Thailand’s Most Sacred Royal Temple
Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the “Temple of the Holy, Splendid Omniscient,” stands as Ayutthaya’s most sacred royal temple. This magnificent complex once served as the spiritual heart of the ancient Thai capital’s Royal Palace grounds. Today, three iconic bell-shaped towers have become symbols of Thailand’s golden age.
Unlike other Thai Buddhist temples, this exclusive royal site served only the monarchy. Therefore, no resident monks ever lived here, making it unique among Buddhist sites. The temple’s grand design and royal connections show the power and wealth of ancient Ayutthaya.
Royal Heritage and Historical Beginnings
King U-thong (Ramathibodi I) founded the temple in 1350 as part of the original royal palace complex. However, the site became Thailand’s holiest temple when King Borommatrailokkanat converted the old palace grounds into sacred space in 1448.
King Ramathibodi II enhanced the temple significantly in 1492. He added two magnificent towers to hold his father’s and brother’s ashes. Additionally, he commissioned the legendary bronze Buddha image “Phra Si Sanphetdayan.” This impressive statue stood 16 meters high, weighed 64 tons, and was covered with 343 kilograms of gold.
A third tower was added in 1529, creating the famous trio that defines Ayutthaya’s skyline today. Unfortunately, the temple’s grandeur ended tragically during the 1767 Burmese invasion. Enemy forces destroyed the buildings and melted down the golden Buddha. Consequently, only the three strong towers remain as proof of the kingdom’s former magnificence.
The Three Famous Towers
The Three Legendary Towers represent Wat Phra Si Sanphet’s greatest glory and Ayutthaya’s most photographed monuments. These identical bell-shaped structures align east-west on a raised rectangular platform. Furthermore, they showcase Sukhothai-style architecture with Ayutthayan changes including four outward-jutting porches and vertical pillars.
Each tower houses the ashes of Ayutthaya kings: Borommatrailokkanat, Borommaracha III, and Ramathibodi II. Therefore, visitors can see the final resting places of three powerful rulers who shaped Thai history.
The towers have survived over 500 years of weather, wars, and natural disasters. Because of their strong construction, they continue to inspire visitors from around the world. Moreover, their distinctive shape has become an iconic symbol of ancient Thai architecture.
Other Key Temple Buildings
The Royal Chapel (Vihara Luang) ruins preserve foundations of the structure that once housed the magnificent golden Buddha. These remains provide insight into the temple’s original grandeur and ceremonial importance.
Prasat Phra Narai, the cross-shaped hall added by King Narai in 1630, demonstrates the temple’s evolution. This unique building blends European and Indo-Persian architectural styles. Consequently, it reflects Ayutthaya’s international connections during the 17th century.
The Ordination Hall (Ubosot) remains on the southeastern side showcase traditional rectangular brick construction. Additionally, the restored Bell Tower features distinctive five-tiered roofing representing classical Thai temple architecture.
Planning Your Visit
The temple opens daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. International visitors pay 80 THB entrance fees, while the extended hours allow comprehensive exploration during daylight.
For the best experience, visit during early morning (7:00-9:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM). These times provide ideal lighting conditions and comfortable temperatures. Moreover, you can avoid midday crowds during these periods.
The most pleasant weather occurs from November through February. Therefore, plan your visit during these months for maximum comfort while exploring the ancient ruins.
Integration with Ayutthaya UNESCO Experience
Wat Phra Si Sanphet combines perfectly with other World Heritage sites including Wat Mahathat‘s famous Buddha head in tree roots, Wat Chaiwatthanaram‘s riverside sunset views, and Bang Pa-In Royal Palace‘s European-Thai architectural fusion.
Visit this attraction on a Private Custom Day Tour around Ayutthaya.
