Wat Yai Chai Mongkol
(วัดใหญ่ชัยมงคล พระนครศรีอยุธยา)
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
This monastery constructed in the reign of King U-Thong is located outside the city to the southeast in the same direction as the railway station ; one can see its large pagoda from far away. King Naresuan the Great commanded that the pagoda be built to celebrate the victory of his single-handed combat on the elephant back. He also intended a huge construction to match the large pagoda of Wat Phukhao Thong, and named it “Phra Chedi Chaiyamongkhon”.

Visitors can walk up to see Phra Chedi Chai Mongkol closely; Buddhists tend to go up to pay homage to Lord Buddha and Phra Chedi Chai Mongkol while non-Buddhists tourists are up to take a picture and see views from a high angle of Wat Yai Chai Mongkol.

Another interesting point of this temple is Wat Phra Non (Reclining Buddha Temple).The temple has a lot of damages now and remaining only statues of Lord Buddha to be revered by Buddhist people generally.

It is open everyday from 8.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m. Admission fee is 20 baht. For more information Tel: 0 3524 4193.

How to Get There

By Bus:
Frequent services from the North Bus Terminal of Bangkok (Mohchit 2). When approaching the Great Pagoda circle in Ayutthaya, get dropped off and take a motorcycle taxi for about THB10 to Wat Yai Chaimongkol.

By Van: There is a public van from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.
Route No.1: Take the van at the Victory monument, in front of Robinson Department Store. When approaching the Great Pagoda circle in Ayutthaya, get dropped off and take a motorcycle taxi for about THB10 to Wat Yai Chaimongkol.
Route No.2: Take the van at the Southern Bus Terminal (At Q8 Gas Station next to the Barn House Restaurant) to Ayutthaya city centre. Take a local means of transport i.e. bus, tuk tuk or motorcycle taxi to Wat Yai Chaimongkol. The fares are truly a bargain.

By Train:
Get off at the Ayutthaya railway station and take tuk tuk in front of the station for about THB40 to Wat Yai Chaimongkol.

By OTHER:

By Car:
from Bangkok to Rangsit - Wangnoi, as you approach Wangnoi intersection, take the exit towards Nakornsawan. Follow the signs towards Ayutthaya, along the Phaholyothin Road. Before approaching Ayutthaya intersection, turn left and follow it to the Great Stupa circle. Before approaching the Great Stupa circle, get into the left lane and turn left at the traffic lights. Continue approximately 1 km, a public car park is on the left, just in front of the entrance to Wat Yai Chaimongkol.