Wat Phra Ram: Visit Early Ayutthaya Architecture

🙏Wat Phra Ram, an ancient site from the early Ayutthaya period, is located southeast of the Royal Palace, opposite the Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit. The temple grounds are extensive, with a large, prominent prang visible from afar. In front of the temple lies a large pond, which is believed to have been excavated during the establishment of Ayutthaya to provide fill for the palace and temple grounds, thus creating the large pond. Historical records refer to this pond as 'Bueng Chi Khan,' which was later renamed 'Bueng Phra Ram,' and is now known as 'Bueng Phra Ram Public Park.' 🙏Wat Phra Ram was constructed in 1912 BE (Buddhist Era) by King Ramathibodi I in the area where the royal cremation of King U-Thong, his father, took place. A prang was built to enshrine his father's relics. It is assumed that the construction was not completed due to the king's short reign of only one year, and it may have been continued during his second reign or during the reign of King Borommatrailokkanat between 1991-2031 BE. 🙏The most striking architectural feature of the temple is the large corn-cob-shaped prang on a square base, tapering upwards, which dominates the temple as the main stupa does. This prang, influenced by ancient Khmer architecture from Lavo (Lopburi), symbolizes Mount Meru in Hinduism. It is constructed with brick and stucco, a popular architectural style of early Ayutthaya for religious monuments. Flanked by smaller prangs to the north and south, it is surrounded by a cloister with sharp-topped prangs at each corner. In front stands the viharn, and behind is the ubosot. The prang arches are decorated with stucco figures of mythical creatures from Himmapan forest. The interior structure is made of brick and mortar, with wall paintings on both sides depicting the Buddha in the Maravijaya posture on a throne, and scenes from the Buddha's life (currently closed to visitors due to the prang's deterioration). Additionally, the remaining architecture includes a series of small and large stupas along the cloister surrounding the main prang, approximately 28 in total. 🚶♂️Wat Phra Ram: Located in Pratu Chai Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. 🚶♂️Admission: 10 baht for Thais, 50 baht for foreigners. 🚶♂️Opening hours: 08:30-16:30. From approximately 19:30-21:00, there is a light show to view the ancient site, which can be seen from outside the temple grounds only.