Having visited Ayutthaya numerous times over many years, I was stunned, not so long ago, to come across an almost 400 year old temple I knew nothing about, so I went for a sunrise, and stayed several hours in exploration. On arrival in the early morning dark, this really did not look any ordinary temple, but there were monks' quarters nearby, and it seemed to be part of the adjacent temple complex on the river. What made it different were the fortified walls and ramparts which, generally, ordinary Buddhist temples do not have. So why was this different? Well, as far as I can gather from the various internet sources and one of the temple abbots, a Royal Fort and Palace was ordered to be built in the 1600's, as this site was more or less half way between Ayutthaya and Saraburi, where there was a Buddha’s Footprint. Go and visit, you’ll thoroughly enjoy it.

Magnificent palace build around 1631 based on the design of the main Khmer style temple in Angkhor Thom.

Prasat ( Thai tongue means castle ) Nakhon ( means city ) Luang ( means capital ) is located on 184/1 Moo ( village ) 1, Tambon ( sub district ) Nakhon Luang, Amphoe ( district ) Nakhon Luang, Changwat ( province ) Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13260, on the east bank of Pasak river. It was built in 1604 A.D. ( 2147 B.E. ) in the reign of King Prasat Thong ( means gold ), the first king of the Prasat Thong dynasty which is the fourth dynasty of the Siamese Ayutthaya kingdom ( during 1629- 1656 A.D. or 2172- 2199 B.E. ).The purpose of establishing either temporary residence en route a visit to the Lord Buddha 's footprint in Saraburi province and used for a trip to Lopburi province or the belief of religious place in Buddhasm. In 1631 A.D. ( 2174 B.E. ) King Prasat Thong ordered to build a castle near Wat Thep ( means deity ) Chandra ( means moon ), celebrating the king 's honor due to the victory over Cambodia and taken back, the temple 's architecture imitated Prasat Sila in the kingdom of Cambodia.The Prasat ( castle ) was gorgeously yellow, mondop was built too, four Buddha footprints inside the castle, castle made of bricks and cement, surrounded by triforium in square- shaped including Prang Tidarl Prang Rai. In front of the castle is Sara ( pavillion ) Prachan ( moon ) Loy ( floating ) made of huge granite plate from Wat Thep Chandra Loy ( Wai Mai Prachum Pol is close by ), Ubosot and Prang are Ayutthaya architecture style. construction had not finished once it had started, might have been abandoned. Before 1809 A.D. in the reign of King Rama 1, Tapakhao Pin ( Mr. Pin in white outfits ), continued the construction of the palace and built the Nakhon Luang temple, four replica of Lord Buddha 's footprints in Thai style, square- shaped hall on the palace open porch. Nakhon Luang palace 's architecture is mixture of the ancient construction and modern restoration, a Thai style square- shaped building called " Mondop Prachan Loy " ( means floating moon mondop ), round- shaped two meters diameter of Dhammachak ( wheel of Buddhism ) stone was unfinished job. Prasat Nakhon Luang was registered as archaeological site by the Fine Art Department, published in the Government Gazette volume 52 chapter 75 on March 8, 1935 ( 2478 B.E.). Open every day from 0600 am. until 0600 pm.

Worth taking time to visit. Very quiet and away from the big crowded tourist areas.

First time here, and it’s amazing. Ancient Temple and castle since Ayutthaya era. Lots of photogenic points, even though hot climate in May. U can go up to the 3rd floor of the temple and make a merit inside. Parking is opposite the historical site.

nice place to visit.

an amazing place among the community and fields

While not on the beaten tourist path, a place you should visit if time allows.

Absolutely amazingly scenic temple with beautiful Ganesha and buddha images Not too many people.. The moon image was interesting also.. Totally worth a visit...

When we came there was like a handful of people before us. The stairs were steep, so just mind you if you have trouble walking up stairs. It was beautiful to see but there wasn’t much after you go around the temple once and the grounds.

Impressive original structure influenced by Kmer culture, then another structure would have had built on top later with European influences.

Some miles from Ayutthaya ancient town but worth going. It's superb, quite enormous

Amazing, The restoration isn’t that great, however they have tried and it gives us an idea of what it once was, magnificent. There is a wide range of Buddhist images and a huge Buddhist footprint

Beautiful site to visit. You will get an ancient and holy atmosphere from this place.

Nice place and close to city center.