Situated within Ayutthaya’s historical park in proximity to the Grand Palace, Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit beckons numerous visitors with its captivating historical statue, making it a must-visit temple complex.

The temple’s combination of historical significance, enchanting surroundings and impressive statue creates an irresistible appeal, making Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit an essential destination for all those exploring Ayutthaya’s cultural treasures.

History of Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit

During the early Ayutthaya period, royal cremation ceremonies were held in various locations, and once completed, these sites transformed into new monasteries. In 1538 AD, King Chairachathirat commissioned the construction of Wat Chichiang and a chedi near a cremation spot, along with the sculpting of an image, which we now identify as Phra Mongkhonbophit.

In 1610 AD, King Songtham relocated the Phra Mongkhonbophit Buddha image from the east to the west and ordered the construction of a mandapa to house it. This move was accompanied by a decision to confine cremation activities to the central part of the town near Wat Chichiang, leading to the original site becoming a designated cremation area.

During King Sua’s reign (1697-1706 AD), the mandapa was struck by lightning, causing it to collapse and the head of Phra Mongkhon Bophit to detach. The king subsequently rebuilt the mandapa as a Viharn. Another restoration took place during the reign of King Borommakot (1732-1758 AD). Unfortunately, the Viharn was burned when Ayutthaya was attacked.

The most recent restoration of the Phra Mongkhon Bophit image occurred in 1955 AD. In 1990 AD, the Mongkhon Bophit Foundation in Ayutthaya decided to cover the image with gold leaf, a project that received approval from the Fine Arts Department and was completed two years later.

Bronze Buddha Statue, the best attraction of Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit

Undoubtedly, the highlight and the most prominent attraction of Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, Ayutthaya is the magnificent Bronze Buddha Statue. This awe-inspiring masterpiece draws visitors from all around the world.
Phra Mongkhon Bophit showcases the iconic pose of subduing Mara, symbolizing the triumph over temptation and enlightenment. With its remarkable dimensions, measuring an impressive lap width of 9.55 meters and towering at a height of 12.45 meters, this magnificent statue holds a significant place as one of the largest Buddha images in Thailand.

Location

Situated within the Ayutthaya city island, Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit is a remarkable heritage site. You can easily find it by heading west of Rama Public Park or south of Wat Phra Si Sanphet.

Opening Hours

Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit opens daily from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.

Dress code

When visiting Asian heritage sites and temples, it is essential to adhere to the strict dress code as a sign of respect for religious customs. Remember to wear long pants or skirts that cover the area below your knees to your ankles. Avoid wearing off-shoulder or bare-shoulder outfits, as they are not appropriate for both men and women. Additionally, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering the temple premises.

Tourists’ Reviews

Explore the thoughts and experiences of fellow travelers regarding Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, Ayutthaya on TripAdvisor:

Ahmad Priyo S

Religious Building
Jan 2022 • Solo
It’s a still functioning temple. The building is beautiful and exotic. The area surrounding it is also well managed and clean.

Karl Robinson

Mesmerising Temple
Jun 2021
If you are in Ayutthaya City, you must visit this temple (free). The Buddha is huge within inside. It’s very beautiful in the evening. You can walk around some ruins to the right (50 baht for foreigners) and 10 baht for Thais.