Wat Na Phra Men วัดหน้าพระเมรุ, also known as Wat Na Phra Meru or the “Monastery in Front of the Royal Cremation Pyre,” is a historic and active Buddhist temple located in the Ayutthaya Historical Park in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand.
Situated along the Khlong Sa Bua canal on the north bank of the Khlong Khu Mueang (the ancient course of the Lopburi River), it lies just opposite the ruins of the Ayutthaya Royal Grand Palace, technically outside the main island of the ancient city. This strategic position made it a site of both spiritual and military significance.
The temple is renowned for its well-preserved architecture, reflecting late Ayutthaya-style design, and houses several ancient Buddha images that draw local worshippers for merit-making. It remains an active place of worship, often bustling with Thai visitors, though it sees fewer foreign tourists compared to other Ayutthaya sites.
The temple complex features a prominent ubosot (ordination hall), which ...
The Takia Yokhin Ratchamit Chincha Siam Mosque, commonly known as Takia Yokhin Mosque or Masjid Chao Phra Khun Takia, is a historic mosque with over 400 years of history, established during the Ayutthaya Kingdom in 1610 . It stands as a significant cultural and religious landmark in Ayutthaya, reflecting the multicultural trade hub of the era, with connections to Persian, Indian, and other Muslim communities. This mosque is not only a place of Islamic worship but also a unique symbol of interfaith harmony, attracting both Muslims and Buddhists who visit to seek blessings.
Established in 1610 (BE 2153) by Sheikh Ahmad Qomi (also known as Chao Phra Khun Takia or Sheikh Ahmad Maimum Shah Allahyar), a Shiite mystic from India who spread Islam with Sufi-inspired practices, using miracles and spiritual feats to draw followers.
Originally, the site was a Buddhist temple called Wat Thep Chumphon (or Wat Chetupol). A resident monk, inspired by Takia’s miracles, converted to Islam, leading to the temple’s ...
Wat Phra Khao, also known as Wat Thep Phithak Punnaram, is a Buddhist temple located in the Pak Chong District of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. It is situated on Khao Siat A hill in Ban Klang Dong, approximately 2 km off the Mittraphap Highway (the main road from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima). The temple is nestled amid lush greenery near Khao Yai National Park, making it a scenic spot for visitors traveling between Bangkok and the Isan region.
The origins of Wat Phra Khao are believed to date back to the Ayutthaya period (1351–1767), though exact founding details remain uncertain. The temple underwent significant development in the late 20th century. In 1997, a new chapel was constructed to replace an older, dilapidated one. Around this time, the temple’s most iconic feature—a massive white Buddha statue—was built, elevating its status as a local landmark.
The statue, officially named Phra Buddha Sakolsima Mongkhon, was bestowed this name by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej ...
Wat Ko Kaew Ketsadaram (วัดเกาะแก้วเกษฎาราม), located north of Ayutthaya’s historic city island in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand, is an active Buddhist temple with roots in the late Ayutthaya Kingdom and significant developments during the Ratanakosin period.
Known as the “Monastery of the Crystal Island,” it reflects the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage, enhanced by its serene setting near the Pa Sak River. The temple’s history intertwines with military campaigns, royal patronage, and early 20th-century conservation efforts, with its mural paintings serving as a key artistic feature preserved under King Rama V’s initiatives.
Wat Ko Kaew Ketsadaram was formally established in 1868 (BE 2411) by Phraya Yamarat, the governor of Korat (modern Nakhon Ratchasima), following his victorious military campaign in Luang Prabang, Laos. Historical accounts suggest Phraya Yamarat rested in the area at Ban Chang Saeng and founded the temple to ...
