For us, Wat Yai Chai Mongkon (or Mongkhol, both spellings are common) is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. On either side is a chedi with a large, smiling stone Buddha. The whole structure is surrounded by a square enclosure with countless Buddha statues winding around the building, and a small garden at the rear. A little further away stands the Great Buddha. This temple exudes an incredible peace and tranquility. You feel completely at ease there and would love to stay forever. We recommend arriving right when it opens in the morning (around 8:30 am). Then you will most likely have the temple almost entirely to yourself.

Open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Admission: 40 baht. The temple is located just outside the city. Depending on your route, you may need to cross a bridge and a busy road. A vehicle is essential.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is easily accessible by bicycle, which you can rent from one of the many rental shops in Ayutthaya city center or at your hotel or guesthouse (sometimes bicycles are even provided free of charge). Alternatively, a tuk-tuk is a good option for a city tour (approximately 200 THB per hour). If you're traveling by bicycle, a map of the boat connections is recommended (approximately 10 THB per person with a bicycle). This will help you avoid detours and prevent you from having to use the main road. Of course, you can also rent a motorbike.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is a temple. When visiting a temple in Thailand, there are some rules to observe: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), remove shoes upon entering the building, be quiet, no hugging or kissing, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, and do not smoke.

How to get there

How do you get to Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon? You can reach Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon by renting a bicycle from one of the many rental shops in Ayutthaya city center or from your hotel or guesthouse (sometimes bicycles are provided free of charge). Alternatively, you can take a tuk-tuk for a city tour (approximately 200 THB per hour). If you are traveling by bicycle, it is advisable to take a map of the river boat services (approximately 10 THB per person with a bicycle). This will help you avoid detours and prevent you from having to use the main road. Of course, you can also rent a motorbike.