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Everything You Need to Know about Wat Phra Si Sanphet
- Things to Know
- Where is Wat Phra Si Sanphet?
- What is the history of Wat Phra Si Sanphet?
- Best Time to Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet
- How to Get to Wat Phra Si Sanphet
- What to See and Do in Wat Phra Si Sanphet
- Admire Wat Phra Si Sanphet’s three chedis
- Enjoy a 10-minute elephant tour of the ruins
- Witness Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit
- Visit King U-Thong monument
- Enjoy a Boat Ride on the Chao Phraya River
- Where to Eat and Drink in Wat Phra Si Sanphet
- Walk In Cafe
- Sukunya Bistro
- Burinda Restaurant
- Where to Stay in and Near Wat Phra Si Sanphet
- The Park Ayutthaya Resort and Spa
- Early Bird Hostel Ayutthaya
- Sala Ayutthaya
- FAQs about Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Wat Phra Si Sanphet (“Temple of the Holy, Splendid Omniscient”) was the most magnificent temple of Ayutthaya, the capital of Siam (Thailand) centuries ago. Today, the three chedis are all that remain, a beautiful reminder of its glorious past.
Located in the Ayutthaya province, Wat Phra Si Sanphet is a must-see for history buffs and tourists who want to witness Thailand’s colorful history and jaw-dropping architecture. Built as a royal palace in 1350, this evolved into a place of worship.
Certainly, visiting Wat Phra Si Sanphet is worth prioritizing on any day trip from Bangkok. As grand as the religious site is, it inspired the biggest Buddhist temples in Thailand, starting with Wat Phra Kaew or the Emerald Buddha Temple in the capital.
Things to Know
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Admission Costs: 50 baht (for foreigners), 10 baht (for Thais)
Where is Wat Phra Si Sanphet?
Wat Phra Si Sanphet is in the province of Ayutthaya. Specifically, it’s located in the Historical Park in the Pratu Chai sub district of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
What is the history of Wat Phra Si Sanphet?
Constructed in 1350 by the orders of King U-thong or King Ramathibodi I, the founder of the Ayutthaya kingdom, Wat Phra Si Sanphet initially served as a royal palace. In 1448, it was converted into a temple, as another palace nearby was built.
In 1499, a 16-meter-high Buddha statue covered in 343 kilograms of gold was installed in the temple, as ordered by King Ramathibodi II. Over time, this grandest of temples housed the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings in its three chedis.
However, in 1767, the Burmese army overran the Ayutthaya kingdom. Not only were the chedis of Wat Phra Si Sanphet destroyed, but the marauders set the buildings on fire and melted the gold, destroying the gigantic Buddha in the process.
Best Time to Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet
The best time to visit the temple is during the dry months from November to March. That should give you better chances to avoid the rain and the windy weather.
Visiting the temple in the early morning is recommended to avoid the scorching heat. You may also enjoy your visit near sunset, a great opportunity to catch the sun’s golden rays.
How to Get to Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Day Tour: The best way to get to Wat Phra Si Sanphet from Bangkok is to book a day tour. It’s a convenient option that means riding a shuttle service that will pick you up from your hotel allowing you to visit other historical sites with a guide.
Train: If you travel from Bangkok, you can arrive at Wat Phra Si Sanphet via train which heads for the temple grounds four times a day from the capital. Go to Hua Lamphong subway train station to catch one.
The trip should take over an hour and set you back from over 60 THB to 1000 THB. The discrepancy in ticket prices depends on the type of seat you’re choosing as first-class sleeper seats with air-conditioning costs more.
Bus: Catch the bus to Wat Phra Si Sanphet from Bangkok at Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal which is reachable by BTS Skytrain. It’s a cheap alternative that should set you back for about 83 THB but expect a longer ride.
Rental car: Armed with a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit, you can hire a car and self-drive from Bangkok to the temple ruins. However, many car rental services offer a private driver with pre-planned destinations.
