Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was originally used as a royal residence during the reign of King Rama I. Later, His Royal Trailokkanat built a new royal palace in the north and elevated the site to be the country’s principal shrine, designated for important state ceremonies. Unlike other temples such as Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai, which housed monks, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet and Wat Phra Kaew were established as palace temples without resident monks.

In 1492 (B.E. 2035), during the reign of King Rama II, the eastern pagoda was constructed to enshrine the ashes of his father, King Trailokkanat. In 1499 (B.E. 2042), the central pagoda was built to hold the ashes of King Borommatrailokkanat (King 3 Setthathirath).

The following year, in 1500 (B.E. 2043), King Rama II commissioned the casting of a standing Buddha statue approximately 16 meters (8 wats) tall, covered with 286 baht of gold (about 171 kilograms), enshrined in the main viharn, and named Phra Sri Sanphet Dhammasami.

The third pagoda, located to the west, was built to house the ashes of King Borommarachathirat II, constructed by his son, King Borommarachathirat IV. These three pagodas are designed in the traditional Lanka style.

During King Songtham’s reign, the Phra Thinang Chom Thong (Golden Throne Hall) was built near the wall adjacent to Wat Phra Mongkhon Bophit to serve as a place where monks could teach and chant scriptures.

Wat Phra Sri Sanphet underwent its first restoration during King Borommatrailokkanat’s reign. However, after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767 (B.E. 2310), the temple was ransacked and gold coverings were stripped by Burmese forces, leaving the structures in ruins.

During the Rattanakosin period under King Rama I, the temple’s sacred artifacts were moved to Wat Pho, and the damaged relics were enshrined in a newly built pagoda named Pagoda Sanphet Dhammasami, now located in the western viharn.

In the reign of King Rama V, Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, the Minister of the Interior, supervised excavations within the temple ruins, uncovering numerous Buddha images and gold artifacts. Later, during Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram’s government, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was restored to the condition visible today.

Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is located in the heart of Ayutthaya Historical Park. Visitors can reach it by car or local bus from Bangkok via Highway 32. After entering Ayutthaya city, follow signs to the Historical Park. The temple is near the old city center and accessible by tuk-tuk or bicycle rentals.

Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Wear respectful clothing covering shoulders and knees. Carry water and sun protection as much of the site is open-air.

Admission Fee:

• Thai nationals: 10 THB

• Foreign tourists: 30 THB

Opening Hours:

Daily from 08:30 AM to 04:30 PM

Note: There is a light projection show illuminating the ruins nightly from around 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.