Chaiwatthanaram Temple was constructed in 1630 CE (B.E. 2173) during the reign of King Prasat Thong. The king ordered the temple to be built on the site of his former residence as an act of merit dedicated to his mother, reflecting royal devotion and filial piety in accordance with Ayutthaya traditions.

However, Prince Damrong Rajanubhab later suggested that the temple may also have been constructed as a memorial celebrating victory over Longvek (Phnom Penh). Its architectural concept is believed to have been inspired by Angkor Wat, symbolizing royal power, grandeur, and the ancient cosmological belief of the universe’s center.

The architectural layout of Chaiwatthanaram Temple is highly distinctive. At its center stands the main prang, surrounded by corner prangs on the same raised platform. The main prang follows the style of early Ayutthaya prangs but features more prominently projecting porches on all four sides. The summit of the prang may once have been crowned with a small chedi, symbolizing the Chulamanee Chedi atop Mount Meru, the cosmic center according to the Traiphum cosmology.

Encircling the main prang is a covered cloister, which originally had a roof. Inside the cloister once stood 120 stucco Buddha images in the Mara-victory posture, all gilded in gold, forming a sacred boundary around the temple. Along the eight cardinal and intercardinal directions, meru towers and corner meru chedis were constructed, totaling eight structures surrounding the central prang.

Each meru housed a royal-attired Buddha image within a gilded shrine. The ceilings were made of wood and decorated with intricate gilded patterns. The interior walls of the meru were painted with floral and kranok motifs, now largely faded, while the exterior walls were once adorned with 12 stucco reliefs depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life, which are now mostly lost, though they were still clearly visible about 20 years ago.

The meru towers and corner prangs were designed as multi-tiered palace-like structures, rising in seven diminishing levels toward the top. This architectural form was inspired by royal cremation pavilions used for kings in the Ayutthaya period, which themselves derived from the cosmological concept of Mount Meru, the axis of the universe.

The ordination hall was located in front of the meru enclosure, outside the cloister, and today only its foundation remains. Nearby stands a twelve-cornered chedi, and the important monuments are enclosed by three concentric walls. Additional smaller prangs and chedis were later added within the temple complex.

Chaiwatthanaram Temple served as a royal temple where successive kings of Ayutthaya performed merit-making ceremonies. As a result, it underwent continuous restoration throughout many reigns. It was also used as a royal cremation site for numerous members of the royal family, including King Borommakot, whose funeral rites were held here before the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767 CE.

After the fall of Ayutthaya, the temple was converted into a military camp and subsequently abandoned. Treasure hunters looted the site, Buddha heads were stolen, and bricks from the ordination hall and walls were removed for sale. In 1987 (B.E. 2530), the Fine Arts Department initiated a major conservation project, which was completed in 1992 (B.E. 2535), restoring Chaiwatthanaram Temple to its present state as one of Thailand’s most important historical monuments.

Private Car:

• From the city island, cross the Kasattrathirat Bridge to the western bank. The temple is on your left by the river with ample parking available.

Tour Boat:

• Hire a long-tail boat from piers on the city island (like the train station or market piers) to see the riverside view before landing at the temple's private pier.

Tuk-Tuk:

• Readily available from any point in town; simply ask for Chaiwatthanaram Temple.

Best Time to Visit:

• 16:30 – 18:30 PM to catch the sunset and see the nighttime light illumination.

Thai Costume Rental:

• Shops are located right in front of the temple, ranging from 100-300 THB, including hair styling and accessories. Dressing takes about 15-20 minutes.

Photography:

• The best spots are on the central lawn facing the main prang and near the corner walls to capture the sunset light hitting the bricks.

Dress Code:

• If not wearing a rented costume, please dress modestly to show respect for this significant historical site.

Planning:

• Located near Wat Kasattrathirat and Wat Phutthaisawan, it is perfect for a "West Bank Riverside" tour in the late afternoon.

Admission Fee

• Thai Visitors: 10 THB

• Foreign Visitors: 50 THB

Opening Hours

• Open daily from 08:00 – 18:30 (Night lights illumination continues until approx. 21:00)