Ayutthaya is a city renowned for its skilled craftsmen and women, making it a haven for handicraft enthusiasts.

In the past, different communities within the city specialized in various crafts such as ironwork, boat building, wicker weaving, clay pottery, and stone-masonry. Today, you can explore numerous open-air markets throughout Ayutthaya to discover these traditional crafts. Here are some of the best shopping spots in Ayutthaya to discover during your stay:

Ayothaya Floating Market

This medium-sized market is a modern interpretation of what traditional floating markets looked like in Ayutthaya’s heyday. Surrounded by walls and moats, just like the city of Ayutthaya itself, the market sprawls across an island accessed by wooden bridges.

Once inside, a wooden platform takes you through the stores and stalls, all laid out to resemble a picturesque market of yesteryear. You can wander through the 14 market areas, named after the market itself, where you’ll find everything from wooden toys and wicker crafts to hand-painted T-shirts and Ayutthaya-style “boat noodles”. You can even climb aboard a boat, which sails through the market as it did centuries ago.

• Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 8 PM
• Location: North of the Chedi roundabout (east of the inner city, from Highway 309), near Wat Maheyon
• How to get there: From Highway 309, turn right at the chedi roundabout and continue until you see the market sign on your right

Ayutthaya Night Market

Krungsri Walking Street, also known as Krungsri Night Market among the locals, is a captivating night market that operates exclusively on weekends. Regarded as one of the most stunning night markets in Thailand, it features mesmerizing illuminations, bamboo tables, and stands positioned near the scenic L-shaped pond, Bueng Phraram.

At this vibrant market, you’ll find a delightful array of food and beverage options, offering a delectable exploration of local cuisine. In addition to the gastronomic delights, there are stalls selling various products and souvenirs, allowing you to browse and shop for unique finds. You might even catch small shows, including captivating demonstrations of traditional martial arts.

• Location: Ayutthaya Historical Park, next to Tourist Center.
• Opening Hours: Friday-Sunday from 5 PM to 10 PM.

Ayutthaya City Park

Ayutthaya City Park, one of the best shopping spots in Ayutthaya and also in northern Thailand, is a modern oasis. With its contemporary design, it stands out from the town’s old-world charm. It’s a perfect place to escape the heat, indulge in shopping, and unwind. The complex’s minimalistic design, spaciousness, and fountains create a serene and beautiful atmosphere.

This expansive complex features a wide array of shops, including permanent department stores and temporary pop-ups. It also houses a large hall available for event rentals. For those seeking some recreational fun, the Futsal Arena offers an artificial grass football field.

A food court within Ayutthaya City Park caters to various tastes, offering fast food shops, restaurants, and even a Sushi train. The best part about this shopping complex is that it provides everything you need under one roof. Gone are the days of rushing from shop to shop for your holiday essentials. Ayutthaya City Park serves as your convenient one-stop destination for all your shopping needs.

• Location: Khlong Suan Plu District, where Highway 309 meets Highway 32
• Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 10 PM

Bangsai Royal Arts and Crafts Centre

Created to promote unique local handmade products, the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center in Ayutthaya is Thailand’s center for handicrafts.

On the extensive grounds, visitors will find exhibitions showcasing the arts and crafts of Thailand’s four regions. Also at the center is a handicraft village with wooden houses from every region of Thailand, factories where you can watch handicrafts being made, and a bird park called Suan Nok, with two large aviaries housing dozens of birds.

All items are for sale, making the Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre an ideal place to buy souvenirs and gifts.

• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 4 PM (closed on Mondays)
• Location: Chang Yai Bang Sai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Chao Phrom Market

Dating back to the time when Ayutthaya served as the capital, this lively market brims with a myriad of small shops, stalls brimming with local delicacies, and vendors offering unique merchandise that cannot be found elsewhere in the city. While some shops have transitioned to concrete facades from their original wooden structures, the market remains a prime destination to indulge in affordable and mouthwatering meals.

• Location: 3/9 Uthong Rd, Tambon Ho Rattanachai, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
• Opening Hours: 3 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Mondays)

Hua Ro Market

Hua Ro, akin to Chao Phrom Market, flourished as a bustling commercial district in the bygone era. Divided into two sections, it encompassed a merchandise area offering textiles, fabrics, gifts, and souvenirs, as well as a food section brimming with fresh produce, local delicacies, and an array of delectable treats. Operating throughout the day, Hua Ro is a worthwhile destination to explore, especially if you find yourself in proximity.

• Location: U-Thong Road, opposite Wang Chan Kasem Museum
• Opening Hours: Daily from 4 AM to 6 PM.

The best shopping spots in Ayutthaya combine the traditional and the modern, allowing you to experience the city’s rich heritage and find unique treasures. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, fashion items, or local specialties, Ayutthaya has something for everyone.