Chedi Phra Sri Suriyothai is located on the western side of Ayutthaya Island, adjacent to the Office of Archaeology and the National Museum No. 3 on U-Thong Road. It is one of the most significant historical monuments within the Ayutthaya Historical Park and stands as a powerful memorial to Thailand’s first heroic woman in recorded history.

This chedi was built as a monument to Queen Suriyothai, the consort of King Maha Chakkraphat, who lost her life during an elephant duel against the invading forces of the Hongsawadee Kingdom. Her sacrifice has become a lasting symbol of honor, courage, and dignity, affirming the important role of Thai women in national history and earning deep respect from Thai society through the ages.

In 1548 AD (B.E. 2091), King Maha Chakkraphat ascended the throne with Queen Suriyothai as his consort. After only seven months of his reign, King Tabinshwehti and Bayinnaung of Hongsawadee led their armies to invade Ayutthaya, entering through the Three Pagodas Pass in present-day Kanchanaburi Province and establishing camps around the capital. King Maha Chakkraphat rode his war elephant into battle with his sons. Concerned for her husband’s safety, Queen Suriyothai disguised herself in male warrior attire and followed him into the battlefield on her own elephant.

The Ayutthaya army clashed with the vanguard of the Hongsawadee forces led by the Prince of Pyay. During the elephant duel, King Maha Chakkraphat’s elephant faltered. Fearing for her husband’s life, Queen Suriyothai drove her elephant forward to block the enemy. She was struck by the enemy’s halberd, severing her shoulder and causing her to fall and die upon the elephant’s neck amid the fierce battle.

After the war ended, King Maha Chakkraphat performed the royal cremation rites for Queen Suriyothai and ordered the construction of a temple at the cremation site, naming it Wat Suan Luang Sopsawan (formerly known as Wat Sopsawan), as a memorial to her love, bravery, and selfless sacrifice.

During the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), investigations were conducted to identify historical locations mentioned in the Royal Chronicles for the compilation of the Chronicles Collection. This led to the rediscovery of Wat Suan Luang Sopsawan, where a large twelve-cornered chedi was found standing at the present location.

Later, during the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), the chedi was officially renamed “Chedi Phra Sri Suriyothai” in honor of the revered queen. In 1990 (B.E. 2533), the Thai government assigned the Fine Arts Department and related agencies to restore and reinforce the structure, returning it as closely as possible to its original form.

During the restoration, several important artifacts were discovered, including a white crystal Buddha image in the Maravijaya posture, miniature chedis, gold reliquaries containing sacred relics, and other ritual objects. These valuable discoveries are now preserved and displayed at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.

Today, Chedi Phra Sri Suriyothai is not merely an ancient monument, but a timeless symbol of bravery, loyalty, and honor. It continues to tell the powerful story of a heroic Thai woman whose sacrifice remains a source of pride and inspiration for generations to come.

Private Car:

• Drive along U-Thong Road (the ring road around the city island) towards the west. The pagoda is located on the riverside, near the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital.

Tour Boat:

• You can request a long-tail boat tour around the island to slow down for a riverside view or stop at a nearby pier. This is one of the most beautiful angles to see the pagoda.

Rental Bicycle:

• A popular stop for those cycling around the city island, thanks to the convenient riverside path and scenic views.

Best Time to Visit:

• 16:30 – 18:00 PM is ideal as the golden light makes the pagoda shimmer beautifully, and the riverside air is pleasantly cool.

Photography:

• Capture the pagoda from the river or from U-Thong Road to get the golden spire against the evening sky.

Etiquette:

• As this is a sacred memorial, please remain respectful and dress modestly during your visit.

Local Culture:

• If time permits, visit the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum nearby to see gold artifacts and relics from the same historical era.

Planning:

• Located near Wat Kasattrathirat (across the river) and Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park, it is easy to include in a short tour around the island's perimeter.

Admission Fee

• Thai Visitors: Free

• Foreign Visitors: Free

Opening Hours

• Open daily for visits from 08:00 – 16:30