Timeless Beauty of Wat Chaiwatthanaram

• Helloสวัสดี
  [sawasdee]
• Goodbyeลาก่อน
  [laa kon]
• Yesใช่
  [chai]
• Noไม่
  [mai]
• Please/You're welcomeโปรด/ยินดีต้อนรับ
  [proht/yin dee dton rub]
• Thank youขอบคุณ
  [kop khun]
• Excuse me/Sorryขอโทษ
  [kor toht]
• How are you?สุขสันต์หรือยัง
  [suk san reu yang]
• Fine. And you?สบายดี คุณละ
  [sabai dee kun la]
• Do you speak English?คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม
  [kun poot paa saa ang grit dai mai]
• I don't understandฉันไม่เข้าใจ
  [chan mai kao jai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseฉันอยากดูเมนู โปรด
  [chan yak doo menu proht]
• I don't eat meatฉันไม่กินเนื้อ
  [chan mai gin nuea]
• Cheers!ชนเน้
  [chon ne]
• I would like to pay, pleaseฉันอยากจ่ายเงิน โปรด
  [chan yak jai ngern proht]

• Help!ช่วยด้วย
  [chuai dooay]
• Go away!ไปไกลๆ
  [pai klai klai]
• Call the Police!โทรตำรวจ
  [toh tamruat]
• Call a doctor!โทรหมอ
  [toh mor]
• I'm lostฉันสูญหาย
  [chan soon hai]
• I'm illฉันไม่สบาย
  [chan mai sabai]

• I'd like to buy...ฉันอยากซื้อ...
  [chan yak sue...]
• I'm just lookingฉันแค่ดูอย่างเดียว
  [chan kae doo yang diao]
• How much is it?ราคาเท่าไหร่
  [ra kaa tao rai]
• That's too expensiveแพงเกินไป
  [paeng gein pai]
• Can you lower the price?ลดราคาได้ไหม
  [lot ra kaa dai mai]

• What time is it?ตอนนี้กี่โมง
  [ton nee kee mong]
• It's one o'clockเป็นโมงที่หนึ่ง
  [pen mong tee neung]
• Half past (10)ห่าง โมงสิบ
  [hang mong sip]
• Morningเช้า
  [chao]
• Afternoonบ่าย
  [bai]
• Eveningเย็น
  [yen]
• Yesterdayเมื่อวาน
  [meua wan]
• Todayวันนี้
  [wan nee]
• Tomorrowพรุ่งนี้
  [proong nee]
• 1หนึ่ง
  [neung]
• 2สอง
  [song]
• 3สาม
  [sam]
• 4สี่
  [see]
• 5ห้า
  [ha]
• 6หก
  [hok]
• 7เจ็ด
  [jet]
• 8แปด
  [paet]
• 9เก้า
  [gao]
• 10สิบ
  [sip]

• Where's a/the...?...อยู่ที่ไหน
  [...yu tee nai]
• What's the address?ที่อยู่คืออะไร
  [tee yu keu arai]
• Can you show me (on the map)?คุณแสดงให้ฉันได้ไหม
  [kun sa dang hai chan dai mai]
• When's the next (bus)?รถเมล์ต่อไปเมื่อไหร่
  [rot mel tor bai meua rai]
• A ticket (to ....)ตั๋ว (ไปยัง...)
  [dtua (bpai yang...)]

Wat Chaiwatthanaram was founded in 1630 by King Prasat Thong, serving as a royal temple dedicated to his mother. Its design is a prime example of classic Ayutthaya architecture, heavily influenced by Khmer styles. The temple's layout, which features a central prang surrounded by smaller chedis, symbolizes Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Buddhist cosmology.

The temple was not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the king's power and lineage. It served as a backdrop for royal ceremonies and significant Buddhist festivals, reflecting the deep intertwining of religion and monarchy in Ayutthaya's culture.

In 1767, the Burmese army besieged Ayutthaya, leading to the city's fall and the destruction of many of its temples, including Wat Chaiwatthanaram. The temple remained in ruins for centuries, embodying the tragic fate of the once-thriving capital of the Kingdom of Siam.

Beginning in the late 20th century, restoration efforts were initiated to preserve Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Recognizing its historical significance, both Thai authorities and international organizations have worked to restore the temple, making it a focal point for cultural tourism and education about Ayutthaya's heritage.

In 1991, the historical city of Ayutthaya, including Wat Chaiwatthanaram, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This status not only aids in preservation efforts but also highlights the temple's importance as a cultural landmark that represents the zenith of Siamese civilization during the Ayutthaya period.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram is located approximately 3 kilometers from the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Visitors can reach the site by taking a tuk-tuk or taxi from the park, which typically costs around 60-100 THB. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle from various shops in the park and enjoy a leisurely ride along the scenic routes, which takes about 15-20 minutes.

The best way to explore Wat Chaiwatthanaram and its surroundings is by bicycle, as the area is relatively flat and bike-friendly. Many rental shops offer bicycles for a reasonable price. Local tuk-tuks are also available for hire and can take you to nearby attractions. If you prefer public transport, local songthaews (shared taxis) operate between major sites in Ayutthaya, but schedules may vary.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram is generally a safe area for tourists. However, as with any tourist destination, it's advisable to remain vigilant. Avoid isolated areas, especially at night, and keep your belongings secure. There are no specific high-crime areas in Ayutthaya, but petty theft can occur in crowded places. Always be cautious and trust your instincts.

In case of an emergency, dial 191 for police assistance or 1669 for medical emergencies. The nearest hospital, Ayutthaya Hospital, is located about 5 kilometers from Wat Chaiwatthanaram. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. In case of minor health issues, local pharmacies are available for basic over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Avoid shorts, tank tops, and revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; remove your shoes before entering temple areas. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to those in need. Don't engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a slight bow. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods at nearby markets. Don't eat or drink in sacred areas.

To experience Wat Chaiwatthanaram like a local, visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the cooler temperatures. Bring a small picnic to enjoy in the gardens surrounding the temple. Engage with local vendors who sell handmade crafts and snacks. If you have time, consider visiting nearby temples such as Wat Phu Khao Thong for a less touristy experience.