Wat Chaiwatthanaram: The Sunset Temple of Ayutthaya

This guide covers the riverside temple of Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya. For the full context of the historical park and the story of the other ruins, read the Ayutthaya Historical Park guide.

Key Takeaways

• This is not a morning temple. The sun rises behind it. You want the sun setting behind the prangs. Visit between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM.
• The architecture is deliberately Khmer-style, modeled on Angkor Wat. King Prasat Thong built it that way to show his power and connection to Cambodian grandeur.
• You can climb the main prang. The stairs are steep. The view of the river and the other towers is worth the effort.
• The temple was used as a royal cremation site. Several kings and their family members were cremated here. That is why it has a different, more somber energy than the other ruins.

Quick Facts

What is Wat Chaiwatthanaram?

Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a 17th-century Buddhist temple ruin on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Ayutthaya. It was built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong.

The temple is famous for its Khmer-style architecture, directly inspired by Angkor Wat. A large central prang (tower) represents Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Buddhist and Hindu cosmology. Four smaller prangs surround it, representing the four continents. Eight smaller chedis (stupas) line the outer terrace.

Unlike the other ruins in the central zone, this temple is on the opposite side of the river. You need a tuk-tuk or bicycle to cross the bridge. The effort is worth it for the sunset views.

For the full context of the park, read the Ayutthaya Historical Park guide.

This is not a complete history of Khmer architecture in Thailand. It is not a guide to the entire west bank of Ayutthaya. It is also not a recommendation to visit at noon. The stone is black. It absorbs heat. You will be miserable. Go at sunset.

The Architecture: What You Are Actually Looking At

Do not just take a photo of the main prang. Walk the entire outer terrace. The perspective changes with every step.

The Story Behind It

King Prasat Thong built this temple in 1630 to honor his mother. That is the official story.

The unofficial story is political. Prasat Thong was not the rightful heir. He seized the throne. He built this massive, Angkor-inspired temple to show that he was as powerful as any Cambodian king. It was a political and spiritual power move.

The temple was also used for royal cremations. Several kings and high-ranking nobles were cremated here. The ashes were not kept here. The ceremony happened here. That is why the atmosphere is different from the other ruins.

Why Sunset is the Only Time to Visit

Do not come here expecting a morning of peaceful photography. Go to Wat Mahathat in the morning. Come here in the late afternoon.

How to Get to Wat Chaiwatthanaram

From Bangkok, take the train (1.5-2 hours) or a minivan (1-1.5 hours) to Ayutthaya. Then use one of the above methods.

Costs and Budget (Real Numbers)

Best Time of Year to Visit

The single most important tip: Check the sunset time online. Arrive 60-90 minutes before sunset. Walk the grounds. Watch the light change. Then find your spot on the main terrace.

Essential Tips and Etiquette

• Bring insect repellent. You are next to the river. The mosquitoes are aggressive at dusk.
• Wear sturdy shoes for climbing the prang. The stairs are steep, narrow, and uneven. Flip-flops are dangerous.
• Do not climb on the outer gallery walls. They are unstable. There are often guards watching.
• Dress code is enforced. Shoulders and knees must be covered. You will be denied entry.
• Remove your shoes before entering any building or climbing onto the main platform. There are sometimes shoe racks at the base of the prang.
• Bring a flashlight for the walk back to your bike/tuk-tuk. The grounds are not well-lit after sunset.

What is Actually Being Done to Preserve It?

The Fine Arts Department of Thailand has been restoring Wat Chaiwatthanaram for decades. The blackened bricks are a result of the Burmese fires. They are not cleaned or replaced. The soot is part of the history.

The main prang is stable. The smaller prangs are incomplete (they were never finished). They are preserved as they are, not completed.

Where to Go Next

Wat Chaiwatthanaram is on the west bank of the river, across from the main central zone.

• Combine it with Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet in the morning and early afternoon.
• Cross the bridge around 3:30 PM. Visit Wat Chaiwatthanaram for sunset.
• Afterwards, consider a sunset boat tour on the river for different views of the temple lit up at night.

For a full day plan, read the Ayutthaya Historical Park guide.

The Truth About Wat Chaiwatthanaram

This is the most photogenic temple in Ayutthaya. It is also the least authentic in terms of original Thai style. It is deliberately Khmer, a copy of Angkor Wat. King Prasat Thong was not being humble.

Come for the beauty. Stay for the history. Do not pretend you are in Cambodia.

Summary

Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a 17th-century Buddhist temple ruin in Ayutthaya, Thailand. It was built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong. The temple is famous for its Khmer-style architecture, including a large central prang representing Mount Meru. It is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The best time to visit is late afternoon for sunset. The entry fee is 50 THB. The dress code requires covered shoulders and knees. It is part of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram is the perfect ending to your day in Ayutthaya.

• Visit the central zone temples (Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet) in the morning.
• Cross the river for sunset at Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
• Plan your whole day with the Ayutthaya Historical Park guide.