Located on the bank of the Maenam Chao Phraya, Wat Chaiwatthanaram also lies to the west of the city Island. Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a stunning Buddhist temple, is the place to visit if you love learning more about the historical culture of Thailand.
Located on the bank of the Maenam Chao Phraya, Wat Chaiwatthanaram also lies to the west of the city Island. Wat Chaiwatthanaram - A stunning Buddhist temple is the place to visit if you love learning more about the historical culture of Thailand. This wonderfully designed temple has some architectural influences from both Buddhism and Hinduism, featuring detailed towers, edifices and extensive carvings.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Wat Chai Wattanaram was built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong to show the respect to his mother, conceived as the Angkor Temple's replica. One of the most visited - historical site of Ayutthaya, Wat Chaiwattanaram rests on the Chao Phraya river's bank, to the west of the city island. The temple was officially ordered to be constructed in 1630 by King Prasat Thong to show the honor to his mother, featuring the architectural style influenced by Angkor temple in Cambodia - its feature is considered as a large - central prang, Khmer - style pagoda, surrounded by smaller prangs, symbolizing Mount Sumeru, the gods' mountain according to Hindu belief. The lighting at night makes the temple more exotic and beautiful as well.
Aerial view of Wat Chaiwattanaram
This place is known as a part of Ayutthaya Historical Park. Although it is not a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is certainly considered as its extensive detailing. This temple, which is constructed by King Prasat Thongat, depicts a glorious era and long reign. Designed in Khmer style of the 17th century, the place has a really high prang or tower with four smaller ones. The rectangular platform used construction has hidden some entrances with steep stairs that lead to the top. There is an ordination hall in the two one with the chedis. The overall construction is dominated by large sitting Buddha statues. The royal temple was used in order to perform religious ceremonies.
A boat trip around this historical island provides very nice views of this large, well - preserved temple. Throughout Thailand, numerous temples take their designs from this building, an eye - catching arrangement which includes a raised platform and eight towering chedis or chapels. All chedis are attached in order to have colorful paintings illustrating the life of Buddha inside and secret passageways. There are totally 120 sitting Buddha statues that are dotted around the area; originally thought to have been painted black and gold, they now sit dressed in orange drapery, creating a peaceful, picturesque scene.
Numerous tourists come to visit Wat Chaiwatthanaram
To reach Ayutthaya Historical Park, visitors can choose 2 options. Firstly, you can take a train from Bangkok Railway Station (Hualampong) in about 2 hours of travelling. It is the easiest way for foreigners because the railway station is not so hard to find. Besides, it is very cheap. Secondly, taking a van from Victory Monument within 1 hour is also a perfect choice but not convenient if you have a large luggage. And, the station is quite hard to find. However, if you still want to take van, let’s print this sentence into a paper and show it to the locals there: "รถตู้ไปอยุธยาอยู่ที่ไหน” meaning "Where is the van to Ayutthaya?".
The cost for a journey is about 10.00 baht for Thai adult, 50.00 baht for foreigner adult and free for child. If you want to explore the interesting things of this Park, don’t forget to buy your own ticket daily from 08:30 am to 04:30 pm.