Wat Na Phra Men Rachikaram

Religious spot

★ 4.9 (15K+ reviews) • 159K+ booked

Discover the enchanting Wat Na Phra Men Rachikaram, a hidden gem nestled in the northern area of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand. This captivating temple, part of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and architectural beauty. Known as the 'Monastery in Front of the Funeral Pyre,' Wat Na Phra Men stands as a testament to Thailand's rich past, having survived the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767. Its exquisite structures invite travelers to step back in time and explore the spiritual heart of Ayutthaya, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the region's cultural heritage.

76, Tambon Lum Phli, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand

Overview

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4.9 /5

15K+ reviews

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Thai **

1 Jul

tour guide Pon is nice and fluent in English. she is happy to answer inquiries and support tourists individually taking photos. the trip also is quite convenient as only 6 members join

thulasi *********

30 Jun

Our guide Mr.Tong was so punctual and nice. He communicated everything through WhatsApp and was so helpful. The whole trip was as per the description and Mr. Tong allowed plenty time for us to explore each sites. He even suggested a lunch option which was such a beautiful place with good food. Instead of visiting all heritage temples in Ayyuthaya, this one covered both train village and floating market which was more practical and fun.

Klook User

30 Jun

We’re a family of four with a curious 10-year-old and a thoughtful teenager, and our Ayutthaya trip couldn’t have been better thanks to Nut our amazing driver and tour guide! He made sure we were comfortable the entire day, clearly explained the itinerary, and kept everything well organized. He was very accommodating, making sure both kids were engaged and enjoying the experience. We really appreciated how hardworking he was. He took great family photos for us at every stop, and even recommended a nice place for dinner as we neared our hotel — a thoughtful way to end the day. His friendly attitude, professionalism, and insightful commentary added so much to the trip. We felt safe, relaxed, and well taken care of. Highly recommended, especially for families. Thank you for a truly memorable day!

Jung ******

29 Jun

It was a trip that will remain as a good memory thanks to the meticulous consideration and kindness of the female guide who spoke Korean well.

MARVELYN *******

27 Jun

very informative tour!☺️ Our tour guide, Bond was very kind and accommodating to all of us. She also gives ample time for us to stroll around, take pictures and enjoy the historic places of Ayutthaya. Highly recommended!🤩

Klook会員

24 Jun

First of all, I am very grateful that the local operator consulted with me many times when I applied for this charter. Since it was my first time in this area, I was very grateful because I didn't know the distance or time allocation. On the day, the cute driver who loves Japan took us around safely and efficiently, and we had a very enjoyable time. We decided to take a boat at the last minute at Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market, but they were happy to change the meeting time so we could have a meal and were very satisfied. We narrowed down the Ayutthaya ruins to a few places and included Wat Paknam, but they showed us places that we might not have visited if we had gone there without knowing anything, and it became a good memory. This time, we only had one day to sightsee, so we were able to go to as many places as we wanted to go on the charter, and that was really good. If I have the opportunity to go to Thailand next time, I would definitely like to ask for your help again. Thank you very much.

Klook User

22 Jun

The guide Tom (Cruise) was very energetic and humorous. If you book this tour, I highly recommend you look for Tom. The overall trip was fun and exciting. I was able to explore a lot of temples and ruins.

Abi *******

20 Jun

We had a fantastic time on our Ayutthaya Tour booked through Klook! Everything was well-organized from start to finish. A big commendation goes to our tour guide, Mr. Thana — he was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so many interesting stories about the history of Thailand during the bus ride. His storytelling made the journey enjoyable and insightful, setting the perfect tone for exploring Ayutthaya. The assistant tour guide and our driver were also very kind and professional, ensuring everything ran smoothly and comfortably throughout the trip. We felt safe, well taken care of, and appreciated the friendly atmosphere they helped create. Highly recommend this tour for anyone interested in Thailand’s rich cultural history!

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Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Ordination Hall

Step into the heart of Wat Na Phra Men and be captivated by the Ordination Hall, a true masterpiece of Ayutthayan architecture. This hall, built in 1503 CE and beautifully restored, showcases intricate carvings of Lord Vishnu, Garuda, and Thepphanom. The stunning teak wood gable and the magnificent gilded Buddha image inside are sure to leave you in awe. Supported by lotus-topped pillars, the hall's interior is a testament to the grandeur of traditional Thai design.

Phra Buddha Nimitr

Prepare to be mesmerized by Phra Buddha Nimitr, the principal Buddha image at Wat Na Phra Men. Seated majestically in the gesture of subduing Māra, this image is a sight to behold, measuring 4.40 meters wide and 6 meters high. Clad in royal attire, it reflects the spiritual significance and grandeur bestowed upon it by King Rama III. This magnificent representation of the Buddha is a must-see for anyone visiting the temple.

Phra Khantharat

Discover the ancient allure of Phra Khantharat, an impressive green stone Buddha image housed in the viharn noi (chapel) at Wat Na Phra Men. Dating back over 1,500 years to the Dvaravati period, this statue is one of only five such images in Thailand. Its unique features, including the halo with tongue flames and the short hemline, showcase a blend of cultural influences from China and India. History enthusiasts will find this ancient masterpiece a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Wat Na Phra Men is a remarkable third-class royal temple with a rich historical tapestry. Originally built as a cremation site for nobility during the Ayutthaya period, it has withstood the test of time, surviving the Burmese-Siamese War and undergoing renovations during the Rattanakosin period. This resilience underscores its importance in Thai history. The temple's architecture and artifacts offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, preserving the legacy of the Ayutthaya kingdom. It has also been a site for royal ceremonies and significant historical events, including negotiations during the Burmese-Siamese conflicts.

Unique Architectural Elements

Wat Na Phra Men Rachikaram is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, showcasing a variety of styles that reflect the artistic and cultural influences of the Ayutthaya period. From the ornate carvings in the ordination hall to the lotus-edged outer walls, each element highlights the craftsmanship and artistic vision of the era. The temple's architecture is a stunning example of Ayutthayan style, featuring intricate carvings, lacquered motifs, and the clever use of false windows that create a mesmerizing play of light on the golden Buddha image. This craftsmanship is a testament to the artistic excellence of the period.

Wat Na Phra Men Rachikaram