Temples of Thailand: Wat Ratchaburana, Ayutthaya

Built in the 15th Century, Wat Ratchaburana is one of the most well preserved ruins in the ancient Siam capital of Ayutthaya, Thailand. The temple was built by Chao Sam Phraya, who became king after his father passed away in 1424 and his two brothers, Chao Aye Phraya and Chao Yi Phraya killed each other when they fought over the throne. Chao Sam Phraya built Wat Ratchaburana to house the royal remains.

Located just across the road from Wat Mahathat, entrance to the temple is through a small gate in the surrounding wall and costs 50Baht. The entrance way leads into the still standing wall of the main shrine (ubosot). Although the roof is gone, as well as many of the pillars and most of the stone Buddha statue, it is easy to imagine what the shrine must have looked like when it was built. The missing roof gives an excellent view of the central prang that towers above the building.

Inside the main shrine (ubosot)

At the end of the shrine there are two doors that lead out onto the grounds surrounding the central prang. There are many Buddha sculptures and other carvings amongst the ruins, some in excellent condition, others that are badly damaged.

The central prang (tower) is built in the Khmer style, rising high up into the sky. It is incredibly well preserved and still even has some of it’s original stucco artwork on it, depicting different demon images or other religious beings.

The main prang

Some of the sculptures on the side of the prang

A sculpture on the wall of the prang. Notice the huge bee’s nest at the top

Inside the prang there is a two level crypt and you can enter inside by climbing the steep steps on the sides of the tower. The crypt was undiscovered until 1957 when looters dug into it and stole some of the artefacts inside. Much of these were recovered and it was found that there were many valuable Buddha images and tablets made out of solid gold, along with incredible murals that cover the walls. There are now steps leading into the two levels of the crypt and although it is very hot and humid in there, the ancient artwork is beautiful and worth the effort.

Inside the prang

Steps leading down into the crypt. Not for claustrophobic people.

Artwork on the wall in the bottom crypt

The ceiling of the bottom crypt

Wat Ratchaburana is my favourite ruin in Ayutthaya. The temple and the artwork has survived the test of time and the burning of the city when the Burmese invaded, there is something really special about it. Definitely check it out if you’re heading to Ayutthaya on your trip through Thailand.

Check out the video below for a tour of Wat Ratchaburana.

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