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🏯 Review of Wat Chaiwatthanaram: A Riverside World Heritage Site in Ayutthaya
📜 Brief History
Builder: King Prasat Thong (King Sanphet V) of Ayutthaya

Year Built: 1630 CE

Purpose: Built to honor his mother, who was originally her residence. It may also have served as a memorial to his victory over Cambodia.

Past Significance: Used as a royal funeral rites for kings and as a royal cremation site.

Abandonment and Restoration: After Ayutthaya's second loss of independence in 1767, the temple was abandoned and severely damaged. The Fine Arts Department restored it between 1987 and 1992. In 2011, the temple suffered major flood damage.

🏛️ Architecture and Highlights
Wat Chaiwatthanaram's architectural style is influenced by Khmer art. It consists of:

The main prang: Located in the center of the temple, it stands 35 meters high and is a four-sided prang surrounded by four smaller prangs, representing Mount Sumeru.

The covered gallery: This covered walkway surrounds the main prang. Originally, it housed 120 stucco Buddha images in the Mara-Vijaya posture, most of which are now damaged.

The Meru-Ti and Meru-Mum: These represent small chedis surrounding the eight covered gallery. The crematorium once housed Buddha images and murals.

The Ubosot: Located outside the gallery, only the base remains.

Cosmological symbolism: The entire design reflects Buddhist beliefs in the universe, with the main prang representing Mount Sumeru.

🌅 Atmosphere and Visiting Experience
Sunset Beauty: Wat Chaiwatthanaram is renowned for its stunning sunset views, with golden light illuminating the prang and ancient monuments. It gives a solemn and impressive atmosphere.

Recommended Visiting Times:

Time: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and sun and to enjoy the beautiful lighting.

Dress Code: As this is a sacred site, cover-up clothing is recommended.

Photography: Beautiful photo spots are located along the riverside, and from the outside, you can see the prang.

📌 Visiting Information: Location: Ban Pom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

Opening Hours:

Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

(Some sources indicate 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with lighting from 6:30 PM onwards.)

Admission Fee:

Thais: Adults 10 baht, children under 12 free.

Foreigners: Adults 50 baht, children under 12 free.

Special Events: The "Tonight at Wat Chaiwatthanaram Ayutthaya Sundown" event is held on Fridays, Sundays, and public holidays. (Please check in advance.)

🚌 Public Transportation from Bangkok
There are several ways to get to Wat Chaiwatthanaram from Bangkok without a private car:

By Train:

Take the train from Hua Lamphong Station (Bangkok) to Ayutthaya Station.

Then, take a tuk-tuk or motorcycle taxi to Wat Chaiwatthanaram, which is a short distance away.

By Public Van or Bus:

Take a van or bus from Bangkok (such as the Bang Yai Terminal or Future Park Rangsit) to Ayutthaya Province.

Then, take a motorcycle taxi or tuk-tuk to the temple.

There are some bus lines in Ayutthaya that are nearby, such as lines 2, 2457, and 703. (Check the nearest stop, such as the WAT Lot Chong stop, which is about a 12-minute walk away.)

By Boat:

There are boat tours on the Chao Phraya River that stop at Wat Chaiwatthanaram, offering a unique experience and a view of the temple from the riverside.

💡 Additional Tips: Traveling: Bring drinking water, an umbrella, or a hat, as the sun can be quite strong.

Relaxing: There are areas to sit and relax, enjoying the river view and the ancient sites.

Thai Costume Rental: Around the temple, there are shops offering affordable Thai costume rentals for photography enthusiasts.

Regulations: Climbing the ancient site, writing, or any other activity that might damage it are prohibited.

✅ Summary: Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a priceless historical and cultural heritage site. Visiting it offers a glimpse into the grandeur and glory of Ayutthaya's past. Accessing it by public transportation from Bangkok is easy, and it's well worth a visit, both for its beautiful architecture and the tranquil atmosphere along the Chao Phraya River.