Rating: 2.8/5 (61 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

Chao Mae Lan Tae is a small riverside shrine on the Chao Phraya River in Bang Sai District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Many people know it as an Ayutthaya stop for travelers who enjoy spiritual sites and quick merit-making stops along the way, because the atmosphere here feels noticeably different from Ayutthaya’s island-city area. Rather than being a large historical complex that takes hours to explore on foot, this is a place suited to a short pause from driving — a moment to take in the river view, the breezes off the water, and the quieter meaning of local faith that remains closely tied to communities along the Chao Phraya.

 

Chao Mae Lan Tae is located in Moo 8 and is known as a viewpoint with panoramas of both banks of the Chao Phraya River. The area also provides space for paying respects to “Luang Pu Lan Tae” and “Chao Mae Lan Tae.” The site is said to be approximately 1.5 kilometers from Wat Bang Sai, which makes it convenient for visitors to link their route with other merit-making stops in the Bang Sai area without major detours. In a short visit, travelers can enjoy the riverside scenery and a cultural experience that feels distinct from the more popular tourist sites on Ayutthaya’s island city.

 

The charm of Chao Mae Lan Tae lies more in its sense of a “lived-in place” than in any grand architecture. What visitors notice immediately is the open riverscape, the flow of water, glimpses of boats and riverside homes at certain times, and the quiet rhythm of a community that still carries traces of daily life shaped by the river. Places like this often make praying feel less like a formal ritual and more like a practical way to slow down and reset one’s pace. That is why many people choose to stop here even when it is not the main highlight of their trip.

 

In terms of belief, Chao Mae Lan Tae is periodically mentioned in contemporary media, reflecting that this “shrine” holds a shared place in local memory beyond only long-time residents. At certain times, visitors come to pray for stability in life, work, safe travel, and family harmony. The specifics vary depending on personal experience and belief, but the common thread is approaching the shrine with respect and sincere intention. Because sacred places like this are closely connected to riverside communities, appropriate behavior and minimizing disturbance matter even more than at typical tourist attractions.

 

If you want to experience Ayutthaya more deeply, Chao Mae Lan Tae adds another layer to the picture — an Ayutthaya not limited to major temples and historical ruins, but also made of small, living sites of faith that local people still actively use. It also highlights Ayutthaya as a river city, where the Chao Phraya continues to shape everyday life. This aligns with Ayutthaya’s historical essence as a place that grew through waterways and water-based transportation. Even though modern travel has changed, the relationship between people and the river remains visible along the banks, and shrines that serve as spiritual anchors are commonly found in many Central Thailand communities.

 

A stop at Chao Mae Lan Tae therefore suits travelers who want “peace without going far” or who want to add a local-belief dimension to their itinerary. It is best to visit when the sun is not too harsh — in the morning or later afternoon — when the river views tend to be most pleasant and the breeze feels comfortable. Dress modestly as is appropriate for a sacred place, avoid loud noise, do not litter, and if you offer incense or small offerings, do so thoughtfully: do not block walkways and keep the area tidy, especially because this is a shared community space.

 

Another point worth emphasizing is safety while sightseeing and taking photos. Riverside locations often have uneven surfaces, stronger winds at certain times, and spots close to the riverbank. Extra care is recommended for children and older visitors. Keep an eye on personal belongings when stepping out of the car to take photos. If you come mainly for photography, plan your angles so you do not disturb people who are praying and do not stand in the way of entrances and exits, because small shrine areas are usually not designed for heavy crowds like major temple complexes.

 

In terms of trip planning, Chao Mae Lan Tae works well as either a starting point or a short break in the middle of the day. For example, you can begin with merit-making stops in Bang Sai District, pause here for a riverside view, and then continue on to major historical sites on Ayutthaya Island. Alternatively, after a full day at famous temples in the island city, you can spend the next day exploring beyond the main route in Bang Sai for a calmer experience. This helps your overall Ayutthaya trip feel less repetitive and more rooted in local life — an “Ayutthaya beyond the postcard.”

 

For travelers who want accurate navigation, the location can be pinned via GPS using coordinates connected to travel-map sources. The position is listed at latitude 14.189117 and longitude 100.501415, making it easier to drive directly to the site, especially for visitors unfamiliar with Bang Sai District who want to avoid getting lost or looping through residential lanes.

 

The listed opening hours are approximately 08:00 to 17:00, but because this is a community-based sacred site, actual access may be flexible on some days. Visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and for comfortable riverside sightseeing, and also to ensure that worship can be done respectfully and smoothly. If you plan to go closer to late afternoon, allow enough time for the drive back and check the weather in advance, as riverside areas can have stronger winds and sudden rain in certain seasons.

 

From a place-value perspective, Chao Mae Lan Tae is a good example of a site that serves two roles at once: a spiritual space with meaning for the community, and a Chao Phraya riverside viewpoint with an open, scenic panorama. This dual identity makes it appealing not only to spiritual travelers, but also to visitors who simply want riverside photos or a quiet stop during an Ayutthaya trip without the crowds often seen at major attractions on weekends and holidays.

 

If you are planning an Ayutthaya itinerary that includes both famous temples and quieter local corners, Chao Mae Lan Tae can be a small but meaningful pin on your map. It breaks the pace of rushing through multiple temples in a day and gives you time to truly look at the Chao Phraya River — a major lifeline of Central Thailand and a long-standing backdrop to Siam’s history across many eras.

 

Getting There Driving is recommended. Head toward Bang Sai District in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, then use GPS navigation to “Chao Mae Lan Tae” for the most accurate route. As you approach the shrine area, drive slowly and watch for community entrances and exits. Park only in safe areas that do not block public access, then walk in to pay respects and enjoy the riverside view from the designated space.

 

 

A: It is in Bang Sai District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, at Moo 8 along the Chao Phraya River. You can navigate by GPS using coordinates 14.189117, 100.501415.

 

A: Information indicates it is open daily, with listed hours of 08:00 – 17:00. Daytime visits are recommended for comfortable riverside sightseeing.

 

A: Typically about 15–45 minutes, depending on whether you come only to pay respects or also to take photos and enjoy the river view.

 

A: Dress modestly, consider bringing water or sun protection in hot weather, and behave respectfully — keep noise low and do not litter — to honor both the sacred place and the local community.

 

A: Yes, but extra caution is advised because it is a riverside area with uneven surfaces and occasional strong winds. Supervise children closely and assist older visitors near the riverbank.

 

A: You can contact Bang Sai Town Municipality (Thesaban Mueang Bang Sai) at Tel. 0-3533-3922 for local service or area-related inquiries.