Wat Phu Khao Thong
Tall whitewashed chedi (the 'Golden Mount') rising from the rice plains, with a stair climb to a terrace giving panoramic countryside views.
- Category
- Temples (Wat)
- Entrance fee
- Free (small donation to climb; as of 2026, confirm locally)
- Hours
- Approx. 08:00-18:00 daily (as of 2026, confirm locally)
- Best time
- Late afternoon; climb for sunset views over the rice fields
- Time needed
- 45 minutes-1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy-moderate; steep staircase up the tall white chedi
About Wat Phu Khao Thong
A tall whitewashed chedi they call the Golden Mount, rising straight out of the rice plains northwest of the island. Climb the steep staircase to the terrace and you get the best rural panorama anywhere near Ayutthaya, open countryside in every direction. It is an underrated stop that keeps you well clear of the temple crowds.
The history here is layered, reflecting the mixed Thai and Mon-Burmese period of the 16th-century occupation, which shows in the chedi's form. But most people come for the view, and it delivers.
Late afternoon is the move: climb for sunset over the fields. It is out of town a bit, so a tuk-tuk round trip or a motorbike is the way to get here. The stairs are steep but short.
Highlights
- Tall whitewashed 'Golden Mount' chedi over the rice plains
- Best rural panorama near Ayutthaya from the terrace
- Layered Thai and Mon-Burmese history
- Away from the main temple crowds
- Free, with a small donation to climb
Tips
- Go late afternoon and climb for sunset over the rice fields
- The staircase is steep but short, easy-moderate for most
- It is off the island, so take a tuk-tuk round trip or motorbike
- Bring water, the terrace is fully exposed
How to get there
~3 km northwest, off the island; ~15 min by tuk-tuk (~150-200 THB round trip) or motorbike from town