Ayutthaya - Wat Suwan Dararam

Here, framed by three small lakes, stands Wat Suwan Dararam. Built around 1700 by the grandfather of Rama I it was extended by the rulers of the Chakri dynasty who also carried out a considerable amount of restoration work and decorated the temple with numerous paintings. Notice how the foundations incline towards the center. Wat Suwan Dararam also has the distinction of being the only temple on Ayutthaya island still inhabited by monks.

Particularly noteworthy are the large bot with portico, the wood carvings on the gable, the internal frescos from the Early Bangkok period, the beautiful coffered ceiling and a statue of Buddha in the Ayutthaya style. The wiharn, built by Rama II (1809-24), was decorated in 1931 with modern murals depicting scenes from Thai history.