Wat Phra Si Sanphet
The former royal temple of the Ayutthaya court, defined by three restored Ceylonese-style bell chedis holding the ashes of three kings.
- Category
- Temples (Wat)
- Entrance fee
- Around 50 THB for foreigners (as of 2026, confirm locally); in the 220 THB combo ticket
- Hours
- Approx. 08:00-18:00 daily (as of 2026, confirm locally)
- Best time
- Late afternoon for golden light on the three chedis; sunset is popular
- Time needed
- 45-60 minutes
About Wat Phra Si Sanphet
If Wat Mahathat gives you the famous close-up, this gives you the postcard. Three tall bell-shaped chedis stand in a row, restored and holding the ashes of three kings, and they are the image most people carry away from Ayutthaya. It sits on the grounds of the old royal palace, so there are no resident monks here, just the scale and symmetry of a former court temple.
Go late in the day. The chedis catch golden light beautifully near sunset, and the crowds that pack Wat Mahathat in the morning have usually thinned by then. It is also an easy, climb-free walk, which makes it a gentle stop if the heat has worn you down.
Honestly one of the quieter headline sites in the late afternoon, which is a rare combination here. Take your time.
Highlights
- Three restored Ceylonese-style bell chedis in a row
- Ashes of three Ayutthaya kings enshrined here
- Built on the old Royal Palace grounds
- Climb-free and easy to walk
- Prime golden-hour and sunset photography
Tips
- Come late afternoon for warm light on the chedis and thinner crowds
- Pair it with the neighbouring Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit next door
- No monks reside here since it sits on the old palace site, so it stays calm
- Covered by the 6-temple combo ticket
How to get there
Historical park core, next to the old Grand Palace grounds; ~5-10 min by tuk-tuk or bicycle from town