Wat Dao Khanong วัดดาวขันธง, translating to the “Monastery of the Wanton Stars,” is an active Buddhist temple situated north of Ayutthaya’s city island in the expansive Pho Sam Ton fields. It lies in the Pho Sam Ton sub-district of Bang Pahan district, Ayutthaya Province, Thailand. Positioned on the east bank of Khlong Muang and the north bank of Khlong Chang—both remnants of the ancient Lopburi River course—the temple stands opposite the ruins of Wat Pho Sam Ton.
The temple’s main vihara (assembly hall) enshrines the principal Buddha image, known as Luang Pho Tho Wat Pak Khlong, a large seated figure measuring 4 meters across the lap in the “Conquest of Mara” (Maravijaya) posture, symbolizing the Buddha’s triumph over temptation.
While the site maintains traditional elements, specific architectural details beyond this image are modest, reflecting its role as a living monastery rather than a grand ruin. The grounds blend active worship spaces with subtle historical ...
Wat Chaiyo or Wat Ket Chaiyo was built during the Ayutthaya Period. It became important during the reign of King Rama IV. The venerable Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Phromrangsi) of Wat Rakhang Khositaram built the large Buddha image in a subduing Mara gesture and placed it outdoors. However, the image collapsed soon after construction. He re-built it in the same pose but smaller, covered it in plaster and without gold leaf. As the image could be seen from far, the villagers called it Luangpho To (meaning huge image). Further temple restoration during the reign of King Rama V the Buddha image collapsed again. The King ordered the renovation of the image with steel bars inside. The new image was covered in gold leaf and monks’ robes and was given the new name by King Rama V the Great “Phra Maha Phutthaphim”. A new main chapel was constructed to house the image. Upon completion, King Rama V the Great established the temple as one of the royal temples.
To pay respect to Luangpho To, ...
Kham Yat Palace พระตำหนักคำหยาด is a historic royal pavilion and ancient monument located in the central region of Thailand, within the grounds of the abandoned Wat Pho Thong temple in Ang Thong Province.
This site is a lesser-known gem for history enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the Ayutthaya Kingdom’s architectural and royal legacy, and it’s recognized as a key tourist attraction in Ang Thong.
Built during the reign of King Borommakot (the 32nd monarch of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, ruling 1732–1758) as a royal lodge for vacations and hunting expeditions in the nearby Wiset Chai Chan area (then part of Ang Thong).
It served as a temporary residence for King Uthumphon (Borommakot’s son and the 33rd/penultimate king of Ayutthaya, ruling briefly in 1758) during his monk ordination period. He resided here before relocating to Wat Pradu Songtham in Ayutthaya.
Registered as an ancient monument by Thailand’s Fine Arts Department on March 8, 1935, after ...
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 ...
