Ayuthaya Prawn Market
A riverside seafood market in Ayutthaya where giant live river prawns are the star attraction.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Mon–Thu 07:00–20:00, Fri–Sat 07:00–21:00, Sun 07:00–20:00
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.
Details
Full opening hours
Book ahead in Ayutthaya
Bookable experiences in Ayutthaya that pair with a visit here.
Why go, and how to do it well
Tucked into the Hantra Sub-district of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, this bustling riverside market is the go-to destination for fresh giant river prawns — a dish closely associated with Ayutthaya and beloved by locals and returning visitors alike. Around two dozen small open-air restaurants line the area, each serving largely similar menus built around live prawns sold by size, with pricing remaining fairly consistent across vendors. Seafood is cooked to order, and diners can typically specify their preferred cooking style.
The atmosphere is decisively local, with Thai families and regulars making up the bulk of the crowd. The experience sits somewhere between a wet market and an informal food court — visitors select their seafood, then eat on-site at one of the surrounding restaurants. Beyond prawns, fresh fish and other seafood are available, alongside the kind of relaxed, unhurried dining environment that characterizes community eating spots throughout Thailand.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Aug 2026
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Book ahead in Ayutthaya
Bookable experiences in Ayutthaya that pair with a visit here.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Ayuthaya Prawn Market, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Ayuthaya Prawn Market, round out your day in Ayutthaya with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Area has about 2 dozen small restaurants serving basically the same items, with focus on large live river pawns. Price of prawns are based on size and fairly consistent between various restaurants. I've eaten here many times and, while the experiences overall are memorable, I've yet to find a restaurant that stands out. There are other shops here too, selling various deserts and even knives/swords. Located just north of Bangkok next to the highway to Ayuttaya, I highly recommend it for something different.
we had our seafood lunch packed with locals.
My must visit place for live shrimps when I visit Thailand. The shrimp roe is so creamy... Delicious.. Go early on weekends due to limited car parking lots
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 692 reviews on Google.
9JC6+5FR, Hantra Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
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Tips for Visiting Markets & Shopping
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.
Claim Your VAT Refund
Spend 2,000+ THB at a single store displaying 'VAT Refund for Tourists' signs, get a yellow form at the register, and claim 7% VAT back at the airport. It adds up fast on bigger purchases.
Ayuthaya Prawn Market: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ayuthaya Prawn Market worth visiting?
Ayuthaya Prawn Market holds a 4.6★ rating from 692 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated markets & shopping in Ayutthaya.
What are the opening hours of Ayuthaya Prawn Market?
Ayuthaya Prawn Market is typically open 07:00–20:00 — 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 Ayuthaya Prawn 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 Ayuthaya Prawn Market located?
Ayuthaya Prawn Market is at 9JC6+5FR, Hantra Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand, in Ayutthaya. Getting around Ayutthaya: Bicycle rental (best way to see ruins); Tuk-tuks (negotiate half-day rate).
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