Ayothaya Floating Market
Let's be clear about what this is: a floating market built for visitors, not a working canal trade that happened to grow a car park. Nobody's pretending otherwise, and once you accept that, it's a pleasant couple of hours. Stalls line the water selling Thai snacks, fresh fruit juices, smoothies, coffee and tea, and the food gets consistently decent write-ups at prices that aren't inflated for foreigners. The shopping is mostly souvenirs and crafts, and it does repeat itself after a while.
The boat ride gives you a quick overview of the layout, with temples in the background from the water. Cultural performances run to a schedule and cost extra. Plenty of people feel the paid add-ons don't justify their price, so I'd walk the waterside boardwalks first and decide afterwards. Families with young children get the most out of it. Worth noting there are no animal shows here, which sets it apart from some of what's touted outside the gates.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Ayothaya Floating Market, round out your day in Ayutthaya with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
This place had mixed reviews so we were a bit uncertain about visiting it. In addition, the floating market there is created for tourists not a real floating market. But we were pleasantly surprised by several aspects. First the boat ride that came with the entry ticket (80) gave a good overview to the whole place. Next, the food selection was good and of very decent quality. It was either priced competitively or just a tad above non tourist places. Third, the shops selling clothes and other items were priced competitively, definitely no tourist pricing. In addition, the selection was good and many of them spoke English. Fourth, there was a free show (in Thai, which we didn't understand), presumably about the thai people's historical fight against foreign domination. It has worth the entrance fee. We didn't participate in the elephant section because we noticed the elephants were chained at their ankles and they didn't appear to be well treated. This impression may be wrong as I don't know much about elephants. But I was not comfortable with what I saw.
Thai tourist trap. Is ok, but cheaper than a Farang tourist trap. 30 baht fee for Thai (optional if they want to ride the "longtail boat") 200 required for Farlang. I despise the Honda trash pump powered boats that were converted from the traditional long tail boat. Impossible to destroy the illusion of a long tail boat ride in a floating market more. Tourist pricing based on race has always irritated me. Filled with the typical tourist tat. I did enjoy the Thai play. For excitement a rogue un-escorted elephant came trotting down the street as we left. Grin.. gotta love Thailand.
If you have kids: I think it’s fun! But the boat tour and the performance is in my opinion not worth its value and the market itself is too much the same. Positive: no animal cruelty. I rather give my money to this organisation than the people selling “food for animals” and elephant rides outside of the market.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 19,204 reviews on Google.
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Come late afternoon and stay for the lighting: the ruins change character completely after dark.
Ayothaya Floating Market: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ayothaya Floating Market worth visiting?
Ayothaya Floating Market holds a 3.9★ rating from 19,204 Google reviews. Reviews are mixed, so check recent visitor feedback above to see if it fits your plans.
What are the opening hours of Ayothaya Floating Market?
Ayothaya Floating Market is typically open 09:00-18:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Ayothaya Floating Market?
The best months to visit Ayutthaya are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in November – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: August – October (flooding risk).
Where is Ayothaya Floating Market located?
Ayothaya Floating Market is at 65/19 Tambon Phai Ling, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand, in Ayutthaya. Getting around Ayutthaya: Bicycle rental (best way to see ruins); Tuk-tuks (negotiate half-day rate).
Location Info
65/19 Tambon Phai Ling, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand+66 35 881 733www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081938394483&mibextid=ZbWKwLVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: August – October (flooding risk)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
22°C – 38°C(72°F – 100°F)
Crowds
Peak: November – February
Getting there
Train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong (~1.5 hrs, very cheap). Minivan from Bangkok's Mo Chit (~1.5 hrs). A day trip by car from Bangkok is easy.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (best way to see ruins)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate half-day rate)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Boat tours on the river
Where to stay near Ayothaya Floating Market
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Tips for Visiting Markets & Shopping
Haggle at Markets, Not Malls
Prices at market stalls are negotiable — start at 50–60% of the asking price and meet in the middle. Fixed-price shops and malls don't haggle. Smile and keep it friendly; aggressive bargaining is considered rude.
Arrive Early or Late
Vendors believe the first sale of the day is lucky — you'll often get a better deal if you arrive right when the market opens. Late in the evening, sellers may also discount to avoid packing unsold goods.
Be Cautious with Tailors
Bangkok has excellent tailors, but also many tourist traps. Avoid anyone offering suspiciously cheap suits or who approaches you on the street. Ask your hotel for recommendations, read reviews, and always get two fittings.
Nearby Places
Chao Phrom Market
Come before 08:00, when the produce is freshest and the whole place is properly awake.
Amporn Department Store
A retro provincial department store in central Ayutthaya offering groceries, clothing, and everyday essentials.
Balloon Ayutthaya Night Plaza
A weekend night market in Ayutthaya's Uthai District offering street food, local goods, and a casual evening atmosphere.
Klong Thom Market Night Plaza Grande.
A vast weekend market in Ayutthaya's Uthai District, spanning local food, clothing, and second-hand goods at genuine local prices.
Similar Markets & Shopping Across Thailand
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Go at six in the morning, before the heat turns 15,000 stalls into an endurance test.
centralwOrld
Vast, air-conditioned and genuinely easy to navigate, with a top-floor food scene worth the trip alone.
Asiatique The Riverfront
Go at dusk, arrive by the free shuttle boat, and treat it as an evening out rather than a shopping trip.
MBK CENTER
Eight floors of small stalls and haggling, closer to an indoor market than a mall, and all the better for it.
Where to stay near Ayothaya Floating Market
Find hotels in Ayutthaya on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: August – October (flooding risk)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
22°C – 38°C(72°F – 100°F)
Crowds
Peak: November – February
Getting there
Train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong (~1.5 hrs, very cheap). Minivan from Bangkok's Mo Chit (~1.5 hrs). A day trip by car from Bangkok is easy.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (best way to see ruins)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate half-day rate)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Boat tours on the river