Rating: 4.4/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00 (hours may change due to ceremonies or temple activities; please recheck before your visit)

 

Wat Kasattrathirat Worawihan is a temple many people accidentally overlook while driving past, even though its location is effortlessly beautiful. It sits outside Ayutthaya Island on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, directly opposite the Phra Si Suriyothai Chedi. The moment you stand by the river and look across toward the island, you get a calm, still Ayutthaya atmosphere with real historical weight. It feels especially pleasant in the early morning or late afternoon, when the riverside breeze is cool, the light is soft, and the crowds are thinner. This is why the temple is ideal for anyone who wants a peaceful visit and a living, breathing Ayutthaya mood rather than a rushed check-in.

 

The temple’s position also makes it easy to reach and easy to remember. A convenient approach is via the Sri Nakhon Park area: drive to the intersection, turn left to cross the Wat Kasattrathirat Worawihan Bridge, then turn right and continue a short distance to the temple. The comfort of this place comes from its riverside setting — it rarely feels stuffy, there is almost always a breeze, and there are natural spots to pause and rest between sections. If you’re visiting with elders or children, this temple tends to feel “not too tiring,” because the pace of exploring is naturally relaxed — no rushing and no squeezing through crowds.

 

In terms of age and heritage, this is an ancient temple with evidence pointing back to the Ayutthaya period. It was previously known as “Wat Kasattra” or “Wat Kasattraram.” Even the older name leads many to interpret that the temple was connected to royal patronage, although there is no definitive record naming the founder. Still, as an old temple located outside the island along Ayutthaya’s main river corridor, its historical presence is something you can feel on site. Once you step in, the “oldness” is not just in the description — it is in the architecture standing right in front of you.

 

The first thing that makes Wat Kasattrathirat Worawihan feel grand in an Ayutthaya way is its large main prang (tower), a hallmark found in many temples of that era. Here, however, the overall feeling is calmer, quieter, and more open than the most popular spots on Ayutthaya Island, simply because the surroundings are less crowded. You can take your time walking around and viewing the prang from different angles, and you begin to see that Ayutthaya’s charm does not always need loud grandeur. Sometimes it comes as stillness, age, and a dignified beauty that is powerful even when it stands silently.

 

Another highlight for art and craftsmanship lovers is the Ayutthaya-period ordination hall (ubosot) with a carved wooden “star-patterned ceiling,” renowned for its delicacy and refinement. Details like this can be easy to miss if you walk through too quickly, but if you pause, look up, and observe carefully, you’ll notice how earlier artisans devoted care to parts that many people do not naturally look at. Beyond that, the temple also contains Rattanakosin-era mural paintings, which makes the visit feel like you are seeing layers of time stacked in one place — from the Ayutthaya structures that anchor the site, to the continuing legacy of faith reflected through later-era art.

 

If you want to explore efficiently yet meaningfully, it helps to follow a simple order. Start by paying respects and appreciating the interior spaces first, so the visit begins in a calm frame of mind. Then step outside to walk around the main prang and take in the surrounding architecture. Finally, end at the Chao Phraya riverside area, because the last part of your visit is usually when you want to pause, sit, or take photos without feeling rushed. If the day is hot, moving toward the breezier riverside also makes the walk noticeably more comfortable.

 

Photography lovers often enjoy this temple because it offers an “Ayutthaya with atmosphere” feeling rather than an “Ayutthaya with crowds” picture. A reliable photo spot is anywhere that frames the river as a backdrop — the open sky and water surface instantly add mood and space to your shots. Another strong angle is capturing the full proportions of the main prang without forcing an extreme lens. If you visit in the morning or near sunset, the light gives the brick surfaces and architectural details more depth. If you prefer images that tell a story, try photographing shaded walkways or quiet corners inside the temple grounds — they create a softer, calmer visual narrative.

 

This temple is also a royal monastery (third class, worawihan) and is referenced as a registered historic monument, which adds significance beyond beauty. It matters both as a religious site and as part of Ayutthaya’s cultural heritage. If you are visiting with family or friends from elsewhere, simply mentioning that “this is not only a beautiful temple, but one with official historical status and deep heritage” can make the trip feel more meaningful without forcing too many facts into the moment.

 

Getting There If you are driving, the easiest route to remember is via Highway 3263. When you reach the intersection, turn left onto Highway 3413, then continue a short distance — the temple will be on your left. Alternatively, from the Sri Nakhon Park area, take the same approach: cross the Wat Kasattrathirat Worawihan Bridge, then turn right and continue a short distance. This route has the advantage of avoiding too much looping inside the island area, reducing confusion for first-time visitors and saving time on days with heavier traffic.

 

Planning note: opening hours may be listed differently across sources and can change depending on temple activities or important religious days. If you have a tight schedule, it’s best to call ahead for confirmation. As for dress code and etiquette, keep it respectful: dress modestly, avoid loud voices, remove shoes before entering important buildings, and be mindful not to disturb sacred areas or monastic zones, so your visit remains respectful to both the place and those practicing religious activities.

 

 

A: The temple is outside Ayutthaya Island on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, directly opposite the Phra Si Suriyothai Chedi, in Ban Pom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District.

 

A: It is generally open daily, but opening hours may differ across sources and can change due to temple activities. A safe reference is 08:00 – 17:00, and it is best to call ahead if you have a tight schedule.

 

A: The key highlights include the Ayutthaya-style main prang, the Ayutthaya-period ubosot, the carved wooden star-patterned ceiling, Rattanakosin-era mural paintings, and the peaceful riverside atmosphere.

 

A: For a relaxed visit with time to take photos, plan about 45 – 90 minutes, especially if you want to appreciate interior details and spend time by the river.

 

A: Take Highway 3263, then turn left onto Highway 3413 and continue shortly — the temple will be on your left. Another easy approach is via Sri Nakhon Park: cross the Wat Kasattrathirat Worawihan Bridge, then turn right and continue a short distance.

 

A: Dress modestly, avoid loud voices, remove shoes before entering important buildings, and be mindful not to disturb sacred areas or monastic zones, so your visit remains respectful.