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Pae Krung Kao Restaurant
Restaurants & Food
Ayutthaya

Pae Krung Kao Restaurant

4.1(1,798 reviews)$$$$

Situated on Thanon Uthong in Ayutthaya's Ho Rattanachai district, Pae Krung Kao is a well-patronised riverside restaurant offering traditional Thai cuisine in one of Thailand's most historically significant cities. Its location along the main road that traces the old city's perimeter makes it a convenient stop for visitors spending the day exploring the nearby temples and ruins of the ancient capital. The menu focuses on central Thai cooking, the style historically rooted in this region, with dishes prepared in a straightforward, unfussy manner that appeals to both local diners and travellers. The mid-range pricing reflects reasonable value for the area, and the steady local following is a reliable indicator of consistent quality. The riverside setting adds a pleasant backdrop that complements a relaxed meal after a day of sightseeing. A practical note for visitors: the restaurant has no listed website or published opening hours, so it is worth arriving during standard Thai meal times — roughly 11am to 2pm for lunch and 5pm to 8pm for dinner — to avoid finding the kitchen closed. As with many locally-run establishments in Ayutthaya, calling ahead or asking at your accommodation for current trading hours is advisable, particularly outside peak tourist season when hours may be reduced.

Experience hints

Mid-range

Pair your visit. After Pae Krung Kao Restaurant, round out your day in Ayutthaya with contrasting stops nearby.

Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food

Learn the Spice Scale

Say 'mai pet' for no spice, 'pet nit noi' for a little spice, or 'pet mak' if you want it Thai-hot. Most cooks will default to a toned-down version for foreigners unless you specify otherwise.

Follow the Crowds

The busiest street stalls are almost always the best — high turnover means fresh ingredients and a recipe that locals vouch for. An empty restaurant at dinner time is a red flag.

Ice Is Safe

Factory-made tube or cylinder ice (used in virtually all restaurants and stalls) is made from purified water and is safe to consume. You don't need to skip the iced Thai tea.

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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

Moderate

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