Prasat Nakhon Luang

It was used by various Kings of Ayutthaya as a temporary camp en route a visit to the Lord Buddha's Footprint in Saraburi or a trip to Lopburi. Prince Damrong surmised that this residence was built during the reign of King Song Tham when the Footprint was discovered.

Prasat nakhon Luang is located in amphoe Nakhon Luang near River Pa Sak, Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya Province. The word "Nakhon Luang" is derived from "Muang Phra Nakhon Luang" aka "Sriyasothornpura" in Cambodia. The temple's architectural quality imitated Pra Sat Sila in Kingdom of Cambodia, ordered by King Pra Sat Thong in 1631 after he had occupied the throne for two years. The castle was built near Wat Thep Chandra to celebrate the king's honor that he could take Cambodia back.The castle used to be kings' rural residence when travelling to praise Buddha footprint in Saraburi and staying over night while going to Lopburi. The Prasat was gorgeously yellow.

Then the mondop was built, following by four Buddha footprints inside the castle. Later these building were renovated and noticeably became more like western and Chinese, but the residences next to the castle are ruins. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn came here to perform the castle opening ceremony in 1995.Initially, the construction of the castle began by making the soil hill. The whole castle was made of bricks and cement. It was surrounded by triforium in square shape and also Prang Tid and Prang Rai. Another interesting place nearby is Sarn Prachan Loy (Floating Moon Pavillion). It is in front of the castle. The building is a tetrahedron with Floating Moon made of huge granite plate from Wat Thep Chandra Loy inside. There is also Wat Mai Pra Chum Pon anear. It has beautiful Ayutthaya Period's style of Ubosot and Buddhaprang.Don't forget to see Prasat Nakhon Luang in the countryside when visiting Ayutthaya. As it's not very crowded so it fits those who love peaceful tourist attractions to enjoy seeing stunning architectur