Wat Chang (Monastery of the Elephant)

That is why Wat Chang translates to "A Temple Surrounded by Elephants". It is said that a king had once discovered Buddha relics buried in the ground here, so he dug them up, paid homage to them, and buried them back right in. He then ordered the construction of a chedi over it which is the Wat Chang you see today.

Temple, Wat Chang is in the Hantra sub-district of Ayutthaya city which is settled before the founding of the original part of the town. Wat Chang means that a ring of elephant statues surrounds the temple's biggest Chedi, the monastery of elephants. A king once found Buddha relics here by digging them up and ordered the construction of Chedi over them, which is now called Wat Chang.

The structure is half-ruined, but it is still famous for its history and the role it plays in the city of Ayutthaya. It is one of the famous landmarks and is given importance just like any other ancient structure in Ayutthaya though it is ruined and is away from the actual city.

How To Reach Wat Chang (Monastery of the Elephant)

Ayutthaya is approximately 60 miles to the north of Bangkok. When you travel to Ayutthaya from Bangkok by taxi or train, there are local vehicles called tuk-tuks as well. Since Wat Chang is in the outskirts of the city, a taxi or a local bus is preferable. If not, you can also register for Ayutthaya heritage walks that take you to places in Ayutthaya on foot which is a very different way to explore more about the city.