Wat Satue

Rating: 4.5/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 18.00

 

Wat Satue is located in Tha Luang Subdistrict, Tha Ruea District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Set along the Pa Sak River, it plays a meaningful role both as a living community temple and as a place of devotion closely associated with Somdej Phra Phutthachan To Phromrangsi. Unlike the brick-ruin temples often visited inside Ayutthaya’s island city, Wat Satue remains active, with local worshippers coming to make merit regularly. The temple preserves a calm, unpretentious riverside atmosphere, giving visitors a chance to experience “another side of Ayutthaya” – unhurried, less crowded, and quietly reflective.

 

The spiritual focal point that makes Wat Satue widely known is its great reclining Buddha, commonly referred to as “Luang Pho To (Reclining Buddha).” According to verified information, this revered image was created around 2413 BE (1870 CE) during the reign of King Rama V, with Somdej Phra Phutthachan To Phromrangsi connected to the founding intention. The reclining Buddha was established at his birthplace area as a lasting memorial – a symbolic reminder of origins and a tangible bond between a major Buddhist figure and the community. This meaning elevates Wat Satue beyond being a simple photo stop: it becomes a place where memory, faith, and local identity meet in a very concrete way.

 

The reclining Buddha is striking in scale and presence. Traditional measurements often cited describe it as 25 wa in length, 4 wa and 2 sok in width, and 8 wa in height. Standing near the statue, visitors can sense both the grandeur and the stillness of its form. The river backdrop further shapes the atmosphere: the Pa Sak’s open horizon and breeze soften the heat even during daytime visits, making the act of worship feel lighter and more contemplative. Many devotees choose to sit quietly nearby, spending time with the image in a calm, unforced way rather than rushing through the visit.

 

From a travel experience perspective, Wat Satue suits both visitors who come with sincere devotional intent and those looking to design an Ayutthaya trip that avoids repeating the usual routes. Its location outside the island city helps reduce the stress of heavy traffic and large tourist clusters. The surrounding area retains a strong community character, and the temple continues to serve as a local religious center, with people gathering for merit-making on key Buddhist holy days such as Makha Bucha and Visakha Bucha. This ongoing rhythm reflects that Wat Satue is not only symbolically important, but also functionally alive within its local context.

 

The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon. In these hours the sunlight becomes softer, making the Buddha’s form feel more serene and creating gentler conditions for photography. If you enjoy storytelling images, try composing shots that use the river line and the reclining Buddha’s silhouette together to express the relationship between religion, nature, and community. It often results in photos with more narrative depth than standard close-up temple images.

 

As a living temple, Wat Satue regularly welcomes local devotees who come to make merit in a focused, respectful way. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly, keep noise low, and allow space for those who are praying. If taking photos, do so discreetly: avoid blocking worshippers’ lines of movement and refrain from unnecessary contact with sacred areas. Near the river, some surfaces can be slippery at certain times, so walking carefully is recommended.

 

Getting There If you are traveling by private car, you can drive into Tha Ruea District and continue toward Tha Luang Subdistrict. Searching “Wat Satue” on your map will guide you directly to the temple. As you enter community roads, drive slowly and park in areas designated by the temple. If traveling by public transport, you can take a bus on the Ayutthaya – Lopburi route, get off in the Tha Ruea area, and then continue by local taxi or local public transport. Inform the driver clearly that your destination is “Wat Satue, Tha Luang, Tha Ruea.”

 

Overall, it is ideal to allocate at least 45 – 90 minutes for your visit, allowing time to pay respects to the reclining Buddha, enjoy the riverside atmosphere, and rest quietly. If you wish to make merit more deeply or participate in temple activities, you may stay longer. Wat Satue also works well as part of a one-day itinerary that includes nearby attractions and local eateries in Tha Ruea District without feeling rushed.

 

 

A: Yes. Wat Satue is open daily from 08.00 to 18.00.

 

A: It is a major devotional highlight created as a memorial at Somdej To’s birthplace area, making it a strong faith landmark for the local community.

 

A: Typically 45 – 90 minutes, or longer if you wish to make merit and rest by the river.