Was this temple built after Ayutthaya became the capital?
No. Wat Phanan Choeng was founded in 1324, before Ayutthaya became the capital. Worship still takes place in front of the large seated Buddha known as Luang Pho To.
Wat Phanan Choengวัดพนัญเชิง
Ayutthaya · Ayutthaya temple housing a large golden seated Buddha
Enter the hall at Wat Phanan Choeng and a large golden seated Buddha, about 19 m tall, fills the space. The temple predates Ayutthaya’s time as a capital, and you can see Chinese-influenced decoration as well as worship that continues today.
Wat Phanan Choeng adds a living place of worship to a tour of Ayutthaya’s old ruins. Alongside the large Buddha known as Luang Pho To, there are other Buddha images and a hall housing Guanyin. After seeing the large image, take time to explore the different worship spaces inside and around the halls.
Location and getting there
The pin marks the place, not necessarily its entrance, ticket office or vehicle drop-off point.
Area
Kamang Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000
Essential visitor information
- Visiting hours
- 08:00–17:00
- Admission information
- 20 baht
What can you see?
The large seated Buddha known as Luang Pho To and Sam Po Kong
The golden seated Buddha, about 19 m tall, is called Phra Phuttha Trairattana Nayok, or Luang Pho To. Among Chinese devotees, it is also known as Sam Po Kong. The large image seen from inside the hall and the Chinese-influenced decoration around it are striking together.
An offering ceremony, in which devotees drape cloth over the Buddha image, is another feature of the temple. If you see the ceremony taking place, quietly move aside from the route used by worshippers. It is not a scheduled performance for tourists, so do not plan your visit on the assumption that you will always see it.
A temple that predates Ayutthaya’s time as a capital
Wat Phanan Choeng was built in 1324, before Ayutthaya became the capital. The area also has a long history of Chinese residents. At a temple visited by both Thai and Chinese devotees, you can see Chinese-influenced decoration and worship traditions too.
Other Buddha images and worship spaces in the main hall
The main hall enshrines other Buddha images as well as the large seated one, including gold images, plaster-covered images and a copper-alloy image. After admiring the golden Buddha, look at the other images in turn. You can see statues made from different materials together.
There is also a shrine to Soi Dok Mak and a shrine to Guanyin on the grounds. Visitors interested in religious art can see several Buddhist and Chinese devotional figures in one temple. Please explore quietly without blocking people praying in the halls.
Before you visit
Suggested clothing for a temple visit
For all visitors, we recommend wearing clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. A sleeved top with long trousers or a skirt that covers the knees is a good choice. Please dress modestly rather than wearing a sleeveless top or short bottoms.
Frequently asked questions
Are Luang Pho To and Sam Pao Kong different Buddha images?
They are two names for the same golden seated Buddha, about 19 meters high. Luang Pho To is the name used by Thai worshippers, while Sam Pao Kong is used by Chinese worshippers. There is also a shrine to Guanyin on the temple grounds.
Related places and travel information
Sources checked:
Sharing image credit: พระเมธีวราภรณ์ วัดพนัญเชิง / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0