Wat Pradu Songtham

Wat Pradu Songtham is a Buddhist temple in Hua Ro featuring traditional Thai architectural elements arranged in a linear layout within low walls. The complex includes a sermon hall, bell tower, and monk living quarters positioned along an east-west axis, each serving a specific function in the monastic routine.

The monastery predates the founding of Ayutthaya in 1351 and once stood near an ancient canal system that linked the site to the Pa Sak River. The location along this water route reveals how early communities used waterways for trade and religious settlement.

The ordination hall contains detailed murals from 1863 showing Buddhist teachings, Jataka tales, and scenes of daily Siamese life with acrobats and processions. These painted walls let visitors see what religious beliefs and local customs looked like in that era.

The temple sits on a small road west of Wat Kudi Dao in Ayutthaya's northeast section and needs local transportation to reach it. Morning visits work best since the site remains quieter and the light makes exploring the murals and structures easier to see clearly.

King Uthumphon chose this temple for his monastic retreat in 1758 after stepping away from the throne during a succession dispute. This royal selection reveals how certain temples became refuges for members of the ruling family seeking spiritual peace.