A Tale of Two Temples: Exploring Wat Phukhao Thong and Wat Choeng Tha in Ayutthaya

Come along, everyone! Today, we're diving into the ancient city of Ayutthaya to visit two temples that are brimming with history and fascinating stories: Wat Phukhao Thong and Wat Choeng Tha. This trip promises to be filled with merit, knowledge, and plenty of beautiful photos!
First Stop: The Soaring Chedi of Wat Phukhao Thong
We begin our journey at Wat Phukhao Thong. The first thing you'll see from a distance is its immense white chedi (stupa) standing proudly on a high mound, surrounded by vibrant green rice fields. It's a truly majestic and sacred sight.
* A Rich and Complex History: The chedi was originally built during the reign of King Ramesuan. What's truly interesting, though, is that the base of the chedi is a Mon-style structure built by King Bayinnaung of Burma to celebrate his victory in capturing Ayutthaya. The upper chedi that you see today was built later by King Naresuan the Great to proclaim Thailand's victory over the Burmese. This makes Wat Phukhao Thong a unique blend of two distinct architectural styles.
* Conquering the Peak: The climb up the stairs to the top of the chedi can be a bit tiring, but it's absolutely worth the effort! From the observation deck, you get a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the rice fields and surrounding villages. The cool breeze at the top is incredibly refreshing. If you love taking photos, this is a spot you can't miss.
* Seeking Blessings: At Wat Phukhao Thong, there are many sacred objects to pay respect to, including the Buddha's relics at the top of the chedi and various Buddha statues in the lower viharn. If you're looking to ask for blessings related to stability in life, work, or land, this is the place to do it.
Second Stop: The Peaceful Wat Choeng Tha by the River
From Wat Phukhao Thong, we continue our journey to Wat Choeng Tha, which is not far away. This temple has a serene and unique charm that sets it apart from many others.
* A Temple of King Taksin the Great: Wat Choeng Tha holds immense historical importance, as it is the temple where King Taksin the Great was ordained as a monk before he went on to reclaim independence for Thailand. Inside the temple, you'll find a shrine to King Taksin, where you can pay your respects and receive blessings.
* Admiring the Architecture: The highlight of this temple is its remarkably well-preserved old ordination hall. It showcases exquisite ancient architecture and still features beautiful, well-preserved murals that depict religious stories and scenes from daily life in the past. The area is also surrounded by ancient chedis of various styles, making you feel like you've stepped back in time.
* A Riverside Retreat: Located right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Choeng Tha has a very peaceful and shady atmosphere. It's perfect for a slow, leisurely stroll to appreciate the temple's beauty and an ideal spot to sit and relax while watching the river flow by.
A Recap of Our Ayutthaya Temple Trip
Visiting Wat Phukhao Thong and Wat Choeng Tha in one trip is a truly rewarding experience. You get to witness the grandeur of the chedi on the hill and the tranquil beauty of the ancient temple by the river. Each temple has its own captivating history and unique charm. If you're planning a trip to Ayutthaya, be sure to pin these two temples on your map—you won't be disappointed!

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Post by Birdjourneyjourneys | Aug 21, 2025