Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat
4.5
About
Sukhothai's largest temple, located behind the Royal Palace, features a magnificent seated bronze Buddha image cast in the Sukhothai style by King Lithai of Sukhothai in 1362.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
21 within 3 miles
Attractions
16 within 6 miles
Contribute
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.
Popular mentions
4.5
489 reviews
Excellent
352
Very good
119
Average
16
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Raintree_Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand4,282 contributions
Feb 2023
Wat Mahathat is the largest temple in old Sukhothai, located in the center of the moated section of the old city. The temple was constructed in the 13th and 14th centuries. There are many interesting facets of the temple, but for me the most impressive are the two 9-meter tall standing Buddha statues located on each side of the temple.
Written February 9, 2023
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.
Perry H
San Diego, CA1,794 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
8th. Century FIRST KINGDOM Temple and complex. This is absolutely beautiful and amazing with the best picture opportunities available. Good for the entire family. One can only image the grandeur of this complex in its day.
Written January 29, 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.
Jessica F
Denver, CO29 contributions
Coming to Bangkok I never expected to end up in a meditation class in the famous Wat Mahathat! I went to the grand palace on the first day I was in Bangkok and became vey fascinated with the monks and meditation... So I sought out some classes that I could take which didn't require me to become a devotee but I still got the full experience. In the grounds of Wat Mahathat, each area is dvided up into districts. The meditation course is in district five. There are three sessions a day (in English) and you get a private monk to tutor you (unless more people come on the same day). Classes begin at 7:00am, 1:30pm and 6:00pm and last for about 3-4hours depending on how invested you are in the experience and what else is going on in the temple.
I would say that this experience far surpasses any temple viewing and sightseeing I did in Bangkok. Instead of being an outsider looking in to the world of buddhism and monks, I tried out their clothes to see how I fit in them
I would say that this experience far surpasses any temple viewing and sightseeing I did in Bangkok. Instead of being an outsider looking in to the world of buddhism and monks, I tried out their clothes to see how I fit in them
Written March 28, 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.
HOOMAN
Tehran, Iran1,204 contributions
Apr 2019
Wat Mahathat (Mahathat Temple) is the largest and the most impressive Buddhist temple in Sukhothai Historical Park. It is located in the central zone of the old walled town. Wat Mahathat was the most important temple of the Sukhothai Empire, located next to the Royal Palace.
Wat Mahathat means “temple of the Great Relic”. This Splendid temple was founded by Sri Indraditya, in the 13th century to enshrine relics of the Lord Buddha. The temple was built following the concept of Mandala, an ancient Hindu symbol representing the universe. The main stupa is surrounded by smaller stupas in eight directions. The main stupa has the shape of a lotus bud. Both sides of the main stupa has two 9 meters tall standing Buddha images (Phra Attharot).
I think it was 10 years ago when I saw an amazing photo of a Lord Buddha image. The Lord Buddha was sitting and the image had an imaginary reflection in the pond’s water in front of the Lord Buddha image. I didn’t know where had been taken this unique photo and I wished that I could visit this mysterious temple one day. Finally after 10 years I found Wat Mahathat (the mysterious temple) and the Lord Buddha image in Sukhothai, where the unique photo had been taken. This white Buddha image which is in Bhumisparsha position, can be seen even from outside of the temple. Another thing which can be seen from outside of the temple is a masonry Chedi made of red bricks.
Although much parts of the temple are some ruins, but the temple has an unbelievable yard with tidy garden and beautiful flowers. In my opinion, by having Lord Buddha sitting image and many other Buddha statues and holy buildings and a very peaceful atmosphere, Wat Mahathat is the most wonderful temple in Sukhothai.
Wat Mahathat means “temple of the Great Relic”. This Splendid temple was founded by Sri Indraditya, in the 13th century to enshrine relics of the Lord Buddha. The temple was built following the concept of Mandala, an ancient Hindu symbol representing the universe. The main stupa is surrounded by smaller stupas in eight directions. The main stupa has the shape of a lotus bud. Both sides of the main stupa has two 9 meters tall standing Buddha images (Phra Attharot).
