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Things to do in Thailand, Thailand: The Best Ancient Ruins
Coordinates: 15°24′N 101°18′E / 15.4°N 101.3°E / 15.4; 101.3
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1. Royal Thai Marine Corps Monument
2. Sam Cave (Tham Sam Rock Art)
3. Phra Si Ratana Temple (Wat Yai)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 452 reviews
Built in 1357 and later developed into a monastery, this temple now houses Phitsanulok’s most revered statues of Lord Buddha.
Reviewed By johnyhasita - Ko Kret, Thailand
I have a great opportunity to visit Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat (Wat Yai) on the latest MAKHA BUCHA day. This is the place where the traditional, religion and love are inside of the Buddhist mind. Phra Buddha Chinnarat inside this temple is the most beautiful Buddha Statue that I have ever seen. When you go inside and look at the Buddha you will be unaware or know your time is never-ending. Your trouble will fly away once you step in and just take a look at what is in front of your face. At the back of this temple, you will find Phra Attharot is standing for many many years. This is the antiquity of Sukhothat Art Buddha. The one who believes and would like to beg or prey, he or she will prey with Thai dessert called " Bao Loi " to fulfill his or her wish.
4. Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,000 reviews
Built about 600 years ago, this impressive temple once housed the precious Emerald Buddha.
Reviewed By Davinajs - Island of Malta, Malta
A must-see when visiting Chiang Mai old city, part of an historic temple complex, this impressive ancient temple was built around 14th century, originally 82 metres high with much of it collapsing after an earthquake.
5. Sukhothai Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,416 reviews
The park comprises the ruins of royal palaces, Buddhist temples, the city gates, walls, moats and the water dyke control system of ancient Sukhothai, the capital of the Sukhothai kingdom from the 14th century.
Reviewed By Ingeborg56 - Oslo, Norway
One should either rent a bike or an electrical tuk-tuk because the Historical Park is huge, and even now in the cool season in December it was 28 degrees celcius so it is hot.Many very interesting vats, and a few of them have clearly influence from hinduism also.Very impressive!
6. Wat Umong
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,240 reviews
This unique 14th-century temple is built into the side of Suthep mountain and is constructed of a series of tunnels.
Reviewed By jiaogulanforhealth - Chiang Mai, Thailand
Easy to spend several hours there, going through the temple and strolling down to the lake to feed the fish, pigeons and turtles. 20 baht entrance fee to the temple.
7. Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,110 reviews
First built in 1448 A.D. during the reign of King Boromtrilokanath, this is the largest temple ruin in Ayutthaya.
Reviewed By melkeet - Ipoh, Malaysia
This ruins is a part of the ancient Royal palace of Ayutthaya. The place was crowded, as it is one of the main, attractions of Ayutthaya. There are sign boards, illustrating its history and significance. The temple complex is huge and well maintained. The main exhibits here are three chedis, which contain the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings. There is also an ordination hall, and a hall were monks studied the teachings of the Buddha. The complex is surrounded by an outer wall. Lining the walls is a great number of subsidiary chedis and viharns. The place bounds to be hot, therefore carry a hat, sun lotion and lots of water. We spend about 90 minits here. This is a photographer’s paradise. Transport is available to go back. If visiting Ayutthaya, then a visit to this place is a must.
8. Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,199 reviews
Considered one of the most imposing ancient Buddhist monasteries, this religious site was established by King Prasatthong in 1630 A.D. in homage to his mother.
Reviewed By hooman1020 - Tehran, Iran
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a stunning Buddhist temple in the city of Ayutthaya, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, south west of the old city of Ayutthaya. The temple was constructed in 1630 (By Prasat Thong). The temple's name means "the Temple of long reign and glorious era". The royal temple was used for performing religious ceremonies. The wonderfully designed temple has architectural influences from both Hinduism & Buddhism, featuring detailed edifices, towers and extensive carvings. It has a central 35m high prang in Khmer style with four smaller prangs. The whole construction stands on a vast rectangular platform. Along the outside wall, there were many one-sized sitting Buddha statues in a row. Although Wat Chaiwatthanaram is located outside Ayutthaya Island and it is not a part of the "UNESCO World Heritage Site", but it is one of Ayutthaya's best known temples. It is a large compound part of Ayutthaya which can be reached by road or by boat. This temple was opened to public in 1992. I recommend you to go there and visit one of the most amazing temples of Ayutthaya. Some temples in the city center are crowded and noisy but this one is not so, Instead it has a calm & quiet atmosphere. Besides a pleasant feeling exists here that comes from visiting tall towers that have survived during the centuries!
9. Wat Mahathat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,247 reviews
Reviewed By PerryB137 - Hong Kong, China
This was a particularly interesting Wat at which to take photos and pore through one's guidebooks in order to reconstruct the fascinating history of both the ruins and the extant structures.
10. Wat Yai Chai Mang Khon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,393 reviews
Reviewed By hooman1020 - Tehran, Iran
In my opinion, Wat Yai Chai Mongkon (Mongkhol) is the most thriving and loveliest spot in Ayutthaya. I call this spot “Heart of Ayutthaya”. Wat yai chai mongkhon was constructed in 1357 A.D by U-Thong , to accommodate the monks. This monastery was named "Wat Pakaew". After King Naresuan victory over Burmese in 1592 and constructing a new large chedi (pagoda) by him, the temple became known as Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon "Great Monastery of Auspicious Victory". Ordination hall was constructed in the reign of King Naresuan for religious adoration and royal meditation. The temple and monastery have their rear sections extended through the gallery. Many Buddha images are lined up outside the gallery. There’s a staircase in the main building that allows you to go up and watch the panoramic landscape from above. The original reclining Buddha statue was constructed by King Naresuan. The statue seen today is a replica that was made in the 1960s. Today most of the Buddha images that can be seen in the temple are relatively modern. This temple unlike many of the other ancient sites in Ayutthaya, is still an active temple where monks reside. Thai people visit this Wat to pay respects to Buddha & King Naresuan. The statues of roosters & fighting cocks which have been left in King Naresuan’s honor represent the king’s own fighting spirit and bravery. Besides many wonderful Buddhist religious art works and an incredible sense of serenity and calm, there's a nice Thai market which provides eatables and fresh drinks and souvenirs in a reasonable price. Also there's a parking lot that allows you to park your car easily. If you want to visit only one temple in Ayutthaya, I suggest you Wat Yai Chai Mang Khon !
