🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
If island temples like Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet are the first stop everyone makes, Wat Phutthaisawan is the one plenty of people skip — because it's on the south side of the river, outside the island, so you have to drive around and cross a bridge to reach it. But once you arrive you'll see it's worth it: the main prang still stands at full height, the gallery around the courtyard is still complete, and there are noticeably fewer people than at the temples in the main zone.
This temple was built before Ayutthaya itself was founded. According to its history, King Ramathibodi I (King U-Thong) had it built around 1353 CE on the spot where he had camped before establishing the capital, which makes it one of Ayutthaya's earliest temples — and one that was not burned down when the city fell in 1767. That's why so many of its old structures have survived to this day.
What to see
- The large central prang — Khmer-style, set on a raised platform in the middle of the courtyard, with staircases on the east and west sides. This is the temple's main photo spot.
- The cloistered gallery — a covered walkway encircling the prang that once held rows of Buddha images. Walking the loop gives you that quiet old-temple feel.
- The pavilion of Somdet Phra Phutthakhosachan — an old building whose interior walls carry late-Ayutthaya murals of celestial figures, ascetics, and junk-rigged ships. It's considered one of Thailand's more valuable surviving murals.
- The reclining Buddha hall — home to a large reclining Buddha. People often come to pray here for good health.
- The Thao Jatukham Ramathep shrine — the lucky-charm corner, where people pray for fortune and success in business. Another spot where you'll see a queue.
Photo tip
The prang catches the best light in the late morning and again from late afternoon into early evening. Midday sun is harsh and very hot. If you want the prang against a clear blue sky, try coming between 3:30 and 5:00 PM, before the temple closes — you'll get softer light and thinner crowds.
Want more out of Ayutthaya? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
How to get there
The temple is in Samphao Lom subdistrict, on the south bank of the Chao Phraya, directly across from the island. The easiest way to get there is by car or motorbike — drive over the bridge from town and you'll arrive in about 10–15 minutes. There's a parking lot out front.
- Rental car / motorbike — the most convenient option. You can park right in front, and it works well if you're hitting several temples in one day.
- Tuk-tuk — you can charter one for a temple loop. Agree on the price before you get in; most drivers quote a rate that covers several temples.
- Bicycle — doable, but you have to cross the bridge off the island, and it's farther than the temples in the main zone. If you're not used to cycling, the bridge crossing can be tiring.
- Boat — some river cruises around the island pass this temple along the bank, but most just view it from the water rather than stopping to go ashore.
Opening hours and entry fee
- Opening hours — open daily, roughly 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
- Entry fee — free. This is still an active temple with resident monks, so it doesn't charge the gate fee that some of the historical-park ruins do.
- Dress code — dress modestly, since people come here to worship for real. Avoid spaghetti straps and very short shorts, especially inside the halls.
What to pair it with
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
A riverside prang temple famous for traditional Thai costume photos, on the west side of town. You can drive straight on to it from Wat Phutthaisawan in the same loop.
Wat Lokayasutharam
An open-air reclining Buddha, long and exposed to the sky, on the west side of the island. A good stop on the way back into town.
South-bank markets & riverside eateries
The Samphao Lom area has boat-noodle shops and riverside food stalls — a handy refuel before you carry on to the next temple.
Straight talk
This temple sits outside the island, so if you're only planning to walk or cycle the main zone, you may not make it out here. The smart move is to set aside a day with a vehicle and bundle the south- and west-bank temples (Phutthaisawan + Chaiwatthanaram) into the same loop — that's the most time-efficient way to do it.
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