Japanese Village
Serene park on the site of a former Japanese settlement, with a cultural museum & a cafe.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Japanese Village, round out your day in Ayutthaya with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Must do for culturally interested visitors! Japan was one of the strongest trade partners 1600 and the small museum explained this really well. Quiet garden with a nice coffee house next to the river. Bring a second T-shirt, AC is really cold there. Disclaimer: we like Japan a lot :)
They have theater rooms that explain the hustory of how Japanese came to build a village here in Ayutthaya along with Portugal. They also have workshops to make lucky charms, origami and lanterns from paper during valentines until march.
We love Japan and was curious about this village to see what it is about. It is actually more of a museum but also has some outdoor space to have a small walk. You will feel a bit like you are in Japan. Japan has a rich history with trading in the past with Ayutthaya, and many Japanese were living in Ayutthaya back then. To be honest, it is nice if you have a lot of time in Ayutthaya. But if you don't have much time, this is definitely something that should be on your top things to do in Ayutthaya.
Location Info
Ko Rian, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand+66 35 259 867japanesevillage.org/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.
Also Popular in Ayutthaya
Wat Yai Chai Mongkol Worawihan
Restored Buddhist temple with stupas, plus a huge reclining Buddha & smaller seated ones in a row.
Wat Mahathat
Buddhist temple with ruins, colorful shrines & a famed Buddha head surrounded by tree roots.
Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan
Built by the river in 1324, this ornate temple complex features an enormous, gilded sitting Buddha.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Striking restored ruins of a 17th-century royal Buddhist temple in a picturesque, riverside setting.
Similar Markets & Shopping Across Thailand
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centralwOrld
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Asiatique The Riverfront
Illuminated at night, this sizable Ferris wheel in an open-air mall offers scenic river views.
Siam Paragon
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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). 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