Gong Khong Market
📍 Address: 68, 12, Tambon Khanon Luang, Amphoe Bang Pa-in, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13160 Thailand
If you’re looking for souvenirs with a strong local feel around Ayutthaya, ‘Gong Khong Market’ is an absolute must-visit. ‘Gong Khong’ means ‘to stoop’ or ‘to bend down’ in Thai. This name originates from the tradition in old Thailand where vendors displayed their goods on the ground, and buyers would bend down to examine them. Opened in 2006, this market still recreates the atmosphere of that era, with vendors welcoming you in beautiful magenta and purple traditional Thai costumes.
The biggest appeal of this market is the wide variety of high-quality OTOP (One Tambon One Product) items and local handicrafts available freshly and affordably. Particularly popular among travelers are woven rattan baskets, ‘Pinto’ (retro-cute Thai lunchboxes), and ‘Thai script nameplates’ that can be custom-made on the spot. The rounded forms of Thai script are charming and make for a unique and much-appreciated souvenir. You’ll also find a diverse range of other items, including Thai herbal products and fresh tropical fruits.
Another great feature is the covered arcade, which allows for comfortable shopping while avoiding the harsh midday sun. The market is praised for its ideal size – neither too large nor too small – and its well-curated selection of shops with minimal overlap. If you get tired from walking, take a break in the local food area and savor traditional Thai sweets like ‘Khanom Khong’. Please note that the market is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Ayothaya Floating Market
📍 Address: 65/19 Tambon Phai Ling, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000 Thailand
Opened in 2010, the ‘Ayothaya Floating Market’ is one of Thailand’s largest man-made floating markets. Located a little outside the city center, it’s convenient to access by tuk-tuk or ride-hailing apps (like Grab). There’s an entrance fee of 200 baht (which includes a boat ride), offering a theme park-like experience where you can take a tour around the waterways lined with wooden buildings in a rowboat, simulating the atmosphere of traditional Thai water-based life.
This spot allows you to combine souvenir hunting with a food tour. The grounds are packed with numerous stalls and small souvenir shops, where you can find traditional Thai handicrafts, folk art, and even merchandise for ‘Labubu’, a character currently popular across Asia, often sold at reasonable prices. It’s also a treasure trove of local food, with authentic boat noodles prepared right on the boats and fresh smoothies to satisfy travelers’ appetites.
Furthermore, popular unique activities at this floating market include ‘feeding giant catfish’ and ‘prawn fishing’ for just 10 baht. The sight of dynamic catfish splashing as they swarm for food is incredibly powerful. If you get tired from walking, a refreshing traditional Thai massage, available for around 100 baht for 30 minutes, comes highly recommended. Historical drama shows and other events are also held on weekends, so it’s a good idea to allocate ample time to fully enjoy your visit.
Central Ayutthaya
📍 Address: 129/1-3 Tambon Khlong Suan Plu, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000 Thailand
While Ayutthaya is strongly associated with ruins and historical temples, head to ‘Central Ayutthaya’ if you’re looking to enjoy modern shopping. Opened in 2021, this massive shopping mall is designed with the concept of ‘Thai Twist’ (a fusion of Thai tradition and modernity). It features beautiful architecture that evokes Ayutthaya’s brick ruins while offering expansive open spaces that don’t obstruct the view. There are Instagrammable photo spots throughout the mall, making it enjoyable just to walk around.
The biggest advantage for travelers is the ability to buy souvenirs in bulk in a cool, clean environment. Particularly recommended is the ‘Jing Jai Market’ located within the facility. It gathers OTOP (One Tambon One Product) handicrafts and local foods from 16 districts across Ayutthaya Province. Combined with the ‘Tops’ supermarket and the ‘Robinson’ department store next door, you can find everything from small, shareable sweets to high-quality household goods.
The abundance of dining options is another welcome point. The huge, clean food court brings together local delicacies from all over Thailand, allowing travelers concerned about hygiene to safely enjoy street food. Popular chain restaurants like MK Restaurant (Thai Suki) and fast-food outlets like KFC are also plentiful, making it a valuable place to ‘take a breather’ during a long journey. The spacious, easy-to-navigate interior and clean, modern restrooms are also noteworthy advantages.