I think it was 10 years ago when I saw an amazing photo of a Lord Buddha image. The Lord Buddha was sitting and the image had an imaginary reflection in the pond’s water in front of the Lord Buddha image. I didn’t know where had been taken this unique photo and I wished that I could visit this mysterious temple one day. Finally after 10 years I found Wat Mahathat (the mysterious temple) and the Lord Buddha image in Sukhothai, where the unique photo had been taken. This white Buddha image which is in Bhumisparsha position, can be seen even from outside of the temple. Another thing which can be seen from outside of the temple is a masonry Chedi made of red bricks.
Although much parts of the temple are some ruins, but the temple has an unbelievable yard with tidy garden and beautiful flowers. In my opinion, by having Lord Buddha sitting image and many other Buddha statues and holy buildings and a very peaceful atmosphere, Wat Mahathat is the most wonderful temple in Sukhothai.
Written March 30, 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.
Radi
Hua Hin, Thailand237 contributions
Nov 2019 • Solo
This Wat is quite nice and pretty to look at. I went around sunset into the park where the Wat is located and rode my bike 🚲 around. You can hop on a tram and cruise around with them. But if you can go with the bike I recommend to do with the bike. It’s just 10 Baht more entrance fee.
Written November 17, 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.
Kristhea P
Auckland Central, New Zealand122 contributions
Sep 2014 • Friends
It takes approximately an hour to get from the center of Bangkok to Ayyuthaya where Wat Mahathat is. (Note: take the van near Victory Monument going to Ayyuthaya; it costs 60 THB per person). It's best to visit there mid afternoon, around 2pm or 3pm onwards and catch the sunset. The entrance fee is 50 THB per person. There's also an option to get audio-guided tours, also available at the entrance.
The ruins are beautiful and the structures are interesting. it's pretty much easy to go to other areas, too. Tuktuks are available, but it's best to explore the nearby areas by foot.
The ruins are beautiful and the structures are interesting. it's pretty much easy to go to other areas, too. Tuktuks are available, but it's best to explore the nearby areas by foot.
Written September 16, 2014
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.
Joseph Y
Singapore, Singapore80 contributions
Well if u r in Sukhothai historical park, this is a wat which cannot be missed. It's the largest and basically is the "sumbol" of the park. U see it in all the post cards cos it's just so huge. Come here for the best sunset pictures. U won't be disappointed.
Written November 22, 2013
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.
Review by Tako
Bangkok, Thailand110 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
This temple is very important for Thai people for long time ago. We usually call the main temple is “ Wat Mahataj”
Written November 26, 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.
Marianne Weimer
Canton of Zug, Switzerland53 contributions
Nov 2019
Absolutely worth visiting. As most of the tourists are spending there no more than 30 minutes because they are on "high speed temple touring" coming from Bangkok, just wait a little bit and you can take lovely pictures of this very impressive and large complex with no people in your sight.
Written November 18, 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.
Americo C
Stanton, CA19 contributions
Jun 2019 • Solo
I took a combo package to visit different temples and this old city and don't regret it. It was recommended by a Thai friend in the States and I am not disappointed. Loved the city, ruins, and Buddhas. I wish though that our tour guide, would have gone inside with us and show us around and not just leaved us to browse around on our own, but still worth the trip.
Written July 8, 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.
Melanie H
Hua Hin, Thailand
Do I need to sign up for one of the daily meditation classes in advance, or is it a walk in?
Written July 2, 2015
I often visit Wat Mahathat and I have never seen and have never heard of daily meditation classes at this ancient ruin. Just visit, sit and enjoy the peaceful surrounds.
Written July 3, 2015
Melanie H
Hua Hin, Thailand
Do I need to sign up for one of the daily meditation classes in advance, or is it a walk in?
Written July 2, 2015
Hello, I am going to Bangkok and would like to attend with ny girlfriend the meditation class in english this friday the 9th, do I have to reserve or do we just go there before it starts?
Written January 7, 2015
Showing results 1-3 of 3
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing