Old Royal Palace

Ayuthaya


The field north of Wat Phra Si Sanphet full of brick foundations, walls and little else was once the royal palace compound of the Ayuthaya kingdom. There's not much to see, but the Grand Palace in Bangkok was modelled on it, so that can help with your imagination. It makes for a nice, short bike ride. The entrance is in the southeast corner or you can walk in direct from Wat Phra Si Sanphet. It's open roughly 8am to 6pm.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ayuthaya attractions

1. Wat Phra Si Sanphet

0.14 MILES

At this captivating ruined temple, three wonderfully intact stupas form one of Ayuthaya's most iconic views. Built beginning in 1448, this was a private…

2. Wat Thammikarat

0.2 MILES

The most prominent features of this ancient and presently active temple is not the large wí·hăhn lŏo·ang (royal assembly hall) but the modest stupa in…

3. Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit

0.21 MILES

Next to Wat Phra Si Sanphet, this sanctuary hall houses one of Thailand's largest bronze Buddha images, dating to the 15th century, most likely. Coated in…

4. Wat Phra Ram

0.24 MILES

Wat Phra Ram's tall main prang (Khmer-style spire) isn't in the best condition, but it's definitely worth a visit. The temple was constructed on the…

5. Wat Na Phra Men

0.37 MILES

Featuring a gorgeous 6m-high Buddha flanked by maroon columns, this active temple was one of the few to escape the wrath of Burma's invading army in 1767;…

6. Wat Worachetharam

0.43 MILES

A weathered Buddha, about all that remains intact from the wí·hăhn (assembly hall), sits picturesquely in front of a bell-shaped stupa at this small…

7. Chao Sam Phraya National Museum

0.46 MILES

The most impressive treasure of Ayuthaya's premier museum is the haul of royal gold (jewellery, utensils, votive tablets, spittoons) unearthed from the…

8. Wat Lokayasutharam

0.49 MILES

This early-Ayuthaya temple ruin in the island's northwest features an impressive 42m-long reclining Buddha in front of a precariously leaning prang (Khmer…

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