Phutthaisawan Temple is an ancient royal monastery located on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River and is regarded as one of the most important temples of Ayutthaya. It was established in 1896 BE by King Ramathibodi I (King U Thong) on the site of his former royal pavilion before the official founding of Ayutthaya. The temple therefore symbolizes the very beginning of the great capital and has served as a spiritual center since the earliest period of the kingdom.

Throughout several centuries, Phutthaisawan Temple was continuously restored, repaired, and expanded by many Ayutthaya kings. As a result, its architecture clearly reflects the artistic development of different historical periods. Although the temple escaped complete destruction during the fall of Ayutthaya in 2310 BE, it suffered severe looting, particularly of gold and valuable treasures. During the reign of King Taksin the Great, as many as three boatloads of gold were taken from the temple to be used as resources for rebuilding the new capital of Thonburi.

Afterward, Phutthaisawan Temple underwent continuous restoration through the combined efforts of the Fine Arts Department and later Thai monarchs, ensuring the preservation of this invaluable historical and cultural site. As a result, the temple has retained its grandeur and sacred atmosphere up to the present day.

The temple complex contains numerous important monuments, with the white main prang serving as the central structure. Built in 1895 BE, the prang displays Khmer architectural influence and stands prominently in the center of the sacred precinct. Inside the prang are a reclining Buddha image and two Buddha’s footprints, both highly revered by worshippers. Surrounding the prang are two mondops located to the north and south, contributing to the balanced layout of the temple in accordance with religious beliefs.

In addition, the temple preserves Ayutthaya-period mural paintings that depict the journeys of Thai monks traveling to Sri Lanka to study Buddhism in 2296 and 2298 BE, reflecting the religious and cultural connections between Thailand and foreign lands. The grounds also feature royal monuments of five kings commemorating important monarchs in Thai history, as well as the residence of Somdet Phra Phutthakhotchan, which once served as the dwelling of senior monks during the Ayutthaya period. Along the surrounding galleries stand Buddha images in various postures, arranged gracefully around the temple complex.

In contemporary cultural contexts, Phutthaisawan Temple has gained wider recognition through its appearance in the television drama Love Destiny II (Bupphesanniwat 2), which portrays events during the late Ayutthaya period. The temple was used as a filming location for scenes depicting sword training and mystical practices of King Thai Sa, along with his disciples such as Muen Sunthorn Thewa and Muen Rueang Ratchaphakdi. The beautifully staged lantern festival scene in Episode 25 further captivated audiences, resulting in a significant increase in visitors following the drama’s broadcast.

Phutthaisawan Temple is therefore not merely an ancient ruin, but a site that embodies the origins of Ayutthaya, the flourishing of religion and art, and the collective memory of the Thai people, bridging the past and present in a meaningful and enduring way.

Private Car:

• Cross the Kasattrathirat Bridge, turn left onto the southern ring road (Route 3469), and follow the signs to the temple located by the river.

By Boat:

• Rent a long-tail boat from Wat Phanan Choeng or piers within the city island for a scenic river tour ending at the temple’s pier.

Tuk-Tuk:

• Hire a "Frog-head" Tuk-Tuk from the city; ask for "Wat Phutthaisawan" (located on the south bank outside the city island).

Best Time to Visit:

• Early morning (08:00 - 10:00) for a peaceful atmosphere or late afternoon (after 16:30) to see the prang illuminated from across the river.

Dress Code:

• As an active temple with residing monks, please dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered).

Photography:

• The cloisters with the rows of Buddha images and the riverside view of the prang are the most popular photo spots.

Extra Sight:

• Don't miss the mural paintings in the Phra Phuttha Khosachan Residence and the smaller surrounding pagodas.

Planning:

• Since it is located on the south bank, it is best to pair this visit with Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Kasattrathirat.

Admission Fee

• Thai Visitors: Free

• Foreign Visitors: Free

Opening Hours

• Open daily from 08:00 – 17:00.