Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Top choice in Ayuthaya


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 royal temple inside palace grounds, and these were the models for Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew and Royal Palace. This temple once contained a 16m-high standing Buddha (Phra Si Sanphet) covered with at least 143kg of gold, which was melted down by the Burmese conquerers.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ayuthaya attractions

1. Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit

0.08 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…

2. Old Royal Palace

0.14 MILES

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…

3. Wat Phra Ram

0.21 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…

4. Wat Thammikarat

0.33 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…

5. Wat Worachetharam

0.36 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…

6. Chao Sam Phraya National Museum

0.39 MILES

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

7. Wat Lokayasutharam

0.4 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…

8. Ayutthaya Tourist Center

0.43 MILES

A good first stop in Ayuthaya, the historical exhibitions in the former city hall contextualise the kingdom's history and culture from ancient times to…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "thailand/ayuthaya-province/ayuthaya/attractions/wat-phra-si-sanphet/a/poi-sig/481056/357639",
      "destination": "Ayuthaya",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "country": "Thailand",
      "city": "Ayuthaya",
      "position": "superzone"
    }