Rating: 4.3/5 (6 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 09.00 – 18.00

 

Wat Kluai If you are looking for an Ayutthaya attraction that feels calm, shaded, and quietly layered with history along the riverside, Wat Kluai is a temple worth pinning. The temple sits outside Ayutthaya Island along the Pa Sak River, and it is often described as having once been a stopping point for cargo boats traveling down from northern Thailand, making it an important kind of “water-trade junction” in earlier times. As Ayutthaya moved through periods of lively commerce as well as conflict, those echoes became part of the city’s old stories that still color the atmosphere of places like this.

 

The appeal of Wat Kluai for travelers who truly come to pay respect is not about grand, postcard-style architecture like the major temples inside the historic island. Instead, it is the mood of a riverside temple that naturally slows you down, and the sense that you are standing on ground where “history once flowed through everyday life” in the form of river trade and strategic positioning, as preserved in local narratives passed along over time. Today, the images of battlefields or military camps are more part of the story that accompanies a visit than something you can directly see on site, because what draws people to the temple now is the pull of devotion and the close-up experience of relic collections that visitors intentionally come to venerate.

 

Inside the temple grounds, one point many visitors pay attention to is an old ordination hall that is described as stone construction from the Ayutthaya period. A brass principal Buddha image is enshrined within, and it is said that sacred amulets are placed inside the image. The temple is also described as displaying Buddhist relics and relics associated with respected masters, which is one reason Wat Kluai has become remembered as a “temple of relics” for those who want a deeper form of worship in Ayutthaya beyond simply stopping for photos.

 

The most distinctive highlight, and a main reason many people intentionally visit, is the relics of Phra Khru Inthawutthikon, or Luang Pu Tuan Intapanyo, a former abbot. It is often told that although these relics originated from a single person, they appear in a wide variety of forms, shapes, and colors. This variety helps the experience feel like more than a casual “wish-making stop,” and instead becomes a moment of seeing devotion as a living symbol that people connect with practice, reverence, and respect for teachers of the tradition.

 

Before leaving, many visitors do not miss paying respect to the statue of Luang Pu Tuan, along with the statue of Luang Pu Thep Lok Udon that is enshrined within the temple area. These elements add to the sense that the visit is not simply for “checking in,” but for sincerely honoring revered masters and seeking auspiciousness. If you enjoy temples with a refreshing natural feel, Wat Kluai offers a clearly riverside comfort: breezes from the Pa Sak River move through the grounds so walking feels easy and unforced, making it a good half-day stop for a quiet reset. Many people also choose to make small merit in simple ways, such as feeding fish appropriately in line with the temple’s guidelines.

 

If you are bringing older family members, timing becomes even more important. An unhurried visit helps seniors avoid fatigue, while still allowing time to sit by the river, enjoy the breeze, read any information signs, or talk through Ayutthaya’s stories from the past. This is a kind of charm that some major tourist temples cannot easily provide because crowds and fast-paced itineraries often push visits into a rushed rhythm.

 

Getting There If you are driving from Bangkok, you can head into Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya city and use navigation to reach Wat Kluai, which is located outside the historic island along the Pa Sak River. It is a good idea to allow extra time for traffic on weekends and holidays. If you plan to combine this visit with other popular temples or landmarks in the same day, starting earlier helps with parking, walking, worship, and resting without rushing. For public transport, the easiest approach is usually to arrive in Ayutthaya city first and then continue by taxi, hired transport, or local ride services depending on what is most convenient, especially if you are traveling with family members or seniors and want better control over timing.

 

 

A: Yes. The commonly listed visiting hours are 09.00 – 18.00. If you plan to arrive late in the day or during major holidays, calling ahead is recommended.

 

A: The temple is frequently mentioned for its relic collections and for worship connected with Luang Pu Tuan Intapanyo, along with other revered-master relic displays as described in published information.

 

A: Around 1–2 hours is typically enough for worship, a relaxed walk around the grounds, and enjoying the riverside atmosphere. If you are traveling with seniors, consider adding extra time for resting.

 

A: Yes. It is especially suitable for families who prefer a calmer temple experience that is not overly crowded, but children should be supervised and visitors should follow respectful temple etiquette.

 

A: You can continue to Wat Phanan Choeng, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Mahathat, or Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. Choosing 1–2 additional stops keeps the day comfortable and unhurried.