“Admire the majesty of the Late Ayutthaya Prang-style pagoda, which maintains its structural form and intricate architectural details within a lush green space in the city.”
Ket Temple is a small archaeological site located in the northeastern part of Ayutthaya Island, near Wat Maheyong and Wat Kudi Dao. The temple is situated not far from the Pa Sak River, which once served as an important transportation route. Although it was not a large or royal temple, Wat Ket played an important role as a religious center for riverside communities during the late Ayutthaya period, reflecting the close relationship between daily life, faith, and water-based livelihoods in the ancient capital.
The remaining brick ruins, boundary walls, and building foundations reveal a simple temple layout that emphasized practical use rather than grandeur. Despite its modest scale, the site embodies deep spiritual devotion and represents the many community temples that once functioned as centers for religious rituals, social gatherings, and spiritual refuge for local residents along the riverbanks.
The most remarkable feature of Ket Temple is its prang-style stupa set on a square base, featuring finely crafted indented corners known as “yom mum mai sip song.” The prang still retains a clear structural form despite centuries of decay, demonstrating the influence of Khmer architecture adapted into the more graceful and balanced Ayutthaya style. Nearby are the remains of a vihara foundation oriented toward the Pa Sak River, reflecting traditional beliefs and temple planning closely aligned with water transportation, which was central to life in the past.
The atmosphere around Ket Temple is shaded and cool, with large trees covering much of the area. This creates a peaceful and private environment, distinctly quieter than major tourist temples within the historical park. Visitors can slowly explore the ancient brick remains and stupa at close range while enjoying birdsong, gentle river breezes, and a calming sense of stillness that invites reflection on the past.
Ket Temple is an ideal destination for photographers, architecture enthusiasts, and artists seeking inspiration from the harmony between ancient structures and nature. Sunlight filtering through the tree canopy softly illuminates the prang, creating gentle and captivating visual depth. The site also serves as a pleasant stop for those exploring Ayutthaya Island on foot or by bicycle along less crowded routes.
Visitors are invited to experience the understated charm and discover the hidden tranquility of Ket Temple, a place where silence conveys the enduring greatness of Ayutthaya through timeless traces of faith that history has left behind.
How to Get There
Private Car:
- Drive toward the east side of Ayutthaya city island along Pa Thon Road (near Hua Ro Market).
Tuk-Tuk:
- Hire a local "Frog-nose" Tuk-Tuk from the city center; the site is easily accessible from the main road.
Rental Bicycle:
- A great stop if you are cycling through the historical ruins on the eastern side of the island.
Travel Tips
Best Season:
- Visit between November and January for pleasant weather and lush greenery.
Footwear:
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on soil and grass; insect repellent is recommended due to thick foliage.
Photography:
- Morning light around 08:00 - 09:00 highlights the Prang's details beautifully.
Food & Culture:
- Located near Hua Ro Market, where you can find local snacks and delicious traditional food.
Planning:
- Combine this visit with Wat Maheyong and Wat Kudi Dao for a comprehensive historical day trip.
Admission Fee
-
Local visitors: Free
-
Foreign visitors: Free
Opening Hours
-
Daily: 08:00 – 17:00