Ayuthaya Prawn Market

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 characterises community eating spots throughout Thailand. Good to know: The market opens at 7:00 AM daily, with slightly extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 9:00 PM. Weekend mornings are popular, and parking is limited, so arriving early is advisable. Bring cash, as small vendors are unlikely to accept cards. Those hoping to try the prawn roe — noted by regulars as a particular highlight — should aim to visit when supply is at its freshest, ideally earlier in the day.