges. However, some main paths are walkable.
It was the royal temple and chapel of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, serving as a model for Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To ensure a comfortable visit for children, focus on visiting during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the intense heat. Bring plenty of snacks and drinks, and consider renting bicycles if your children are comfortable riding, as it can make exploring the grounds more engaging.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save further, consider taking public transport (bus) from Bangkok to Ayutthaya and then using local transport like songthaews or bicycles to get around the historical park. Packing your own food and water can also help keep costs down.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Royal Palace Temple
The most striking features are the three majestic, bell-shaped chedis that dominate the skyline. These stupas were originally built to house the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings. Sadly, during the Burmese invasion, two of these chedis were destroyed, but they have since been meticulously restored, preserving their historical importance.
Exploring the vast grounds allows visitors to step back in time and imagine the former glory of the Ayutthaya era. The well-maintained ruins, including remnants of the royal palace and smaller stupas, offer a profound connection to Thailand's rich past.
Navigating Ayutthaya's Historical Park
Alternatively, once in Ayutthaya, you can rent bicycles for a leisurely exploration, hire a tuk-tuk for a more personalized experience, or use songthaews (shared taxis) to hop between sites. The historical park is quite spread out, so planning your transport in advance is recommended.
When visiting Wat Phra Si Sanphet and other temples, remember to dress appropriately. Modest attire covering shoulders and knees is required. The heat can be intense, so carrying water and utilizing provided umbrellas is crucial for a comfortable experience.
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