Wat Suwan Dararam

Wat Suwan Dararam is one of Ayutthaya's best-kept secrets and the finest example of a fully restored historic temple in the city. Built just before the fall of Ayutthaya and restored by King Rama I, the temple's ordination hall contains some of the most extraordinary mural paintings in all of Thailand. The murals depict scenes from the life of the Buddha and episodes from the Thai epic the Ramakien (Ramayana), as well as vivid battle scenes from the wars between Ayutthaya and Burma. The quality and preservation of these paintings is exceptional, with rich colours and intricate detail that gives a unique window into Ayutthaya-era artistic traditions. The temple is still active and sees relatively few foreign tourists, making it an authentic and peaceful visit.