Taxi: A taxi is the fastest way to get to the ruins. It’s convenient because taxis are everywhere and can be booked using apps like Grab and Bolt.
Bike Tour: If you want to experience Thailand to the fullest, taking a two-wheel ride from Bangkok to the ruins is a great idea. Package tours abound that allow you full use of a bike with just one catch: the scorching sun could drive you crazy.
You’re looking at 78.2 kilometers of biking which should take a whole day to arrive at the ruins. All the sweat will allow you to enjoy every bit of the tourist sites and stunning sceneries that Thailand has been known for.
Boat Tour: River cruises are available from Bangkok to Ayutthaya island. Get a scenic river cruise via a long-tail boat or a luxury cruise and enjoy a walking tour of Wat Phra Si Sanphet and nearby temples and monasteries.
What to See and Do in Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Admire Wat Phra Si Sanphet’s three chedis
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Take time to admire Wat Phra Si Sanphet and journey through the annals of history. Before its destruction at the hands of the Burmese in 1787, this temple was the grandest in the Ayutthaya kingdom for decades.
In its heyday, the massive buildings of Wat Phra Si Sanphet were exclusive only to royalty and as such, were the pride symbol of the kingdom. Though the temple was destroyed, the Fine Arts Department restored the three chedis in 1956.
Each bell-shaped Ceylonese-styled chedi houses the ashes of the great kings of Ayutthaya. The first chedi holds the remains of King Ramathibodi II; the second of King Borommarachathirat III; and the third of King Borommatrailokkanat.
Enjoy a 10-minute elephant tour of the ruins
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Do you know what it’s like to ride a giant? Well, you can grab that chance in Wat Phra Si Sanphet with their elephant rides which can be tons of fun even for kids (better than riding a horse).
Sooner rather than later, you’ll come across elephant rides in Thailand, and the province of Ayutthaya is no exception. Experiencing the ruins from the vantage point of a land giant certainly doubles the excitement.
Plus, you can tour other Ayutthaya ruins on an elephant’s back. Take note that you may not only touch these animals (gently, of course) but also command them just like you would a trained dog (don’t worry their owner-masters will be with you).
Witness Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit
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If you want to see a functioning Buddhist temple, then you’re in luck. Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, also in the Ayutthaya Historical Park where the ruins are, is just a few steps away from Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
Open from 9 am to 5 pm, this holy temple houses the biggest bronze sitting Buddha in Thailand. We’re talking about an enormous 17-meter-high statue made of 300-ton pure bronze all done in Sukhothai art.
Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit means “the Buddhist temple with auspiciousness and blessings”. It served as the private temple of Ramathibodi I (1350-1369), the third king of the Ayutthaya dynasty, but this was also ransacked by the Burmese army.
Visit King U-Thong monument
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The empire of Ayutthaya also called “Siam” was founded by King U-thong, otherwise known as King Ramathibodi I in 1350. Visiting his statue which stands a few meters from Wat Phra Si Sanphet would be a great experience in history.
Built by King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1970, the statue was erected to bring about fortune. After the destructive Burmese raid, people thought the province was out of luck, a curse everyone wanted reversed by having the founder’s statue in place.
Enjoy a Boat Ride on the Chao Phraya River
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A boat ride on the Chao Phraya River could be the perfect way to unwind and bring together everyone in your Wat Phra Si Sanphet escapade. Note that the ruins lie just beside the magnificent river making it accessible by boat.
You could book a boat tour which will bring you to some of the most stunning tourist attractions in the Ayutthya. The river runs 372 kilometers from Bangkok to the Gulf of Thailand so look forward to a long heart-stopping adventure in the making.
