Ruan Thai Kung Pao
Giant river prawns by the Chao Phraya, worth phoning ahead for, and it shuts at half five.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 10:00–17:30
- Price
- $$$$
- Mid-range
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.
Details
- Phone
- 089 887 0871
Full opening hours
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Why go, and how to do it well
Ring ahead and reserve the prawns. That's the single most useful thing I can tell you about this riverside place beside Wat Choeng Len, because the grilled giant river prawns are why people drive out from Bangkok, and at weekends they go. Reviewers quote 1,700 baht a kilo for the big ones, roughly four to a kilo, priced up if your pick comes in heavier. Firm sweet meat, creamy roe, a spicy seafood dip alongside. The garlic version is the other one people rave about.
Beyond the prawns, the fish head soup and papaya salad get named repeatedly, and more than one person has gone misty-eyed over the pomelo. The cooking runs mild and slightly sweet across the board, which suits families and anyone who doesn't want their face melted, though be warned that the sour curry and the deep-fried fish with fish sauce lean sweeter than a Thai palate might expect. Seating is open and airy with the river in front of you. It has held a Michelin Guide listing for several years. Staff help with parking.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026
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Experience hints
Reviews from Google
If you are looking for an authentic and high-quality seafood experience in Ayutthaya, Ruan Thai Kung Pao (Wat Cheng Len) is an absolute gem. It’s no surprise they have maintained their Michelin Guide status for several years running! The Food Highlights: Grilled Giant River Prawns: The star of the show. They are incredibly fresh, with firm, sweet meat and that iconic creamy roe that goes perfectly with their spicy seafood dipping sauce. Deep-Fried Prawns with Garlic: These were so yummy! The garlic oil is fragrant and savory, making every bite addictive. Stir-fried Fish with Herbs (Pad Cha): A great balance of spice and aromatics that cut through the richness of the prawns. Chu Chee Prawns: The curry sauce was rich, thick, and beautifully plated with lime leaves. The overall experience was very satisfying. Despite its prestigious reputation and Michelin plaques, the restaurant offers good value for the quality and size of the seafood you receive. The atmosphere is casual and classic Thai—sitting by the water gives it a relaxed, local feel.
WOW! This place is DELICIOUS. Their prawns are so fresh, their soup is so warm and flavorful, also the best pomelo you will ever have. Everything is SO fresh. The service is incredible, everyone is so nice, friendly, attentive, and the food is fast as well! It's also in a great area by the country side. Their prawns will have me dreaming tonight.
The food was delicious and full of flavor. The atmosphere was very comfortable, with a lovely riverside view of the Chao Phraya River. The seating area felt open and airy, making it a very relaxing place to dine. There were staff members assisting with parking, which was very convenient. We called ahead to reserve the prawns, and they were impressively large — size 4 pieces per kilogram (1,700 THB per kg). If the weight exceeds 1 kg, the price is adjusted accordingly. The food was served quickly, and we didn’t have to wait long at all.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 4,949 reviews on Google.
1 Soi Thetsaban 10, Tambon Ratchakham, Amphoe Bang Srai, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13290, Thailand
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Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food
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.
Use Grab for Delivery
The Grab app works for food delivery across Thailand, letting you order from street stalls and restaurants alike. It's invaluable on rainy days or when you want to eat in your hotel.
Ruan Thai Kung Pao: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ruan Thai Kung Pao worth visiting?
Ruan Thai Kung Pao holds a 4.5★ rating from 4,949 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Ayutthaya.
What are the opening hours of Ruan Thai Kung Pao?
Ruan Thai Kung Pao is typically open 10:00–17:30 — 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.
How expensive is Ruan Thai Kung Pao?
Ruan Thai Kung Pao is moderately priced (฿฿) relative to other restaurants & food in Ayutthaya.
When is the best time to visit Ruan Thai Kung Pao?
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 Ruan Thai Kung Pao located?
Ruan Thai Kung Pao is at 1 Soi Thetsaban 10, Tambon Ratchakham, Amphoe Bang Srai, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13290, Thailand, in Ayutthaya. Getting around Ayutthaya: Bicycle rental (best way to see ruins); Tuk-tuks (negotiate half-day rate).
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