Outbound Collective logo

Explore Wat Yai Chaimongkhon

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand

Description

Added by John Maurizi

Explore an ancient and impressive monastery in the heart of Ayutthaya. 

This monastery is also known as Wat Phra Chao Phya-thai and Wat Yai Chai-mongkol. The main Chedi here stands 62 meters high and took over 28,000 tons of bricks to construct. The chedi was constructed in 1357 by King U-Thong for monks who had been studying Buddhism in Ceylon. Upon their return, the King named the Monastery, Wat Chao Phya-thai which means "The Temple of the Supreme Patriarch".

Later, the chedi was renamed Phra Chedi Chai-mongkol, meaning Auspicious Victory, to commemorate a victory over the Burmese. It is a bit unclear how exactly the named transferred from Chai-Mongkol to Chai-Mongkhon.

Chai-Mongkhon is a beautiful location and the chedi are fairly well preserved. There is much erosion of the brick, especially on the main chedi and steps ascending to the top. The grounds are open with little shade. Surrounding the main chedi are lines of ceramic Buddhas. A very impressive sight. There is also a large Reclining Buddha at the location.

There is a 20 Baht fee to enter (about 60 cents). Well worth it!  You will need a Tuk Tuk driver to take you around all the sites of Ayutthaya.  This was one of the first my driver took me to. 

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Photography
Scenic

Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Explore Wat Mahathat

Hike to Haew Narok Waterfall