Lost Glory of Ayutthaya: Temples of the Ancient Kingdom (Private)

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is one of the best-preserved temples in Ayutthaya and a true symbol of the city’s former grandeur.
Originally built in 1357 by King U-Thong as a monastery for monks ordained in Ceylon, it was later expanded by King Naresuan the Great to commemorate his victory over the Burmese army. The towering main chedi, constructed to celebrate this triumph, dominates the temple grounds and offers a striking reminder of Ayutthaya’s glorious past.
With its elegant architecture and serene atmosphere, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon remains one of the most impressive and historically significant temples in the ancient capital.

Wat Mahathat was once one of the most important temples in the ancient city of Ayutthaya and remains one of its most iconic landmarks today. The temple is world-famous for the serene Buddha head gently entwined within the roots of an old banyan tree, one of the most photographed and recognizable images in Thailand. Beyond this captivating sight, Wat Mahathat also features the ruins of grand prangs and crumbling stupas that hint at the temple’s former splendor as a spiritual and political center of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

Wat Ratchaburana, built in the 15th century during the reign of King Borommarachathirat II, is one of Ayutthaya’s most remarkable and historically significant temples.
The temple is best known for its impressive central prang, adorned with intricate stucco reliefs that reflect the artistic mastery of the early Ayutthaya period. Inside its crypt, archaeologists discovered ancient treasures, golden artifacts, and remarkably well-preserved mural paintings; rare glimpses into the spiritual life and craftsmanship of old Siam.
Today, Wat Ratchaburana stands as a fascinating testament to Ayutthaya’s former glory and the deep religious devotion that once flourished in the ancient capital.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the royal temple of Ayutthaya and once formed part of the ancient Royal Palace complex. It served as the spiritual heart of the kingdom, where significant religious ceremonies and royal rituals were held. The ashes of several Ayutthaya kings were enshrined here, symbolizing the deep connection between the monarchy and Buddhism.
The temple is most famous for its three iconic chedis, which rise gracefully above the ruins and have become enduring symbols of Ayutthaya’s former grandeur. Their elegant symmetry and historical importance make Wat Phra Si Sanphet one of the most revered and photographed landmarks in the ancient capital.

Wat Lokayasutharam is home to the magnificent 42-meter-long reclining Buddha, known as Phra Buddha Sai Yat. Crafted from brick and covered with plaster, this colossal statue is one of the most striking sights in Ayutthaya and holds deep spiritual significance for both locals and visitors. The Buddha’s serene head rests gently on a lotus-shaped pillow, symbolizing peace and enlightenment. Devotees often place small gold leaf offerings on the statue’s surface as a sign of respect and merit-making, creating a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere that reflects the enduring faith of the Thai people.

Our final stop is the stunning Wat Chaiwatthanaram, one of the most beautiful and iconic temples in Ayutthaya.
Built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong to honor his mother and to commemorate the glory of his reign, the temple stands as a masterpiece of Khmer-inspired architecture. Its towering prangs and elegant galleries are designed to represent the structure of the universe according to Buddhist and Hindu cosmology.
Set along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Chaiwatthanaram remains one of the most photogenic and historically significant landmarks in the ancient capital.