Wat Choeng Tha

Wat Choeng Tha is located off the city island in the northern part of Ayutthaya, in the Tha Wasukri Sub-district. The monastery is situated on the north bank of Khlong Mueang opposite the Thai Sanom Fort from the Grand Palace and the entry of Khlong Pak Tho. West of the temple ran the Khu Mai Rong, a moat around the adjacent Royal boathouse.

This monastery faces south towards the old Lopburi River instead of east, the direction of the rising sun, auspicious direction, representing life and the sexual prowess of the male. South has a neutral value. (4)

The monastery dates to the early Ayutthaya period, but its establishment is unknown. The legend goes that a wealthy man had a beautiful daughter who fell in love with a young man and ran away. The rich man waited long for his daughter to return and decided to build a bridal house in forgiveness if she returned. However, the daughter never returned, so her father ordered a temple to be built on the spot, named Wat Koi Tha (Monastery of the Waiting Pier).

Ayutthaya Historical Research