Wat Phanan Choeng is the predecessor of the city of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the eponymous Kingdom. The temple is Buddhist, but there is a strong Chinese influence. Around Vihara (Central public space) there are several pavilions dedicated to the Chinese immortal and deity. So far scientists have been unable to find out who and when they were built.

Inside viharn is the oldest, most beautiful and revered in Thailand Buddha statue Phra Chao Phanan Choeng. Its height is 19 meters, width - 14, 26 meters. Outside the statue completely covered in gold leaf. The details of the statue suggests that it is the figure of the second generation in the U Thong style. Behind the main figure of the Buddha is many other small size, they are all donations of parishioners. There is a legend that when in 1767 the Burmese attacked and sacked Ayutthaya, Buddha's eyes were full of tears.

Opposite the temple 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 Hye-Jeong the great Chinese Explorer and Navigator.

In a Chinese temple on the territory of Vata Phanan Choeng is a portrait of the Princess of China, which was given in marriage to the king of Ayutthaya. The girl took his own life when, upon arrival, she met her future husband. According to the legend, in memory of the dead Princess, the king founded the temple of Phanan Choeng in place of her cremation.

Temple Phanan Choeng repeatedly reconstructed. So, full recovery Wadding made king Mongkut in 1854. In 1901 the Church was badly damaged in a fire, so under the leadership of king Chulalongkorn passed another reconstruction of 1902. In 1928 the Central Buddha statue began to crumble, and soon the Royal Institute organized repair work.