Ancient Ruins of Thailand

This collection features the archaeological remains of Ayutthaya, the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage site. These ruins showcase the evolution of Thai architecture, from Khmer-style prangs to the classic bell-shaped chedis of the late Ayutthaya period. Highlights include the royal temple complex of Wat Phra Si Sanphet and the iconic Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat. These sites offer a detailed look at the religious and political center of a kingdom that flourished from the 14th to the 18th century.

Ancient Ruins of Thailand — Harita

เกริกชัย อินทร์ปอ / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Built in 1630 in Khmer style to commemorate King Thong’s mother, the ancient stupa is one of the most notable attractions in Thailand.

Grassroot / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Built in 1351, this temple features three large chedis and marks the center of the old capital of Thailand.

Mr.Peerapong Prasutr / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat is a Buddhist temple in Ayutthaya, Thailand.

Rex Gray / CC BY 2.0

D

Wat Ratchaburana

Founded in 1424 by King Borommarachathirat II, this temple features a well-preserved central prang and a crypt that once held a significant hoard of gold artifacts and votive tablets.

Karina Guzzi / CC-BY-SA

E

Wat Lokkayasutha

This site is known for its 37-meter-long reclining Buddha image, Phra Bhuddhasaiyart. The surrounding grounds contain the remains of a central prang and several smaller brick chedis.

Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Wad phraram

Built in 1369 on the cremation site of King Uthong, this temple is characterized by a tall central prang decorated with stucco figures of Garuda and Buddha.

Evilarry / Public domain

G

Wat Chai Watthanaram

Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a Buddhist temple in the city of Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River,…

Diana viera / CC-BY-SA

H

Wat Worachettharam

Believed to be the cremation site of King Naresuan the Great, this ruin contains a large bell-shaped chedi and the remains of an ordination hall.

กสิณธร ราชโอรส / CC BY-SA 4.0

I

Wat Chakkrawat

A lesser-known archaeological site featuring a crumbling prang and brick foundations, located east of the main historical island.

Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the holiest temple on the site of the old Royal Palace in Thailand's ancient capital of Ayutthaya until the city…

Ayutwratchabura050618d.jpg / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Wat Ratchaburana

Wat Ratchaburana is a Buddhist temple in the Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya, Thailand.

Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 3.0

L

Wat Maha That

The Wat Mahathat is a Buddhist temple in Ayutthaya, central Thailand.

M

Wat Khun Mueang Jai

A small archaeological site featuring the brick foundations of an ancient vihara and a partially collapsed chedi near the center of the old city.

N

Wat Worachet

Located west of the city island, this site features a large, intact chedi and the ruins of an assembly hall surrounded by a defensive moat.

O

Wat Sam Puen

A solitary ancient chedi that now stands in the center of a modern traffic roundabout, serving as a landmark for the eastern entrance to Ayutthaya.

P

Khok Phaya

Historically significant as the site for royal executions during the Ayutthaya period, now marked by brick ruins and archaeological mounds.

Q

Wat Nang Kham

The ruins of a northern temple featuring the base of a brick chedi and remnants of an ancient ordination hall.

R

Wat Phra Ngarm

Famous for its 'Gate of Time,' an ancient brick archway framed by the roots of a Bodhi tree, leading to the ruins of a central chedi.

S

Wat Pom Yai

An archaeological site north of the city island featuring a large, partially restored chedi and remains of the old city's fortifications.

T

Rectangular building

The brick foundations and lower walls of a secular or auxiliary religious structure within the northern archaeological zone.