Around Bangkok
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Around Bangkok - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Wat Phra Mahathat
Building began on this royal monastery in 1374 and was completed during the reign of King Ramesuan (1388–95). The tree-shaded, parklike grounds, a pleasant place to linger, contain what's left of the monastery's 140-foot prang. The brick Khmer-style prang, which collapsed twice between 1610 and 1628, and again in the early 20th century, barely reflects its former glory. Partially in ruins, the prang is said to contain relics of the Lord Buddha. It and the beheaded Buddhas that remain in Wat Phra Mahathat are a result of the Burmese sacking of the temple in 1767.
Sois Naresuan and Chikun, Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, 13000, ThailandSight Details
Rate Includes: B50 -
2. Phra Pathom Chedi
The tallest stupa in the world, Phra Pathom Chedi tops out at 417 feet. Erected in the 6th century, the site's first chedi was destroyed in a Burmese attack in 1057. Surrounding the chedi is one of Thailand's most important temples, which contains the ashes of King Rama VI. The terraces around the temple complex are full of fascinating statuary, including Chinese figures, a large reclining Buddha, and an unusual Buddha seated in a chair. By walking around the inner circle surrounding the chedi, you can see novice monks in their classrooms through arched stone doorways. Traditional dances are sometimes performed in front of the temple, and during Loi Krathong, a festival in November that celebrates the end of the rainy season, a fair is set up in the adjacent park.
View Tours and ActivitiesKhwa T. Phrapathom Chedi Rd., Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Pathom, 73000, ThailandSight Details
Rate Includes: B60 -
3. Phra Prang Sam Yot
Lopburi's most famous landmark is this Khmer shrine whose three prangs symbolize the sacred triad of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. King Narai converted the shrine into a Buddhist temple, and a stucco image of the Buddha sits serenely before the central prang. The most memorable aspect of the monument is its hundreds of resident monkeys, including mothers and nursing babies, wizened old males, and aggressive youngsters. Hold tight to your possessions, as the monkeys steal everything from city maps to cameras. Most tourists wind up having a blast with the monkeys, though. Approach them and stand still for a minute, and you'll soon have monkeys all over your head, shoulders, and just about everywhere else—a perfect photo op.
Vichayen Rd., Lopburi, Lop Buri, ThailandSight Details
Rate Includes: B30, Closed Mon. and Tues. -
4. Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopitr
When this temple's roof collapsed in 1767, one of Thailand's biggest and most revered bronze Buddha images was revealed. It lay here uncovered for almost 200 years before a huge modern viharn was built in 1951. Historians have dated the image back to 1538.
Off Naresuan Rd., Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, 13000, ThailandSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
5. Wat Mahathat Worawihan
This 800-year-old Khmer-influenced structure on the western side of the Phetchaburi River is a royal temple located in a charming district with narrow lanes and wooden shophouses. It comprises five large prangs that are visible from all over town. It is notable for its fine stucco work, which is characteristic of the Phetchaburi school of art seen on many of its temples.
Bandai-it and Damnoen Kasem Rds., Phetchaburi, Phetchaburi, 76000, ThailandSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Wat Phanan Choeng
This bustling temple complex on the banks of the Lopburi River is an interesting diversion from the dormant ruins that dominate Ayutthaya. A short B3 ferry ride across the river sets the scene for its dramatic origins. The temple was built in 1324 (26 years before Ayutthaya's rise to power) by a U-Thong king in atonement for the death of his fiancée. Instead of bringing his bride, a Chinese princess, into the city himself, the king arranged an escort for her. Distraught at what she interpreted to be a lackluster welcome, the princess threw herself into the river (at the site of the current temple) and drowned.
Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, 13000, ThailandSight Details
Rate Includes: B20 -
7. Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat
Built by the Khmers, this wat underwent so many restorations during the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods that it's difficult to discern the three original Khmer prangs—only the central one is intact. Several Sukhothai- and Ayutthaya-style chedis sit within the compound.
Ratchadamnoen 1 Alley, Lopburi, Lop Buri, 15000, ThailandSight Details
Rate Includes: B50, Closed Mon. and Tues. -
8. Wat Phra Si Sanphet
The royal family worshipped at this wat, Ayutthaya's largest temple. The 14th-century structure lost its 50-foot Buddha in 1767, when the invading Burmese melted it down for its 374 pounds of gold. The trio of chedis survived and are the best existing examples of Ayutthaya architecture; enshrining the ashes of several kings, they stand as eternal memories of a golden age. If the design looks familiar, it's because Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the model for Wat Phra Keo at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Beyond the monuments you can find a grassy field where the Royal Palace once stood. The foundation is all that remains of the palace that was home to 33 kings.
View Tours and ActivitiesNaresuan Rd., Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, 13000, ThailandSight Details
Rate Includes: B50 -
9. Wat Ratchaburana
Across from Wat Phra Mahathat stands Wat Ratchaburana, whose Khmer-style prang dominates the skyline. King Borommaracha II (Chao Sam Phraya) built this temple in 1424 to commemorate the death of his two older brothers, whose duel for the throne ironically left him as king. Their relics, including their swords, were buried in a crypt under the prang's base, which was looted in 1957. Arrests were made, however, and the retrieved treasures can now be seen in the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.
Sois Naresuan and Chikun, Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, 13000, ThailandSight Details
Rate Includes: B50 -
10. Wat Yai Chai Mongkol
King Naresuan constructed the enormous chedi at Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, the largest in Ayutthaya, after defeating the Burmese crown prince during a battle atop elephants in 1593. A recent painting of the battle is one of the temple's highlights. The complex, parts of which date to 1357, was totally restored in 1982. Linger a while to pay your respects to the huge reclining Buddha, or climb to the top for a spectacular view. The site closes at 5 pm, but you can enter after that if the gates are left open, as they often are. The view at sunset is beautiful, and you'll completely escape the crowds.
Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, 13000, ThailandSight Details
Rate Includes: B20
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