Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Grand riverside temple built 1630 in Khmer style with a soaring central prang ringed by chedis, one of Ayutthaya's most majestic ruins.
- Category
- Temples (Wat)
- Entrance fee
- Around 50 THB for foreigners (as of 2026, confirm locally)
- Hours
- Approx. 08:00-18:00, often lit until ~20:00 (as of 2026, confirm locally)
- Best time
- Sunset, when the central prang glows; also popular for Thai costume photo rentals
- Time needed
- 1 hour
About Wat Chaiwatthanaram
This one sits across the river from the island, and yes, it is worth the short trip. A soaring central prang ringed by smaller chedis, all of it in grand Khmer style, and arguably the most photogenic ruin in the whole area once the light goes golden. Plenty of people rate it as their favourite site here.
Sunset is the moment. The central prang glows and the riverside setting does the rest. It is also the go-to spot for renting traditional Thai dress to pose for photos among the ruins. That is optional and unashamedly touristy, but a lot of people have fun with it, so no judgment either way.
Because it is off the island you will pay a bit for a tuk-tuk round trip or cross by ferry. Factor that into your timing so you arrive with the light on your side.
Highlights
- Soaring Khmer-style central prang ringed by chedis
- One of Ayutthaya's most majestic and photogenic ruins
- Riverside setting that glows at sunset
- Traditional Thai costume rentals for photos
- Often lit into the evening
Tips
- Time your visit for sunset when the prang glows
- Budget for a tuk-tuk round trip or take the ferry across the river
- Costume rental is optional and touristy but fun if you are into photos
- Allow about an hour to walk the full complex
How to get there
Across the river southwest of the island; ~10-15 min by tuk-tuk (~100-150 THB round trip) from town, or short river ferry crossing