Wat Phra Sri San Phet

This royal temple was the inspiration for the Emerald Buddha Chapel in Bangkok, and is focal point of a complex currently called the "Ancient Palace". Much like the Grand palace complex in Bangkok, the Ancient Palace was the traditional residence of Ayutthayan monarchs.

The entire complex is dominated by Wat phra sri San Phet's three towering Ayutthayan-style chedis, and contains several satellite ruins of meeting halls used for state ceremonies, to welcome foreign envoys, to view military parades and royal barge processions, and for leisure.

Adjacent to the complex is the Phra Mongkhon Bophit Chapel which houses a massive bronze Buddha image.

Wat Phra Ram

This temple was constructed during the late 1300s by King Ramesuan to commemorate his father, King Ramathibodi I, who founded Ayutthaya as his new capital in 1350.

Wat Ratchaburana

Located opposite Wat Mahathat, this temple was built by King Borom Rachathirat II during the 1420s.

Wat Mahathat

This extensive temple was destroyedin 1767. Golden memorabilia from the temple is displayed in the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.

Wat Phananchoeng

This riverside temple pre-dates Ayutthaya's founding as the Siamese capital in 1350. The principal Buddha image was built in 1325 and is highly revered by local inhabitants.

Wat Suwandararam Ratchaworawihan

This temple, noteworthy for excellent murals in the main classic Ayutthayan-style chapel, near the Pom Phet fortress, is a royal monastery of the present Chakri dynasty.

Wat Suanluang Sopsawan

This reverside monastery was built during the mid-1500s, and contains the Queen Sisuriyothai Memorial Chedi honouring the Ayutthayan heroine, Queen Sisuriyothai, who sacrificed her life, during elephant-back combat, repelling Burmese invaders in 15'_, to save her husband. A statue of the queen astride a war elephant dominates the Queen Sisuriyothai Memorial park on the city outskirts.

Wat Lokayasutharam

This temple is noteworthy for a long brick and plaster reclining Buddha image some 29 metres in lenght.

Wat Phra Ram

This temple was constructed during the late 1300s by King Ramesuan to commemorate his father, King Ramathibodi I, who founded Ayutthaya as his new capital in 1350.

Wat Phutthai Sawan

This riverside temple was constructed in the area where King U-Thong (later crowned King Ramathibodi I) and his followers founded the new capiatl of Ayutthaya in 1350.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Another riverside temple built by King Prasat Thong during the 1600s. The main prang and pagodas remain in good conditions.

Wat Na Phramen

This temple, still in use today is the only temple not completely destroyed during the 1767 invasion and destruction of Ayutthaya.

Wat Phukhao Thong (Golden Mount)

Located two kilometres northwest of the Wat PHra Si San Phet complex, this temple was constructed in 1387 during the reign of king Ramesuan.

Wat Yai Chaiyamongkhon

This monastery dates from the mid-1300s. The enormous pagoda was built by King Naresuan the Great to celebrate his victory in 1592 over the Burmese Crown prince in single-handed combat on elephants.