Bangkok temple in Ayutthaya - Wat Panananchoeng
Famous Temples in Ayutthaya- a MUST VISIT temples
Wat Panancheong at Ayutthaya- a MUST VISIT temple also known as 'Sum Poh Kong' temple also housed several Guan Yin
Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, another MUST VISIT temple in Ayutthaya
Wat Mahathat - famous buddha head in tree
Wat Chai Wathanaram - no head buddha
Wat Phra Chao Phananchoeng is located southeast of Ayutthaya island at the confluence of the Pasak River and the Chao Phraya River.
According to historical records a first temple was built at the site in 1324 A.D. (before the founding of Ayutthaya).
The Huge Buddha image - made of brick and mortar and covered with stucco - sits in the
classic posture of Subduing Mara. It measures (approx) 14 meters at the lap and 19
meters in height including the ornament above the head. Thai people call it “Luang Phor
To” or “Great Reverend Father”, Chinese or Thais of Chinese origin call it “Sam Po
Kong”. It is one of the largest, oldest, beautiful and revered Buddha images of Thailand
Wat Phanan Choeng is a busy wat, with many Thai people worshipping there. They reportedly offer worship to the image and obtain predictions of their luck. You will also notice a lot of Chinese characters and writing before entering the main building. Chinese people name the image 'Sum Poh Kong', which means 'Good Luck in Boating'.
The Buddha Image itself measures 14.25 meters from knee to knee, and 19 meters in height (including the ornament above the head). Is has the posture of Subduing Mara (as so many Buddha Images in Thailand). While it is constructed of bricks and mortar, the Buddha Image now is completely gilded.
This temple is different from most other temples you may visit in Ayutthaya, since it is a 'living' one. Many Thais (and Chinese) worship here. At the time we visited a ceremony was taken place, where the robes of the Buddha Image were being changed
Belief
Faith in the magical power of Luangpho To has traveled far. People believe that praying to Luangpho helps make their trade flourish and brings about achievement in their career. Parents whose child falls ill frequently offer their child to be Luangpho’s godchild, or make an offering with a candle and incense sticks and pray for Luangpho’s power to ward oft the ailment. The Chinese pray for wealth and happiness, and they often bring Luangpho To a robe, fruits, food or dessert as offerings. In practice, not just praying, people should follow the Dhamma offering respect to Samma-ajiva and Sammavayama which means having the right career and right effort, respectively. Those who practice the Dhamma shall be loved by others, receive compassion and succeed in business.
Visit by Zheng He
The temple was visited in 1407 CE by Zheng He, a Chinese eunuch admiral from Yunnan who leading his second Ming imperial voyage.
He bestowed gifts upon the temple in a great ceremony that
included Siamese royal participation, and is today remembered
by Thai-Chinese visitors who still visit the temple in his honour.
Beside the temple is the big chao praya river where there are many big fishes. you can purchase fish foods from the stalls and feed the big fish as a form of good karma.
GETTING THERE:
By Car
From Bangkok, one can get to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya by various routes:
* Take Highway No.1 (Phahon Yothin) via Pratu Nam Phra In and turn into Highway No.32, then, turn left to Highway No.309 to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
* Take Highway No.304 (Chaeng Watthana) or Highway No.302 (Ngam Wong Wan), turn right into Highway No.306 (Tiwanon), cross Nonthaburi or Nuanchawi Bridge to Pathum Thani, continue on Highway No.3111 (Pathum Thani – Sam Khok – Sena) and turn right at Amphoe Sena into Highway No.3263 to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
* Take Highway No.306 (Bangkok–Nonthaburi–Pathum Thani), at Pathum Thani Bridge Intersection, turn into Highway Nos.347 and 3309 via Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, Amphoe Bang Pa-in, to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
* Take Expressway No.9 (Si Rat Expressway) via Nonthaburi – Pathum Thani and down to Highway No.1 via Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, turn left into Highway No.3469 towards Bang Pahan and turn right at Worachet Intersection to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
By Taxi
One can also contact a taxi for pick up at the international airport of Bangkok. For example: Car Service, phone: +66 (0) 2819 5390, email: raksacharoen@hotmail.comThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ). Advance booking possible. ~1200Bahts one way.
