Wat Prasat - 400 Year Old Ayutthaya Era Temple With Historic Murals - Nonthaburi Thailand 2025

Wat Prasat วัดปราสาท is a historic Buddhist temple complex in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand, widely regarded as the oldest temple in the province. Located along the Chao Phraya River, in Nonthaburi Thailand, it serves as a serene spiritual and cultural landmark just north of Bangkok. The temple blends ancient architecture, religious significance, and natural beauty. It’s a Mahayana Buddhist temple and a designated national historic site, attracting visitors for its tranquility and historical murals.

Built during the Ayutthaya period (17th century), the temple’s construction is attributed to either the reign of King Prasat Thong (1629–1656) or King Narai the Great (1656–1688), making it over 400 years old. The name “Prasat” refers to the ornate, castle-like spires (prasat) that adorn its structures, a distinctive feature in Thai temple design. Over time, it has become a repository of Nonthaburi’s artistic heritage, with additions like murals painted by local craftsmen in the late Ayutthaya era. An annual festival marks its founding on the first day of the Buddhist lunar year.

• Ubosot (Ordination Hall): The temple’s centerpiece, featuring three golden prasat spires above the entrance doors (unusual, as most temples have five). The roof finial is in Mon style with a royal lion motif, and the design promotes natural ventilation by allowing hot air to rise and cool air to enter. Inside, it houses a revered Buddha statue.

• Murals: The oldest in Nonthaburi Province, depicting the birth of the ten previous Buddhas (Jātaka stories). Created by local artists, these paintings are meticulous examples of Ayutthaya-era art but face threats from saltwater intrusion due to groundwater seeping into the walls, causing fading and damage.

• Tripitaka Hall: Stores ancient scriptures and features a rare serpent ladder (a carved wooden staircase symbolizing the Naga serpent from Buddhist lore).

• Ancient Ta-khian Tree: A sacred Hopea ferrea tree over 1,000 years old—the largest in Thailand—revered by locals for blessings and protection.

• Bell Tower: Possibly a gift from a Burmese prince to an earlier Ayutthaya king, adding to the temple’s cross-cultural history.

The overall layout includes lush gardens, serene ponds, and riverside views, creating a peaceful escape from urban life.

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