Where to Eat and Drink in Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Walk In Cafe
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Address: 19/48 Naresuan Rd, T.Pratoochai, Ayuthaya
Phone: +66 87 289 6536
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)
Good to know: European/Thai cuisine
Located just over a hundred meters from Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Walk In Cafe is a treasure find. Its name might sound pretty ordinary but this restaurant is a toplister and has been voted the best cafe in Ayutthaya in 2022.
Off the bat, this could be the break you need from all the walking to and fro various temples in the region.
Fill your stomach here with their full menus of European/Thai cuisine that you can pair with their scrumptious selection of desserts. Their Rice Salad is a must-try, especially if you’re in search of something healthy yet still delicious.
There are plenty of spaces for parking out front and the best part is this restaurant cafe won’t create a huge hole in your wallet with their not-so-pricey tags.
Sukunya Bistro
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Address: 11 Pratu Chai Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Phone: +66 89 163 7342
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Dine-in/Outdoor seating
Craving for authentic Thai cuisine and all its mouthwatering taste? Then, Sukunya Bistro can be a good option for you after exploring the ruins as it’s located a little over a kilometer from Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
It’s not the biggest of restos in terms of size but they’ve been a local favorite since opening a few years back. We recommend sinking your teeth into their perfectly cooked pork BBQ which goes well with the spring rolls.
They also cater to vegans and vegetarians! Yup, it seems they have something for every foodie, but without sacrificing taste and—best of all—price.
Burinda Restaurant
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Address: 13000, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Phone: +66 98 252 6447
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Thai restaurant
Location-wise, Burinda Restaurant is just a short walk from the ruins so it’s another viable option to get your palates going. You can order their fantastic pad Thai here and just about every Thai food favorite you can think of.
The good news is they’re also into vegan/vegetarian options. Add to their slick location beside the Chao Phraya River and you could be spending hours on end here, which should be alright given their manageable prices.
Where to Stay in and Near Wat Phra Si Sanphet
The Park Ayutthaya Resort and Spa
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Address: 23, 28 หมู่ 3 Tha Wasukri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District
Phone: +66 61 529 6330
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: cozy garden hotel with a spa
Location-wise, the Park Ayutthaya Resort and Spa is an ideal retreat when you are bent on seeing the old capital’s ruins. Not only is this garden hotel near Ayutthaya’s ancient historical sites but it’s also within walking distance to the night market.
A restaurant and a bar out front is perfect to unwind and pump your energy levels back to life. Visit the spa and you should be in tip-top shape in no time and yes, they offer boat tours and bike rentals so you can explore the island even more.
Don’t expect 5-star hotel amenities here, however. Think of this place as a home away from home where you can get a good night’s rest and stay for a night or two without giving your wallet a heart attack.
Early Bird Hostel Ayutthaya
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Address: Hua Ro, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000
Phone: +66 88 676 2525
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 2:30 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: good for backpackers, solo travelers
Early Bird Hostel Ayutthaya is a hostel and with that said, you get a dormitory-style sleeping arrangement here. The good news is this is a great choice when you want to extend your stay in the old capital as you can save on the dollar.
Quality service here is the name of their game. To boot, the staff is super-friendly and would love to give you pointers on how to get your Ayutthaya vacation/exploration going.
Sala Ayutthaya
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Address: 9, 2 หมู่ 4 U Thong Rd, Pratu Chai Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District
Phone: +66 35 242 588
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 3 p.m. (Check-in) & noon (Check-out)
Good to know: boutique hotel
If you want prime comfort, then Sala Ayutthaya may well be the hotel for you during your stay in Ayutthaya. This 5-star hotel is nestled right on the banks of Chao Phraya overseeing the historic sites of the old capital.
That means you’re in for a stunning view here. Plus, the modern design you’ll find in this hotel is in direct contrast to the ancient history of the ruins surrounding it, the Wat Phra Si Sanphet including.
There are plenty of amenities you can enjoy here, from rooms with a private pool to free WiFi and a private safe for your treasures. Just make sure you won’t add another line of wrinkles to your face when you see the room rates.
