Wat Choeng Phanan is the predecessor of the city of Ayutthaya, the capital of the ancient kingdom of the same name. The temple is a Buddhist, but there is traced a strong Chinese influence. Around viharn (central public space), there are several pavilions dedicated to the Chinese and the immortal gods. Until now, scientists could not find out who and when they were built.

Inside viharn it is the oldest, largest, beautiful and revered in Thailand Buddha statue Phra Chao Choeng Phanan. Its height is 19 meters, width - 14, 26 meters. Outside the statue is completely covered with gold leaf. Details of the statue saying that it is a figure of the second generation with style thong. For the main figure of the Buddha there are many other small, all of them are donations of parishioners. There is a legend that in 1767 when the Burmese attacked and sacked Ayutthaya, Buddha eyes flowed with tears.

Opposite the church is a very large Chinese cemetery, the area near it was a place of settlement of immigrants from China before the founding of Ayutthaya. Many believe that the central figure of the Buddha was once reconstructed Zheng Heh great Chinese navigator and explorer.

The Chinese temple on the territory of Wat Choeng Phanan is a portrait of the Princess of China, who was married to the King of Ayutthaya. She took his own life when on arrival she had not met her Mr Right. According to legend, in memory of the dead princess King founded Phanan Choeng temple on the site of her cremation.

Phanan Choeng temple was reconstructed several times. For complete recovery of wool produced King Mongkut in 1854. In 1901 the church was badly damaged in a fire, so under the leadership of King Chulalongkorn was another reconstruction in 1902. In 1928, the face of the central Buddha statues destroyed the beginning, soon organized by the Royal Institute of repairs.