Ayutthaya Elephant Camp
📍 Address: 9H25+VCC, Pratu Chai Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000 Thailand
As a highlight of Ayutthaya sightseeing, ‘Ayutthaya Elephant Camp’ attracts travelers from all over the world. Here, a unique Thai experience awaits: a stroll on an elephant’s back, swaying past ordinary roads with cars and motorbikes, and against the backdrop of magnificent World Heritage ruins. The view of Ayutthaya from high up on a swaying elephant’s back is exceptional, and the mahout (elephant handler) may even stop at good locations for photos.
From a souvenir hunting perspective, shops around the facility sell numerous commemorative goods, such as elephant-themed T-shirts and wooden keychains. Furthermore, even if you don’t ride an elephant, for around 50 baht, you can take photos with friendly baby elephants with their endearing eyes or feed them bananas, making it well worth a visit for animal lovers.
However, there’s a ‘realistic point of caution’ to be aware of beforehand. Cases of mahouts strongly demanding high-value tips from foreign tourists during the ride are frequently reported. It’s not uncommon to feel pressured as they show you banknotes and repeatedly ask for ‘tip, tip’ until you pay. It’s recommended to prepare small denominations for tips in advance or mentally prepare to accept this as part of the local custom. If you approach the experience with understanding, it can be a wonderful activity that creates lifelong memories.
Prang View
📍 Address: 22, 13 Thanon Naresuan, Tambon Pratuchai, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000 Thailand
For a break during souvenir hunting or as the perfect end to your Ayutthaya sightseeing, the stylish cafe ‘Prang View’ is passionately supported by travelers. As its name suggests, directly across an intersection, the magnificent ‘Prang’ (pagoda) of Wat Ratchaburana stands tall. From the cool, air-conditioned, white, and modern interior, you can enjoy the luxurious experience of using ancient ruins as a borrowed landscape.
This cafe is not only known for its superb location but also for the high quality of its menu items. The most popular item among travelers is the ‘Thai tea bingsu’ (fluffy shaved ice). This is a new sensation Thai sweet where rich Thai tea flavor is enjoyed with a salted egg sauce. In addition, a range of beautiful drinks to quench your thirst, such as passion fruit soda that soothes a body tired from walking around hot Ayutthaya, and sweet, cold watermelon juice, are available.
Another charm is the highly hospitable and kind staff, with heartwarming reviews mentioning them arranging motorcycles for travelers struggling with ride-hailing apps, or offering to take commemorative photos against the sunset. Particularly from dusk to nightfall, when the ruins are lit up, the shadows emerge, creating a completely different, magical atmosphere compared to daytime. As there’s no parking, please use a tuk-tuk or similar when visiting, and be mindful of the road conditions in front of the shop.
Summary: Making Your Ayutthaya Sightseeing and Souvenir Hunt a Great Success
The key to a successful sightseeing and souvenir hunt in Ayutthaya is to choose your spots according to your objectives.
If you wish to experience handmade crafts and local vibrancy, aim for a weekend visit to ‘Gong Khong Market’ or ‘Ayothaya Floating Market’. There, you can feel Thailand’s unique energy and the warmth of its people while acquiring one-of-a-kind nameplates and traditional goods.
On the other hand, if you’re tired from the heat or want to buy beautifully packaged souvenirs that appeal to everyone in bulk, the air-conditioned ‘Central Ayutthaya’ will be your strongest ally.
After enjoying a distinctly Thai activity by interacting with elephants, unwind at the scenic cafe ‘Prang View’, overlooking the ruins, while savoring a cold Thai tea bingsu and sharing your travel memories… By planning such a well-balanced itinerary, you’ll be able to enjoy both the ‘historical depth’ and ‘modern vitality’ of Ayutthaya to 120%. We hope you’ll use this information to discover Ayutthaya’s unique charms for yourself!
