Rating: 4/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 (Hours may vary at certain times; please confirm with the temple before your visit)

 

Wat Phichai Songkhram is an old temple in the historic heart of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, known for the kind of charm that feels both practical and meaningful: it is close to Ayutthaya Railway Station, easy to reach, yet tied to a strong historical narrative. The temple sits on the low-lying riverside landscape of the Pa Sak River, so the atmosphere tends to feel open, calm, and gently reflective. Many visitors like to stop here to pay respects before exploring major ruins around the old city, while others use it as a peaceful first pause right after arriving by train, because the route from the station to the temple is short and straightforward even for first-time travelers.

 

What makes Wat Phichai Songkhram stand out is not only convenience, but also the “layer of meaning” that locals and historical accounts associate with the late Ayutthaya period. The temple is referenced across sources and oral tellings under earlier names such as “Wat Phichai” or “Wat Phichaiy,” and it later became widely known as “Wat Phichai Songkhram.” The later name is often explained in relation to the idea of “victory through breaking out of an encirclement,” a local historical memory that links the site to the account of King Taksin’s breakout during the turbulent period leading up to the second fall of Ayutthaya. In that sense, the temple is remembered as more than a convenient stop near the railway station; it is also a point on Ayutthaya’s broader historical map.

 

Historical details about the temple can differ depending on the source, including timelines and specific construction dates, but the shared core is consistent: it is an old Ayutthaya-era temple that carried significance in the late Ayutthaya period, later fell into a neglected or abandoned state, and was restored during the early-to-mid Rattanakosin era. That arc of decline and restoration shapes how the place feels today. Visiting here is not only about “temple-hopping” for photos; it is also a way of walking through living layers of history in a world heritage city where the past is never entirely distant.

 

In practical travel terms, Wat Phichai Songkhram fits three common visitor styles especially well. First are travelers arriving by train who want a gentle, unhurried start. Because the temple is nearby, you can walk or take a short ride, pay respects, catch your breath, and then continue to the major monuments without feeling rushed. Second are visitors who come specifically to pray for auspiciousness, particularly with the temple’s name and story often associated with “overcoming obstacles” and “victory.” Third are those who enjoy riverside light and quiet corners. The Pa Sak riverside setting creates a spacious feeling and offers peaceful angles for photos, especially in the morning or later afternoon when the sunlight softens.

 

Another reason the temple feels worth visiting is that it still functions as a real community temple, not only a tourist landmark. Locals continue to come for merit-making and religious observances, and many temples in Ayutthaya hold activities on major Buddhist holy days such as Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asalha Bucha, and during the Buddhist Lent and the end of Lent. If you want a more authentic sense of everyday temple life, visiting in the morning often gives you the most natural rhythm of the place, with a quieter atmosphere and fewer crowds.

 

Getting There If you are starting from Ayutthaya Railway Station, the simplest option is to exit the station and follow the main road direction toward the temple area. The distance is short and workable for those carrying light bags. If you are traveling with elderly family members, children, or visiting in strong heat, a short taxi ride, local tuk-tuk/three-wheeler, or a local hire vehicle can be more comfortable. If you are driving from Bangkok or elsewhere, you can navigate directly to “Wat Phichai Songkhram” on maps. The location also connects easily to many famous temples and museums around the old city, making it convenient to plan a loop route without losing time on long transfers.

 

For a day plan that feels “full but not exhausting,” you can begin at Wat Phichai Songkhram and then move to major heritage sites in the central old city area, such as Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, or the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. After that, you can continue toward Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon or Wat Phanan Choeng later in the day depending on your pace. This style of routing is popular because the distances do not jump too far, so you spend less time sitting in traffic and more time actually experiencing the sites, with plenty of food spots and cafes along the way for breaks.

 

Temple etiquette always matters, especially at places that are actively used by the local community. Dress modestly, keep your voice low in worship areas, and avoid blocking paths. If you want to take photos in spaces where ceremonies are happening or monks are performing religious duties, keep a respectful distance. If you are unsure about photo rules or flash use, look for guidance signs or ask staff at the temple. With a little care, your visit will feel comfortable and respectful for everyone.

 

 

A: Yes. It is very close and is a common first stop for visitors arriving by train because it is easy to reach and connects smoothly to other routes around the old city.

 

A: The temple is associated in local historical memory with a late Ayutthaya-period breakout narrative linked to King Taksin, which is also reflected in the meaning of the temple’s later name.

 

A: Many visitors associate the temple with blessings for success and overcoming obstacles, connected to the name and the story of “victory” in the local narrative.

 

A: A convenient next route is the central heritage zone, such as Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, and the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, then later continue to Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon or Wat Phanan Choeng depending on your time.

 

A: Dress modestly, avoid revealing clothing, and follow respectful temple etiquette, especially if ceremonies or monastic activities are taking place.