Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a Buddhist temple in the city of Ayutthaya, Thailand. It is one of Ayutthaya’s best known temples and a major tourist attraction.

Located on the bank of the Chao Phraya river, to the west of the city island is Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong to honor his mother, Wat Chai Wattanaram was conceived as a replica of the Angkor temple. A Royal monastery, the temples unique feature is a huge prang which is surrounded by smaller prangs. This symbolizes Mount Meru, the abode of the heavenly gods. Now restored, the temple is also accessible by a long-tailed boat trip from Chankasem Palace Pier.

-Thailand News (TN)