Wat Maheyongkhon

Rating: 3.4/5 (8 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Ticket sales 08.00 – 17.00 (last entry 18.00)

 

Wat Maheyongkhon (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya) has a very distinctive charm in Ayutthaya because it is a place where the “past and the present” coexist seamlessly. On one side, it is an important historic temple complex where you can read the former grandeur of Ayutthaya through brickwork, foundations, and the proportions of surviving architecture. On the other side, it offers a calm, green, and contemplative atmosphere as a meditation monastery, so visiting here does not have to feel rushed. You can slow down, walk gently, observe, and take in the mood of the place in full.

 

Wat Maheyongkhon is located in Hantra Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District. Information commonly notes that it was built during the reign of King Borommarachathirat II (Chao Sam Phraya) around 1981 BE, before time turned it into an abandoned and heavily deteriorated temple. What makes this site compelling is that it is not only an archaeological stop, but also a layered historical narrative that reflects the area’s importance in different eras, both in terms of royal patronage and in the way wartime events brought the name “Wat Maheyongkhon” into multiple historical records.

 

One of the periods that drew strong attention to Wat Maheyongkhon was a major restoration in the reign of King Thai Sa (often cited around 2252 BE). This restoration took several years, and accounts mention that a royal pavilion was even built outside the temple wall so the king could observe the work. Details like these allow us to see Wat Maheyongkhon as more than a “ruined temple.” Places that are not considered significant are rarely restored so seriously at that level. Walking here today, you can still sense the shadow of a time when the temple returned to life as a major center of faith and a setting for grand ceremonies in the old capital.

 

Another historical chapter that often makes Ayutthaya enthusiasts pause is the account surrounding the fall of Ayutthaya in 2112 BE. Records describe that the “main army” once established its command base around Wat Maheyongkhon during a siege that lasted many months. Stories like this frame the temple not only as a religious landscape, but also as a strategic and political space within the city. It was a place chosen to “control the game” from a position that could see and connect routes effectively. So when you pass remnants of walls and foundations today, your imagination does not have to stop at the beauty of old bricks; it can expand into the “role of the place” within history as well.

 

What makes Wat Maheyongkhon especially pleasant to explore is its blend of archaeological remains to study and a quiet environment that naturally settles the mind. If you want to experience it at a gentle pace, begin by taking in the overall layout, then move closer to read the details of bases, stupas, and the surviving elements. Many visitors prefer mornings for softer light, beautiful shadows, and cooler air, while late afternoons are ideal for warmer tones. Photography here often feels more “peaceful” than bustling, which suits the temple’s character perfectly.

 

As an “active temple” in the present day, Wat Maheyongkhon is widely known as a meditation monastery that continues to attract devoted practitioners. This gives the temple a living energy beyond being a photo stop. When visiting, it helps to carry yourself in a way that respects the space, especially in areas used for practice: speak softly, dress modestly, and follow onsite guidelines. Approached with that kind of awareness, Wat Maheyongkhon offers both the richness of history and a calm that is surprisingly hard to find in a popular travel city.

 

Another point many people want to know is “Who is the abbot?” Today, Wat Maheyongkhon is associated with a well-known meditation teacher: Phra Ratchaphawanawachirayan (Luang Pho Surasak Khemaransi). Coverage that clearly mentions his abbotship and ecclesiastical rank allows this detail to be presented with confidence rather than speculation, and it helps the article feel grounded and real for readers who are intentionally tracing a meditation lineage or a specific monastery.

 

Getting There From Bangkok, you can choose several travel styles. Driving is usually the most convenient because it makes it easy to combine multiple temples in a single day. Many travelers take the Asia Highway and turn into Ayutthaya, then continue toward Hantra Subdistrict via the city’s main routes. If you arrive by train, you can get off at Ayutthaya Railway Station and continue by local transport such as a hired car or tuk-tuk. If you are traveling as a small group, hiring a driver in Ayutthaya is another good way to control time, especially if you want to visit Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon and Wat Maheyongkhon first, then move into the island area for sites such as Wat Mahathat or Wat Ratchaburana in the afternoon. This sequence keeps the day flowing smoothly without too much backtracking.

 

In the end, the value of Wat Maheyongkhon is not concentrated in a single landmark. It lies in the overall atmosphere and the way the space encourages you to slow down. The temple offers quietness, shade, and stories that genuinely pull you back through time, while still functioning as a living place of faith where people come to practice meditation. If you want an Ayutthaya experience beyond the most famous hotspots — something deeper and calmer — Wat Maheyongkhon deserves a firm place on your list.

 

 

A: Ticket sales are from 08.00 – 17.00, and the site can be visited until 18.00.

 

A: Thai nationals 10 THB, and foreign visitors 50 THB.

 

A: It suits both visitors who want a quiet archaeological experience and those who want the atmosphere of a meditation monastery, as the grounds feel calm, shaded, and easy to explore.

 

A: If you want to walk, observe, and take photos without rushing, allow about 60–120 minutes, especially if you enjoy looking closely at architectural remains.

 

A: Many people continue to Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon and Wat Phanan Choeng first, then head into the island area for Wat Mahathat and Wat Ratchaburana to keep the day cohesive in both history and architecture.

 

A: Dress modestly, keep noise low, and respect the space — especially areas used for meditation practice.