By Minibus (Van)
Convenient minibus service (can get stuck in traffic, but makes no stops like regular buses) operates from the Victory Monument square in Bangkok. Take BTS Skytrain to the Victory Monument station, and go right on the elevated walkway - keep on it until you cross a large road, then descend - the buses are parked at the side side of the main traffic circle). The cost is usually ~70 baht, takes around 1 hour or 1 hour 20 min. It's quite convenient since you don't have to go to bus terminals (nearby Mochit) but the only problem is that the minibuses don't have much space to put big bags and have to wait until the car is fully filled.
Minibuses (van) from Kanchanaburi can be arranged by guesthouses or any tour operators for around 350 baht.
By Train
The cheapest and most scenic way of reaching Ayutthaya is by train. It regularly departs from Bangkok's Hualamphong Train Station and stops in Ayutthaya. The trip takes about 2 - 2.5 hrs depending on the type of service. Second class seats(A/C) cost 245 baht, third class is just 20 baht (no reservations and seats are not guaranteed). (Fares in April 2010) Check time table here: http://www.railway.co.th/English/Time_HTML.asp (Please note that fares listed on the Thai railways site are out of date and incorrect).
Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, another MUST VISIT TEMPLE in Ayutthaya
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon was constructed in the reign of the King U-Thong (Ayutthaya’s first monarch) in 1357, for the returned monks of a predominantly strict order trained in Ceylon. The temple is also known as Chao Phraya Thai Temple. The key attractions in this place of worship are the huge Pagoda and big image of Reclining Buddha. The pagoda is in bell-shaped, about 60 meters high, built on a mound of raised soil with steps going up to the Buddhist image positioned halfway to the top. The main Pagoda is enclosed by 4 minor pagodas. In front of the pagoda are the stumps of columns which once hold up the top of the temple. The pagodas in the temple was built in 1592 to celebrate King Naresuan the great’s single-handed defeat of the Burmese Crown Prince after an elephant back combat in the same year.
Wat Panancheong at Ayutthaya- a MUST VISIT temple also known as 'Sum Poh Kong' temple also housed several Guan Yin
Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, another MUST VISIT temple in Ayutthaya
Wat Mahathat - famous buddha head in tree
Wat Chai Wathanaram - no head buddha
Wat Phra Chao Phananchoeng is located southeast of Ayutthaya island at the confluence of the Pasak River and the Chao Phraya River.
According to historical records a first temple was built at the site in 1324 A.D. (before the founding of Ayutthaya).
The Huge Buddha image - made of brick and mortar and covered with stucco - sits in the
classic posture of Subduing Mara. It measures (approx) 14 meters at the lap and 19
meters in height including the ornament above the head. Thai people call it “Luang Phor
To” or “Great Reverend Father”, Chinese or Thais of Chinese origin call it “Sam Po
Kong”. It is one of the largest, oldest, beautiful and revered Buddha images of Thailand
Wat Phanan Choeng is a busy wat, with many Thai people worshipping there. They reportedly offer worship to the image and obtain predictions of their luck. You will also notice a lot of Chinese characters and writing before entering the main building. Chinese people name the image 'Sum Poh Kong', which means 'Good Luck in Boating'.
The Buddha Image itself measures 14.25 meters from knee to knee, and 19 meters in height (including the ornament above the head). Is has the posture of Subduing Mara (as so many Buddha Images in Thailand). While it is constructed of bricks and mortar, the Buddha Image now is completely gilded.
This temple is different from most other temples you may visit in Ayutthaya, since it is a 'living' one. Many Thais (and Chinese) worship here. At the time we visited a ceremony was taken place, where the robes of the Buddha Image were being changed
Belief
Faith in the magical power of Luangpho To has traveled far. People believe that praying to Luangpho helps make their trade flourish and brings about achievement in their career. Parents whose child falls ill frequently offer their child to be Luangpho’s godchild, or make an offering with a candle and incense sticks and pray for Luangpho’s power to ward oft the ailment. The Chinese pray for wealth and happiness, and they often bring Luangpho To a robe, fruits, food or dessert as offerings. In practice, not just praying, people should follow the Dhamma offering respect to Samma-ajiva and Sammavayama which means having the right career and right effort, respectively. Those who practice the Dhamma shall be loved by others, receive compassion and succeed in business.
