Practical information
- Location
- Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya · 14.34306, 100.54194
- Opening hours
- Daily 08:00-18:00 (Ayutthaya Historical Park) (source: virtualhistoricalpark.finearts.go.th)
- Entrance fee
- Foreign visitors 80 baht each or 300 baht flat rate; Thai visitors 10 baht each or 40 baht flat rate (Ayutthaya Historical Park) (source: virtualhistoricalpark.finearts.go.th)
- Dress code
- Dress politely: long sleeves, trousers or a knee-length skirt; no sleeveless, crop, tight or revealing tops. Take off your shoes before entering the chapel or other buildings. (source: thailand.go.th)
- Period
- Built in 1630 under King Prasat Thong
Times and prices can change; check them shortly before your visit.
About Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Wat Chaiwatthanaram stands on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River just outside Ayutthaya island and is one of the most photogenic ruins in Thailand. Its tall central prang, surrounded by smaller towers and a gallery of seated Buddhas, follows a Khmer-inspired layout. The temple is part of the Ayutthaya Historical Park and is especially beautiful at sunset, when the brick glows orange, and in the evening when it is often lit. Many visitors rent traditional Thai costumes nearby for photos. You can reach it by bicycle or on a river cruise.
Highlights
- Central prang A Khmer-style tower ringed by smaller prangs.
- Sunset light The brick ruins glow at the end of the day.
- Riverside Set on the bank of the Chao Phraya River.
Tips for Wat Chaiwatthanaram
- Cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes before you enter a temple building.
- Combine your visit with Wat Lokayasutharam, about 2 km away as the crow flies.
More photos of Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Brick chedi in close-up, Wat Chaiwatthanaram Photo: No(0)GoodNamesLeft · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons 
Prangs silhouetted at dusk, Wat Chaiwatthanaram Photo: Preecha.MJ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Wat Chaiwatthanaram on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
Frequently asked questions about Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Where is Wat Chaiwatthanaram?
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is in Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, in central Thailand.
What is Wat Chaiwatthanaram known for?
Wat Chaiwatthanaram stands on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River just outside Ayutthaya island and is one of the most photogenic ruins in Thailand. Highlights include Central prang, Sunset light and Riverside.
What are the opening hours of Wat Chaiwatthanaram?
Daily 08:00-18:00 (Ayutthaya Historical Park) (source: virtualhistoricalpark.finearts.go.th). Check before your visit, as times can change.