Wat Tha Sutthawat

Wat Tha Sutthawat sits on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River in Pa Mok district, Ang Thong, founded around 1632 in the early Ayutthaya period on a crossing point Thai armies used during King Naresuan’s campaigns. Entry is free, and it’s open daily 08:00-17:00.

A pavilion built in the middle of a pond anchors the temple grounds, alongside a chedi holding older Buddha images and relics, and a monument dedicated to Kings Naresuan and Ekathotsarot commemorating the site’s military history. The temple is under the patronage of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who commissioned the murals inside the ubosot: the Mahajanaka Jataka across the upper walls, a rice-stalk motif that doubles as Ang Thong’s provincial symbol, a scene from the Yuddhahatthi elephant-duel battles, and a depiction of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit’s family visiting Bang Pa-in Palace. A royal-patronage puppet and doll museum, Ban Bang Sadet Court Dolls Center, sits right beside the temple grounds.

This is a working temple with a resident monk community rather than a curated museum piece, so the pace is quiet outside religious holidays — river breeze, the odd boat passing, monks going about the grounds. Early morning is the best window, both for cooler temperatures and the chance to see the alms round before the day’s visitors arrive.

Wat Tha Sutthawat is roughly 17km from Ang Thong town and about 14km from Ayutthaya, reached by the riverside road through Pa Mok district. Free parking is available on site, and standard temple dress applies — covered shoulders and knees, shoes off before entering any building. Wat Pa Mok Worawihan, home to a 22-metre reclining Buddha, is a short drive away in the same district and pairs naturally with a visit here.

Insider Tip: The ubosot murals reward a slow look — Princess Sirindhorn specified the rice-stalk motif as a nod to Ang Thong’s own provincial symbol, so look for it woven into the wider Mahajanaka Jataka scenes on the upper walls.

Watch out: Like most working temples, the ubosot can be locked outside of ceremony times — check with the monks at the entrance before assuming you’ll be able to view the murals.