The head of a bronze Buddha statue found at Wat Thammikarat greets visitors in the museum's entrance hall.

Chao Sam Phraya National Museum

Many of the priceless treasures uncovered within Ayutthaya's temples are on display at the city's main museum.

The ground floor of the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum has a collection of statues, wooden gables, ceramics, and other artworks. – © Michael Turtle

The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum was established to house the treasures found at Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Mahathat. – © Michael Turtle

Statues of Buddha found in the Historical Park of Ayutthaya are on display at the museum. – © Michael Turtle

The ground floor of the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum has a collection of statues, wooden gables, ceramics, and other artworks. – © Michael Turtle

The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum was created specifically to house the treasures that were found in the towers of the two temples of Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Mahathat. When it opened in 1961, it put these priceless artefacts on display to the public for the first time – and they're still the highlight of the museum.

A special room has been dedicated to each of the two temples, with the items discovered in their crypts displayed alongside interpretations. The artefacts include relics of Buddha, jewellery, gifts made from gold, and votive tablets.

A highlight of the museum is this large seated Buddha statue from the Dvaravati period. – © Michael Turtle

Over the years, more items have been added to the museum's collection and there are also large statues of Buddha, wooden gables and doors from the temples, ceramics, painted cloths, and other artworks. One of the highlights is the large seated Buddha statue from the Dvaravati period, which is similar to one at Wat Na Phra Men.