Thailand > Ayutthaya > Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District > Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya

“Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya is a temple that enshrines the Buddha's relics in the heart of Phra Nakhon. And especially also the abode of Somdet Phra Patriarch”

Wat Mahathat is located in front of the grand palace. It was constructed in 1374 A. D. during the reign of King Boromma Rachathirat I and finished during the reign of King Ramesuan (1388-1395). The main prang collapsed during the reign of King Songtham (1610-1628). The restoration of this prang was probably completed during the reign of King Prasatthong (1630-1655) and the height_ of the prang was increased at the same time.

The temple was restored again during the reign of Kin Borommakot (1732-1758) and four porticos were added to the main prang. The temple was burned during the sacking of Ayutthaya in 1767.

Wat Mahathat, a royal monastery, served as the seat of the Sangaraja, the head of the Buddhist monks of the Kamavasi Sect, since the time of the Mahathera Thammakanlayan who built the Wat. This Wat at one time housed an unusual Buddha image made of green stone and seated on a throne. The image was moved to Wat Na Phra Meru in the Rattanakosin Period by King Rama III.

The main prang collapsed again around 1911 and looters used the opportunity to dig for treasure. In 1956, the Thailand Fine Arts Department excavated the central area of the prang and recovered relics of the Buddha within a seven-layer reliquary.

By private car:

From Bangkok, enter the city of Ayutthaya and cross the King Naresuan Bridge, go straight until you reach the 2nd traffic light intersection, turn right and go straight, not far. Through Bueng Rama You will see Wat Mahathat on the left hand side. Open to all visitors Day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission: Thais 10 bath, foreigners 30 baht. There will be a light to see the ancient site.

By public transport:

From Mo Chit Mai Station There are regular bus services and air-conditioned buses to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province every day, several times a day, both air-conditioned first class buses from Bangkok - Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. And second class air-conditioned buses, Bangkok-Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center-Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya For more information, please call 0 2936 2852-66 or visit the website. www.transport.co.th Or take a van from Victory Monument and Future Park Rangsit at the end of the line, then take a motorcycle or local car to Wat Mahathat.