Rating: 4.4/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Daily (recommended to call ahead before visiting)

Opening Hours: Morning – Evening (hours may change according to the temple’s announcements)

 

Wat Thammaram is an old riverside temple on the Ban Pom side of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, along the Chao Phraya River. A local landmark people often use for directions is that the temple sits “opposite Phra Si Suriyothai Chedi.” This gives the visit two distinct charms at once: the calm, unhurried feel of a riverside temple that is usually less crowded than the most popular sites on Ayutthaya Island, and the pleasure of slowly “reading” late-Ayutthaya craftsmanship through a compact ordination hall filled with architectural details and stucco work that is genuinely enjoyable to examine up close.

 

If you place Wat Thammaram within Ayutthaya’s bigger picture, riverside temples like this were never only spaces for religious rites. They also reflect how the city’s way of life was tightly bound to the Chao Phraya River — travel, trade, and community settlement all flowed through these waterways. The temple therefore served as an anchor for local people, and what remains for us today is a set of “Ayutthaya traces” preserved in enough detail that later generations can walk through and reconnect their imagination with the past.

 

The heart of this temple is its late-Ayutthaya-style ordination hall (ubosot). It is modest in scale and feels compact, yet it clearly carries the careful intention of its builders. The structure features drum-like wall construction, with front and rear walls joining into a gable form described as “yan ok kai,” which helps the building read as solid and dignified. While it is not as monumental as royal temples on the island, its charm lies in how closely you can approach it, see the elements in full, and take in the architecture without needing to compete for space with large crowds.

 

What often keeps visitors lingering is the stucco detail — especially the vine motifs that run across different parts of the building. At first glance, it may look like simple decoration, but closer observation reveals a deliberate rhythm of lines, spacing, and a sense of movement that makes the pattern feel “alive,” not rigid. Another especially interesting feature is the inlay of bowls and ceramic pieces into the stucco, a technique found in various sites from Ayutthaya and the early Rattanakosin period. Ceramics add sheen and color that differ from plain stucco; when light hits them, they create depth so the surface never feels flat or dull.

 

Along the roofline, elements such as the chofa and bai raka, as well as other decorative components, are also shaped with stucco details that capture the atmosphere of the late Ayutthaya period. If you enjoy craftsmanship, it helps to walk slowly around the ubosot, take in the “overall form first,” and then zoom in on specific details. Moving from the big picture to the small one makes it easier to see how the artisan intended the patterns to guide the eye, and where they placed heavier or lighter ornamentation across the building.

 

Another reason Wat Thammaram is worth stopping by is its riverside setting along the Chao Phraya River. The breeze noticeably softens Ayutthaya’s heat, especially in the morning or late afternoon. The light is gentler then as well, making it easy to take beautiful photos without trying too hard. You can sit quietly for a moment, then return to pay respects or continue studying the architectural details at an unhurried pace. This is a place better suited to visitors who want to “soak it in” rather than those trying to “check every box in 1 hour.”

 

In terms of historical meaning, Wat Thammaram is often mentioned in narratives about Buddhist ties between Thailand and Sri Lanka, frequently connected with the idea of the “Siam Nikaya,” a key reference point in regional Buddhist history. However, when speaking about this theme, it is best to clearly separate “the temple’s foundation in the Ayutthaya period” from “modern-era additions or arrangements created to commemorate or celebrate the relationship,” because these belong to different layers of time. Telling the story with that distinction improves credibility and helps readers understand what is original heritage and what later generations placed to communicate additional meaning.

 

If you want your visit to flow smoothly, start by walking around the ubosot once to “grasp the whole,” then come back for a second round to focus on the stucco details and ceramic inlays. After that, spend time by the river to rest your eyes. This approach helps you catch both the beauty of composition and the calm of the setting, and it also works well for photography because the light shifts gradually, giving you different moods without needing to move far.

 

Getting There If you are driving from Bangkok, head to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District and continue to the Ban Pom area (outside the island on the western side). Use the Chao Phraya riverside line and the area opposite Phra Si Suriyothai Chedi as your main landmark. From Ayutthaya Island to Ban Pom, the drive is generally short and straightforward. On long holidays, allow extra time for traffic in the main tourist zones. If you want to be sure about the day’s actual opening hours, it is recommended to call the temple before you leave.

 

Dress modestly, especially if you plan to enter the ubosot to pay respects, and take photos with consideration for other worshippers. If you are visiting with children or older family members, this temple is easy to walk around and naturally offers gentle pacing. Visiting without rushing is the best way to appreciate Wat Thammaram’s charm.

 

If you have extra time, Wat Thammaram also works well as a “stop” that connects you to several major historic sites in Ayutthaya within the same day. It is not far from other riverside temples and the main attractions on the island. You can plan a balanced one-day trip that includes calm atmosphere, architectural detail, and local food in the old city, without needing to travel long distances between stops.

 

 

A: The temple is located in Ban Pom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, along the Chao Phraya River, and it is commonly described as being opposite Phra Si Suriyothai Chedi.

 

A: The main highlight is the compact late-Ayutthaya ubosot and its vine-pattern stucco work with ceramic inlays that you can appreciate up close.

 

A: Morning or late afternoon is more comfortable because the weather is less hot, and the riverside light is especially beautiful for both walking and photography.

 

A: If you focus on the ubosot, craftsmanship details, and some quiet riverside time, about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours is a relaxed pace.

 

A: You can continue to Wat Kasattrathirat Worawihan, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, or head to the Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit area, all within convenient distance for a one-day itinerary.