Restaurants, bars and nightlife in Ayuthaya
Ayuthaya is not especially known for its gourmet dining for tourists as it largely caters for backpackers and the tour bus crowd moving through. However, there is some quality, inexpensive eats to be had in a small area.
Most of Ayuthaya’s restaurants are well within reach of the accommodation areas, particularly along the main thoroughfare, Naresuan road. Here you will find everything from traditional Thai to barbeque, vegetarian, fast food and market stall fare. The best thing is the majority of the town’s hotels and guesthouses are within only a few minutes walk of most eateries. If you insist on a western menu, stick to the hotel restaurants.
The following is a selection of restaurants we suggest, although plenty more are available if you wander around.
Budget rating
approximately
$ dishes b30 – b70; quart of beer b70; whiskey shot 80 baht; cocktails b100
$$ dishes b70 – b120; quart of beer b100; whiskey shot 100 baht; cocktails b120
$$$ dishes b100 – 250; quart of beer b120; whiskey shot 130 baht; cocktails b150
Recommended Ayuthaya restaurants
Ayuthaya restaurants are spread throughout the newer part of the city, although you won’t have to go far to find one. Most tourists eat at the various soi (lane) Torgorsor restaurants and along Naresuan road.
Boat Noodle: offers a simple dish of noodles and soup with meat and vegetables, which is served in a small bowl. The original Boat Noodle was actually cooked on a boat. At about 10 baht per bowl, Boat Noodle is the cheapest eat in Ayuthaya. Located in front of the telephone authority (TOT) building; $.
Siam Restaurant: although the Thai and Vietnamese food is not spectacular here, the location is arguably the best in the city, with views of Wat Mahathat. Air conditioning and squeaky clean toilets add to the flavour. Chee Kun road; $$.
Tony’s Place: has perhaps the best value menu in Ayuthaya and is also a very popular backpacker hangout for everyone. The smart restaurant serves well–priced Thai and western fare and also has a bar on the premises. Soi Torgorsor; $.
Vegetarian Restaurant: is popular with backpackers, and is where more than half a dozen different meals are available. Head for Khlong Makham Rieng road, which is just to the south of Naresuan road. Open from 14:00; $.
Ayothaya Hotel: offers excellent value Thai and western food in a quality venue. The lunch buffet from 11:00 to 14:00 is particularly recommended. Located near Amiporn store on Naresuan road (035 232855); $$.
Rim Nan Tela Pan: is a very popular Thai/seafood restaurant with the locals and has a fine location with outdoor seating overlooking the river. On U Thong road, near the police station; $$.
Mookata: all–you–can–eat, cook–it–yourself Thai barbeque for 69 baht, open in the evenings. Naresuan road; $.
Fast food: those hankering for burgers, fries and other niceties will be pleased to know that McDonald’s, KFC, Dunkin Donuts, Dairy Queen and Swensen’s have also turned up in Ayuthaya along Naresuan road near the Amiporn department store; $$.
Night stalls: you’ll find these congregated along Naresuan road in the evening, the pick of the bunch being around the Bangkok Bank branch. Several inexpensive dishes can be had; $.
Night Market: offers delicious Thai dishes and desserts, and some stalls have English signs. The market is located along the river in the northeast of town near the pier; $.
Bars and nightlife in Ayuthaya
People don’t come to Ayuthaya specifically to drink; it is predominantly a sightseer’s town as opposed to an entertainment den. That’s not to say that you won’t be able to find a place to enjoy a few cool beers, as there are several decent watering holes to look out for.
The best of these are undoubtedly located along soi Torgorsor, where the bulk of the guesthouses can be found, as well as in the guesthouses themselves. Tony’s Place is perhaps the most convivial place to have a drink and there are several other bars within earshot of here that have big screens for sports fans, outside seating and live bands. Some of the hotels that enjoy riverfront locations will have pretty terraces to relax on and watch the traditional life go by in an Ayuthaya reminiscent of far quieter times.
