Wat Wang Chai วัดวังชัย Built in 1549 - Ayutthaya Historical Park With Drone Footage - Thailand 2024

Wat Wang Chai วัดวังชัย or the Chai Palace Monastery islocated on the city island in the northwestern area in Pratu Chai sub-district. The
restored ruin lies on the edge of the Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin Park and is part of the Ayutthaya Historical Park.

Wat Wang Chai was situated on the west bank of a small canal which had its mouth at the Chao Phraya River. The temple was situated just behind one of the many fortresses surrounding the ancient city and guarding the entry of the water gates. These fortresses and the city wall are all gone now with the Phet Fortress being the only one remaining.

Prince Thianracha, before ascending the throne as King Chakkraphat had his residence in this area. Upon becoming king he had the Grand Palace as his new living quarters. He ordered his former estate to be transferred into a temple hall and had an ordination hall built as well. The temple as such was given the name Wat Wang Chai can also be translated as the "Monastery of the Palace of Victory".

There are not many records of the temple remaining but the dates correspond to it being established in 1549.

The area in which this temple ruin is located was important, as most of the palace officials and other important people were living on both sides of the Chao Phraya River between Wat Phutthai Sawan and Wat Chai Watthanaram. There was also an important ferry near the temple that linked the city island with the landing at the mouth.

The monastery has been restored many times. Excavations indicated that the ordination hall has been restored at least three times. New brick building techniques have been used on the main chedi.

The Fine Arts Department overhauled the site completely into the condition that is seen today. The sema stones found here are identical to the boundary stones of Wat Racha Burana and Wat Maha That, only differing in size, the ones here are slightly smaller.

Located at this site is a large ordination hall with a chedi on its west side in the classical East-West axis. On its north side stands a wihan with satellite chedis and a few other structures. The whole temple is surrounded by an outer wall called kamphaeng kaeo.

The remains of the main chedi sits on a square platform, while its base is a triple octagonal representing the three worlds or the Trai Phum. The octagonal shape of the base stands for the four cardinal and the four inter-cardinal directions.

The whole monastic area was surrounded by three canals and a connecting moat on the
west, isolating the monastery from the normal world.

The road in front of Wat Wang Chai, was called Victory Palace Road and was known for its smiths making brass bowls. There was also a fresh market in the area called Victory Palace Market (Talat Wang Chai).

This is a small ruin that is near several other sites. It’s not a must see sight but interesting for anyone that enjoys these ancient ruins. It can also be combined with a visit to the other temples in the area.

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