Phra Si Ratana Temple (Wat Yai)
Phra Si Ratana Temple (Wat Yai)
Phra Si Ratana Temple (Wat Yai)
4.5
About
Built in 1357 and later developed into a monastery, this temple now houses Phitsanulokâs most revered statues of Lord Buddha.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
457 reviews
Excellent
275
Very good
149
Average
31
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Wingfield73
Chiang Mai, Thailand966 contributions
Nov 2020
Everyone very friendly and no charge was made. Nice just to wander round the site (there is a fair amount of archeological restoration work going on). I regret not learning more about the temple before visiting but a very pleasant experience.
Written November 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arthurrvr
Marlborough, UK1,441 contributions
Dec 2011 ⢠Friends
A splendid and revered Buddha image in the medium sized Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan by the road by the banks of the Nan River by Naresuan Bridge. It is regarded by many as the most beautiful and highly revered Buddha image in Thailand so the temple is nearly always full of Thai pilgrims and other visitors. On major festival days it becomes virtually impossible to get in and parking is also definitely difficult even on non festival days.
The Buddha statue, called the Phra Buddha Chinnarat, is reputed to be over 700 years old and was commissioned by King Mahathamaracha Lithai of Sukhothai. However, although it is a lovely Buddha image and well worth the effort to see it, for a non Thai Buddhist it may not seem the best of the best as Thailand has so many other beautiful Buddha statues. Anyway, that is personal preference and there are certainly others that I think are better.
The main hall housing the Phra Buddha Chinnarat is large though with the numbers of people visiting it can look fairly small. One has a good view from the central area though there are 2 rows of columns along each side and beyond the columns the view is limited so that is where various small stands are located or where one can get a blessing from a monk. Note that if you want to take photos while standing in the central area, don't. You will be told off by temple security, understandably, as there are so many people trying to look at the Buddha statue. Perfectly fine to take photos while sitting down, or else move to by the columns where you won't be obstructing other people's view.
I must admit that the exterior of the temple is not particularly special and there are plenty of nicer looking temples in Thailand. There is though a Museum in the temple grounds with art from the Sukhothai period, which is a bonus. There are a number of stalls within the temple grounds virtually right up to the main building and overall the temple was generally much more commercial than I would have liked - though one can't really blame the locals for trying to make the best that they can from all the people that visit the temple.
Under normal circumstances I would just give this wat only 3 points but because of the Phra Buddha Chinnarat I am giving it 4 points.
The Buddha statue, called the Phra Buddha Chinnarat, is reputed to be over 700 years old and was commissioned by King Mahathamaracha Lithai of Sukhothai. However, although it is a lovely Buddha image and well worth the effort to see it, for a non Thai Buddhist it may not seem the best of the best as Thailand has so many other beautiful Buddha statues. Anyway, that is personal preference and there are certainly others that I think are better.
The main hall housing the Phra Buddha Chinnarat is large though with the numbers of people visiting it can look fairly small. One has a good view from the central area though there are 2 rows of columns along each side and beyond the columns the view is limited so that is where various small stands are located or where one can get a blessing from a monk. Note that if you want to take photos while standing in the central area, don't. You will be told off by temple security, understandably, as there are so many people trying to look at the Buddha statue. Perfectly fine to take photos while sitting down, or else move to by the columns where you won't be obstructing other people's view.
I must admit that the exterior of the temple is not particularly special and there are plenty of nicer looking temples in Thailand. There is though a Museum in the temple grounds with art from the Sukhothai period, which is a bonus. There are a number of stalls within the temple grounds virtually right up to the main building and overall the temple was generally much more commercial than I would have liked - though one can't really blame the locals for trying to make the best that they can from all the people that visit the temple.
Under normal circumstances I would just give this wat only 3 points but because of the Phra Buddha Chinnarat I am giving it 4 points.
Written March 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gdown64
Melbourne, Australia208 contributions
Apr 2017 ⢠Couples
We went out of our way to visit this temple and were not disappointed.
It has features of several styles not surprising as this was and is a crossroads city.
There are several buildings with rows of Buddha statues in the corridors between them. A photographer's dream. Don't miss the Prang out the back.
It has features of several styles not surprising as this was and is a crossroads city.
There are several buildings with rows of Buddha statues in the corridors between them. A photographer's dream. Don't miss the Prang out the back.
Written April 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EarthlingOnline
Worldwide3,789 contributions
Oct 2012 ⢠Solo
Went here on a mid-afternoon. My original estimate was to spend an hour in the main hall and grounds, then visit the foundry (where replicas, and other items, are cast) and the folk museum before having dinner at the night market. But wound up spending the rest of the afternoon here.
As has been noted in other reviews (on TA and elsewhere) this temple has considerable history, as well as considerable stature in Thailand.
If you're in a meditative mood, this is an excellent place to dwell and meditate.
But on the afternoon I visited, I felt somewhat mixed about fellow visitors. There are signs all over the middle of the temple, requesting people to be on their knees, and to not stand and take photos. What were many tourists doing? Ignoring the sign, stepping through supplicants to get that up-front photo. (If one notices, locals will take photos up close, of all parts of the temple and of each other, but they will remain knees-on-the-floor while doing so.) The signs are not around the edge of the main hall, or at the entrance - away from the main area(s) where people are praying and meditating. (But few were taking photos from such vantages..)
If you visit, please donate to the maintenance of this temple. (Respecting the signs, and the reverent mood of the place would be nice, also..)
As has been noted in other reviews (on TA and elsewhere) this temple has considerable history, as well as considerable stature in Thailand.
If you're in a meditative mood, this is an excellent place to dwell and meditate.
But on the afternoon I visited, I felt somewhat mixed about fellow visitors. There are signs all over the middle of the temple, requesting people to be on their knees, and to not stand and take photos. What were many tourists doing? Ignoring the sign, stepping through supplicants to get that up-front photo. (If one notices, locals will take photos up close, of all parts of the temple and of each other, but they will remain knees-on-the-floor while doing so.) The signs are not around the edge of the main hall, or at the entrance - away from the main area(s) where people are praying and meditating. (But few were taking photos from such vantages..)
If you visit, please donate to the maintenance of this temple. (Respecting the signs, and the reverent mood of the place would be nice, also..)
Written December 14, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Triantafyllos S
Thessaloniki, Greece180 contributions
Feb 2020
you have to go and see it.....a wonderful place and inside the city of Phitsanulok.....beautiful statues of Buddha,,,,
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gavin Sher
South Africa275 contributions
Sep 2019
This was a very beautiful temple on large grounds. Very few tourists as there were mainly locals who were here for worship.
Written November 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eric v
Knokke, Belgium276 contributions
Jul 2019 ⢠Friends
The place to visit when in the area! Clean and beautiful temple with a small museum. Alsi an important temple for the locals. Inside you can take pictures, but you must sit down
Written July 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
charles v
Phnom Penh, Cambodia137 contributions
Apr 2019 ⢠Solo
Beautiful and peaceful Wat. You can kneel and meditate in tranquility. The Buddha is beautiful. Some shops and street food within the pagoda perimeter
Written April 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
backpacker31
Boynton Beach, FL5,502 contributions
Feb 2018 ⢠Solo
One of the most important and impressive temple complexes in Central Thailand. In fact, it has become a pilgrimage site for Buddhists all over the country.
Located along the banks of the Nan River in the city of Phitsanoulk, it covers an area of more than 14 acres. There are numerous buildings that include temples/shrines, halls and a towering prasat. Long hallways are lined with Buddha images. There are tranquil courtyards. The main hall is home to Phra Buddha Chinataj (c. 1357), enshrined here. Throughout the complex are numerous ancient artifacts that include Buddha images and a fascinating monkâs pulpit. The remains of the original temple is on display out back. A massive Buddha image is part of these ancient remains. While the main hall can get quite crowded with devotees praying and others taking photos, I recommend heading towards other parts of the complex where it is quiet and offers peaceful contemplation. Signage is decent with English and Thai used to describe various objects, buildings, etc.
Located along the banks of the Nan River in the city of Phitsanoulk, it covers an area of more than 14 acres. There are numerous buildings that include temples/shrines, halls and a towering prasat. Long hallways are lined with Buddha images. There are tranquil courtyards. The main hall is home to Phra Buddha Chinataj (c. 1357), enshrined here. Throughout the complex are numerous ancient artifacts that include Buddha images and a fascinating monkâs pulpit. The remains of the original temple is on display out back. A massive Buddha image is part of these ancient remains. While the main hall can get quite crowded with devotees praying and others taking photos, I recommend heading towards other parts of the complex where it is quiet and offers peaceful contemplation. Signage is decent with English and Thai used to describe various objects, buildings, etc.
Written February 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wantidarakst
Bangkok, Thailand8 contributions
Mar 2017 ⢠Family
Arrive took shoes off - men shorts ok - woman cover knees - always travel serong thailand - sun - child and temples. Men you can wrap a sarong around knees walk in they will laugh - use word "borbanyang" instead of mai ben rai - they will laugh - headspace up!
Written March 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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jsutarat
Bangkok, Thailand78 contributions
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nely_usanto88
Medan, Indonesia50 contributions
Is there any local guide travel agency available to guide us there?
spintheglobe
London, UK270 contributions
At what time does this temple close down at night please? We have a late night train to catch from Phitsanulok station, so would love to visit. Also how far is it from the station. TIA
nely_usanto88
Medan, Indonesia50 contributions
May i know how to go to Phra Si Ratana Temple from Bangkok?
edkemp2002
Bangkok, Thailand297 contributions
This is not a day trip as Phitsanoluk is about 5 or 6 hrs drive from Bangkok Take a bus from the Northern bus station and stay overnight. Phitsanoluk is in a pleasant part of Thailand.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Phra Si Ratana Temple (Wat Yai)
- Hotels near Phra Si Ratana Temple (Wat Yai):
- (0.08 mi) U. Thong Hotel
- (0.26 mi) Ayara Grand Palace Hotel
- (0.29 mi) P 1 House
- (0.26 mi) Fortune D Phitsanulok Hotel
- (0.28 mi) S'Prima Hostel
- Restaurants near Phra Si Ratana Temple (Wat Yai):
- (0.24 mi) Ban Mai Restaurant
- (0.29 mi) Khoei Lao
- (0.30 mi) Penang Steak Brasserie
- (0.32 mi) Tradition Minister Noodle
- (0.33 mi) Wirot Phochana Phakbung Hoenfa Restaurant
- Attractions near Phra Si Ratana Temple (Wat Yai):
- (0.32 mi) Pim Buranaket Folklore Museum
- (0.84 mi) Phra Buddha Chinnarat
- (0.46 mi) Phitsanulok Railway Station
- (0.83 mi) Sgt. Maj. Thawee Folk Museum
- (0.77 mi) Nang Phaya Temple (Wat Nang Phaya)