Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(admission 50B; 8am-6pm)
Just 40 years ago this temple and one-time garrison was im-
mersed in thick jungle. Today it is one of Ayuthaya's most-photographed sites thanks to its
impressive 35m-high Khmer-style central
prang
. Built in 1673 by King Prasat Thong, the
temple is a great place to watch sunsets. The site is west of the island and can be reached
by bicycle via a nearby bridge.
Wat Phanan Choeng
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
(admission 20B; 8am-7pm)
Merit-making ceremonies, firecrackers and ritualistic fish feeding
make this a hectic temple. The signature attraction is the 19m-high Phra Phanan Choeng,
which was created in 1324 and sits in the
wí·hǎhn,
surrounded by 84,000 Buddha images
that line the walls. The statue's broad shape is typical of the U Thong period.
Wat Phanan Choeng, southeast of the old city, can be reached by ferry (5B) from the
pier near Phom Phet Fortress. Your bicycle can accompany you across.
Baan Hollanda
MUSEUM
( 0 3523 5200;
www.baanhollanda.org
; next to Wat Phanan Choeng; 50B; 9am-5pm Wed-Sun; )
Partly
funded by Princess Beatrix, this charming exhibition is based within the grounds of the
original Dutch trading post. An upstairs exhibition chronicles Thai-Dutch relations from
the time the Dutch East India Company (VOC) arrived in Ayuthaya in 1604. Sip Dutch
coffee downstairs then wander back to the main road and admire the adjacent boatyard.
Baan Hollanda is next to Wat Phanan Choeng.
AYUTHAYA'S TOP FIVE SITES
»
Wat Phra Si Sanphet (
Click here
)
»
Wat Phanan Choeng (
Click here
)
»
Wat Chai Wattanaram (
Click here
)
»
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon (
Click here
)
»
Wihaan Phra Mongkhon Bophit (
Click here
)
Ayuthaya Floating Market
MARKET
