Lyle’s Flying Foxes at Wat Chantaram, Ayutthaya

Thousands of Lyle’s flying foxes have transformed Wat Chantaram into one of Thailand’s most extraordinary temple experiences. These large fruit bats, with wingspans reaching nearly two meters, roost in the ancient trees surrounding this working Buddhist temple in Ayutthaya. The sight of massive bat colonies hanging peacefully alongside active religious worship creates a fascinating intersection between wildlife conservation and spiritual practice that exists nowhere else in the region.

During daylight hours, visitors can observe hundreds of bats suspended from tree branches like living fruit, their dark forms creating dramatic silhouettes against the sky. The temple itself features traditional Ayutthaya-period architecture, with weathered brick stupas and a main ordination hall housing revered Buddha images. As evening approaches, the air fills with the rustle of leathery wings as the flying foxes begin stirring before their nightly exodus to feed. Monks continue their daily routines seemingly unbothered by their winged neighbors, creating photo opportunities that capture Thailand’s unique harmony between nature and spirituality. The sweet scent of temple incense mingles with the earthy smell of the roosting trees.

An otherworldly calm pervades the temple grounds despite the constant gentle sounds of bat movement overhead. Watching these massive creatures at rest while Thai devotees light incense and pray below creates an almost surreal atmosphere. The contrast feels both ancient and timeless – as if this unlikely partnership between wildlife and worship has existed for centuries. Local monks treat the bats as part of their temple family, demonstrating Buddhist principles of coexistence with all living beings.

Visit during late afternoon to see both the bats at rest and their dramatic evening departure around sunset. Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering temple buildings. The temple is accessible by tuk-tuk or taxi from central Ayutthaya. Bring a camera with good zoom capabilities since the bats roost high in the trees. This remarkable combination of active temple life and wildlife spectacle offers an authentic glimpse into Thailand’s ability to blend the sacred with the natural world.