Discover Ayutthaya: History, Boats and Markets

The Historic City of Ayutthaya was founded around 1350 and, after Sukhothai, was the second capital of Siam. Its history is evident in its buildings, its urban layout and its relationship with water. In Ayutthaya, you can explore historic urban planning, temples, collections and markets, each with very different stories.

The historic city and its waterways

The historic city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya lies on an island surrounded by the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and Lopburi rivers. The Historic City of Ayutthaya was laid out with roads, canals and moats around its most important structures. This plan included a technologically advanced water management system that was unique in the world. The waterways are therefore part of the historic cityscape, not merely a backdrop to its buildings.

The Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park was recognized as a cultural site on December 13, 1991, under the name “Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical City.” It was the 576th designated site. If you are interested in Ayutthaya’s development, this is a good starting point for considering the city’s history and spatial design together.

Temples, boats and museum collections

Wat Tha Ka Rong is an old temple from the Ayutthaya period on the western bank of the Chao Phraya, on the city island. Behind the temple is a floating market offering a variety of foods, including boat noodles, fried rice and snacks. Vendors and opening days may change, so check before your visit.

The Thai Boat Museum displays old wooden boats and a permanent exhibition about Thai boats. Exhibits include replicas of Thai royal barges and models of boats from different regions of the country. Different forms of presentation can be seen side by side: old wooden boats, replicas and models. The museum recommends that groups arrange their visit in advance; check the current policy beforehand.

In the Ratchaburana Hall of the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, gold and gemstones from the crypt of Wat Ratchaburana are on display. This collection differs from the boats at the Thai Boat Museum: here the focus is on gold and gemstones, while there it is on boats and their models. The two museums thus offer different points of interest for a culturally focused stay.

Markets with a history of their own

Lad Chado Market in Phak Hai District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, is more than 100 years old. It developed from trade conducted from Chinese houseboats along both sides of a canal into a floating market. The community includes a temple, a school, a shrine, a rice mill and a cinema; these places have been preserved in their original form. Here, the market’s history and the community’s institutions go hand in hand.

Kong Khong Market, also known as Ban Saeng Som, in Bang Pa-in District offers a different market atmosphere. This retro-style historic market comprises a large group of traditional Thai houses and evokes the atmosphere of old Ayutthaya. Its operating days may vary, so it is worth checking before planning a visit.

Insights into relations with Japan

Japanese Village has a shady Japanese garden on the riverbank where visitors can relax. The Japanese Village Memorial Museum in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District documents the historic relations between Ayutthaya and Japan, shaped by trade. The garden and museum offer different perspectives: a peaceful riverside retreat and an insight into the history of trade.

Use your interests to guide your trip

When planning your trip, you can start by considering which topics interest you most: the city’s history and water management, boat collections, the development of markets, or relations between Ayutthaya and Japan. These examples differ in content and character; they need not be treated as similar stops.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bangkok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Lat Bua Luang, Nong Khanak, Bang Phli, Bang Krasun, Khu Salot, Rong Chang, Ka Thum, Khan Ham, Bang Pahan, Ban Pho, Saphan Thai.

For the main travel overview: Thailand.