The Historic City of Ayutthaya also tells its story through water: it lies on an island surrounded by the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and Lopburi rivers. Streets, canals and moats were laid out around the most important structures. The city used a technologically advanced water management system that was unique in the world. Waterways are therefore part of the landscape and the historic city planning.
A City Between Rivers and Water Planning
The Historic City of Ayutthaya was founded around 1350 and was the second capital of Siam after Sukhothai. On December 13, 1991, the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park was recognized as a cultural site under the name “Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical City”; it was the 576th designated site. Its founding and later recognition mark different periods in Ayutthaya’s history.
Temples, Boats and Collections
On the western bank of the Chao Phraya, on the city island of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, lies Wat Tha Ka Rong, an old temple from the Ayutthaya period. Behind the temple, the floating market at Wat Tha Ka Rong offers a variety of dishes, including boat noodles, fried rice and snacks. The selection and opening days may change; check the details before your visit. The temple and market thus connect a historic site with insights into local food culture.
The Thai Boat Museum displays old wooden boats and a permanent exhibition about Thai boats. It also features replicas of Thai royal barges and models of Thai boats from various regions. The museum recommends that groups arrange their visit in advance; check this guidance before planning. The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum offers a different perspective through its collections: in the Ratchaburana Hall, it displays gold and precious stones from the crypt of Wat Ratchaburana.
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 trading in 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 establishments have been preserved in their original form. This allows the market to be seen as part of a community, beyond its trading history.
Kong Khong Market, also known as Ban Saeng Som, is located in Bang Pa-in District. This historic retro-style market is defined by a larger group of traditional Thai houses that evokes the atmosphere of old Ayutthaya. Its opening days may change; check them before planning a visit. By comparison, Lad Chado centers on a market history that grew out of houseboat trading, while Kong Khong highlights traditional architecture.
Trade Relations and a Garden by the River
The Japanese Village memorial museum in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District documents the historic relationship between Ayutthaya and Japan, shaped by trade. Japanese Village also has a shady Japanese garden on the riverbank where visitors can relax; garden conditions may vary. The museum and garden offer two different perspectives: a history of relations shaped by trade and a place to relax by the water.
Discover more destinations: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Bangkok, 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 broader travel overview: Thailand.
