The original temple on the site of present-day Wat Phanom Yong was likely built in the 17th century under King Narai. Legend has it that the site was once home to a garden belonging to the royal wet nurse (Phra Nom) Yong. After her death, a temple was built in her honor and named after her. Over time, the "r" in the name was no longer pronounced, which explains the temple's current name. Wat Phanom Yong was abandoned after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767 and rebuilt under King Chulalongkorn (1868–1910). The former residence of Phra Nom Yong is now a memorial on the opposite bank of the canal. The temple houses a long, reclining Buddha covered in gold, and the ordination hall is adorned with beautiful, colorful murals.

Wat Phanom Yong is located just outside the central island of Ayutthaya, not far from the Toy Museum. It can be easily reached by bicycle from Wat Lokaya Sutharam, for example. Alternatively, you can hire a tuk-tuk.

Wat Phanom Yong is a temple, and when visiting a temple in Thailand there are some rules to follow: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), take off your shoes when entering the building, be quiet, do not hug or kiss, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, do not smoke.

How to get there

How do you get to Wat Phanom Yong? Wat Phanom Yong is located just outside the central island of Ayutthaya, not far from the Toy Museum. You can easily reach it by bicycle from Wat Lokaya Sutharam, for example. Alternatively, you can hire a tuk-tuk.