The Chan Royal Palace archaeological site, on the north bank of the Nan River, marks the ruins of the Chandahana Palace, the seat of the Ayutthaya viceroy and the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great in 1555. Naresuan is one of Thailand's great national heroes — the king who liberated the country from Burmese rule, according to the national narrative — and the memorial here is a serious pilgrimage site for Thai military personnel and royalists alike.
The site has the remains of the original palace foundations and several historic temples, all within a well-maintained park. The memorial shrine to King Naresuan himself is the centrepiece, with a large equestrian statue and always freshly laid offerings. The setting by the river is pleasant, and the park is a good place to escape the city heat in the early morning or late afternoon.
Located on Wang Chan Road on the north side of the Nan River, about a kilometre from Wat Yai. Free entry.