Visit by Zheng He
The temple was visited in 1407 CE by Zheng He, a Chinese eunuch admiral from Yunnan who leading his second Ming imperial voyage.
He bestowed gifts upon the temple in a great ceremony that
included Siamese royal participation, and is today remembered
by Thai-Chinese visitors who still visit the temple in his honour.
Beside the temple is the big chao praya river where there are many big fishes. you can purchase fish foods from the stalls and feed the big fish as a form of good karma.
GETTING THERE:
By Car
From Bangkok, one can get to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya by various routes:
* Take Highway No.1 (Phahon Yothin) via Pratu Nam Phra In and turn into Highway No.32, then, turn left to Highway No.309 to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
* Take Highway No.304 (Chaeng Watthana) or Highway No.302 (Ngam Wong Wan), turn right into Highway No.306 (Tiwanon), cross Nonthaburi or Nuanchawi Bridge to Pathum Thani, continue on Highway No.3111 (Pathum Thani – Sam Khok – Sena) and turn right at Amphoe Sena into Highway No.3263 to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
* Take Highway No.306 (Bangkok–Nonthaburi–Pathum Thani), at Pathum Thani Bridge Intersection, turn into Highway Nos.347 and 3309 via Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, Amphoe Bang Pa-in, to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
* Take Expressway No.9 (Si Rat Expressway) via Nonthaburi – Pathum Thani and down to Highway No.1 via Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, turn left into Highway No.3469 towards Bang Pahan and turn right at Worachet Intersection to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
By Taxi
One can also contact a taxi for pick up at the international airport of Bangkok. For example: Car Service, phone: +66 (0) 2819 5390, email: raksacharoen@hotmail.comThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ). Advance booking possible. ~1200Bahts one way.
By Minibus (Van)
Convenient minibus service (can get stuck in traffic, but makes no stops like regular buses) operates from the Victory Monument square in Bangkok. Take BTS Skytrain to the Victory Monument station, and go right on the elevated walkway - keep on it until you cross a large road, then descend - the buses are parked at the side side of the main traffic circle). The cost is usually ~70 baht, takes around 1 hour or 1 hour 20 min. It's quite convenient since you don't have to go to bus terminals (nearby Mochit) but the only problem is that the minibuses don't have much space to put big bags and have to wait until the car is fully filled.
Minibuses (van) from Kanchanaburi can be arranged by guesthouses or any tour operators for around 350 baht.
By Train
The cheapest and most scenic way of reaching Ayutthaya is by train. It regularly departs from Bangkok's Hualamphong Train Station and stops in Ayutthaya. The trip takes about 2 - 2.5 hrs depending on the type of service. Second class seats(A/C) cost 245 baht, third class is just 20 baht (no reservations and seats are not guaranteed). (Fares in April 2010) Check time table here: http://www.railway.co.th/English/Time_HTML.asp (Please note that fares listed on the Thai railways site are out of date and incorrect).
Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, another MUST VISIT TEMPLE in Ayutthaya
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon was constructed in the reign of the King U-Thong (Ayutthaya’s first monarch) in 1357, for the returned monks of a predominantly strict order trained in Ceylon. The temple is also known as Chao Phraya Thai Temple. The key attractions in this place of worship are the huge Pagoda and big image of Reclining Buddha. The pagoda is in bell-shaped, about 60 meters high, built on a mound of raised soil with steps going up to the Buddhist image positioned halfway to the top. The main Pagoda is enclosed by 4 minor pagodas. In front of the pagoda are the stumps of columns which once hold up the top of the temple. The pagodas in the temple was built in 1592 to celebrate King Naresuan the great’s single-handed defeat of the Burmese Crown Prince after an elephant back combat in the same year.
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