Ayutthaya, the former royal capital of Thailand, fascinates visitors with its majestic ruins, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But beyond the temples and Buddha statues, this ancient city hides a quieter yet equally valuable treasure: its craft villages of Ayutthaya and its ethnic communities. During my stay in January, I had the opportunity to dive into this authentic side of Ayutthaya, often unknown to hurried tourists. These ethnic villages of Ayutthaya and nearby areas offer a unique immersion into local traditions, far from the hustle and bustle of typical tourist spots.
Hello, my name is Ellen and I'm from Canada. I was lucky enough to visit Ayutthaya during my 14-day trip to Thailand three months ago, and this journey gave me unforgettable experiences. This article is both a personal story and a practical guide for travelers looking for answers to the question of what to do in Ayutthaya. If, like me, you enjoy going off the beaten path and discovering what Ayutthaya has to offer beyond its iconic ruins, these traditional villages reveal a city that is warm, human, and deeply endearing-perfect for those searching for truly meaningful things to do in Ayutthaya.
I'm always interested in the cultural aspects of a country when I travel. That’s why, during my stay in Ayutthaya, I chose to step off the beaten path to explore the craft villages of Ayutthaya and the ethnic villages of Ayutthaya and nearby areas. For me, beyond temples and historic ruins, these villages offer a way to connect with the living soul of Thailand in an authentic way.
What to do in Ayutthaya? These villages give you the opportunity to discover traditional crafts that are still very much alive, silk weaving, wood carving, pottery… invaluable skills passed down from generation to generation. They are also places where you can meet local communities who are proud of their heritage, warm, hearted, and eager to share their daily lives. These moments of exchange make the journey more human and enriching.
I also appreciate being able to bring back a handmade souvenir that carries meaning and a real story from the craft villages of Ayutthaya. A locally crafted item always holds more value to me than a simple tourist product. Visiting these villages also allows you to travel differently - in a slow travel style, taking the time to observe, understand, and experience a true cultural immersion, far from mass tourism. Thus, these craft and ethnic villages are the perfect alternative for those wondering what to do in Ayutthaya, and who wish to discover Ayutthaya in a more authentic way, away from the usual crowds, ideal for travelers seeking meaningful and unique things to do in Ayutthaya.
On my first visit to Wat Thong Bo, also known as the “Monastery of the Golden Pond”—I was deeply captivated by the peaceful atmosphere and the rich historical background of the site. Located in Khanon Luang, Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, this temple is well worth a stop. Let's continue this cultural immersion with a visit to the Mon community - where history meets spirituality. Nestled along the Chao Phraya River, in the quiet ethnic village of Ayutthaya and nearby areas of Sao Kradong, Wat Thong Bo is both a sacred pilgrimage site and a living museum of ancient Mon culture.
The temple’s Mon Museum is a must-see for any traveler curious to discover what to do in Ayutthaya from a different perspective. Inside, you’ll find a rare jade Buddha statue over 2,000 years old, ancient scriptures etched onto Laan and Khoi palm leaves and even ivory, as well as a sermon hall adorned with intricately detailed Mon-style artwork.
Formerly known as Kuan Prasart in the Mon language, the ethnic village of Ayutthaya and nearby areas of Sao Kradong is famous for a legend about the mast of a sunken merchant ship, said to have washed ashore in front of the village. Today, that mast is preserved at Wat Thong Bo and has become a symbol of the village, whose modern name means “the ship’s prow.” This relic fascinates visitors with a passion for history and local culture, and its story moved me deeply—as if echoes from the past still linger in the air.
What struck me the most was how the Mon community so passionately preserves its cultural and religious traditions. Faithful to Buddhist teachings, the people of Sao Kradong observe sacred days and actively participate in major festivals such as Songkran and Buddhist Lent. In this setting full of authenticity, I had the rare privilege of listening to monks recite sutras in the Mon language, a truly unforgettable spiritual moment.
If you love exploring craft villages of Ayutthaya and historic ethnic villages of Ayutthaya and nearby areas, the Mon Museum at Wat Thong Bo is an essential stop to include in your Ayutthaya itinerary. After discovering this fascinating community, don’t miss the chance to visit another nearby Mon village for an even deeper, more authentic experience.
During my journey in Ayutthaya, I had the chance to discover Ban Sai Noi, an ethnic village of Ayutthaya and nearby areas that left a deep impression on me. Located at 46, Village No. 6, Sai Noi Subdistrict, Bang Ban District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, and less than two hours from Bangkok, this Mon village offered me a truly authentic dive into their daily life and traditions.
From the very first steps, walking through peaceful alleys filled with ancestral stories, I felt as if I had traveled back in time to the golden age of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Every encounter and every place told a story - including that of Nai Khanom Tom, a legendary figure in Thai boxing.
Among the many cultural activities offered in this ethnic village of Ayutthaya and nearby areas, a few experiences stood out to me in particular. One that touched me deeply was a workshop on traditional Thai desserts - the nine royal auspicious desserts from the Ayutthaya period. As someone passionate about traditional cuisine, I loved immersing myself in this symbolic and refined culinary art.
Another highlight was learning how to make a medicinal oil using zingiber cassumunar. Applying it the local way - massaging the feet with coconut shells, I could feel the wisdom passed down through generations. This simple gesture connected me to the heart of Thai folk culture.
I also got to observe artisans making bricks using an ancient Mon technique, try authentic Thai martial arts, and even join in agricultural work like corn planting.
And of course, I couldn’t leave without tasting the incredible food! I enjoyed several traditional dishes with centuries of history: Kaeng Som with morning glory, stir-fried noodles with fermented fish, Tom Yum with wild herbs and fish, chicken curry with bamboo shoots… and I ended this feast with the nine auspicious Thai desserts, honoring a culinary tradition deeply rooted in the culture.
What to do in Ayutthaya? A visit to Ban Sai Noi, one of the ethnic villages of Ayutthaya and nearby areas, gave me a unique immersion into living traditions, local craftsmanship, and preserved heritage. To extend the experience, don’t miss the craft villages of Ayutthaya, especially Ban Chao Khun Phaen, a true reflection of Thai craftsmanship.
Ayutthaya isn’t only about majestic temples or fascinating ethnic communities—it’s also a cradle of craftsmanship where the Thai spirit comes to life through every gesture, color, and creation. What to do in Ayutthaya? During my stay, I had the chance to discover the craft village of Ban Chao Khun Phaen, a true living treasure of traditional Thai crafts.
This craft village of Ayutthaya is especially renowned for its Khon mask-making, used in classical Thai theater. I had the opportunity to observe every step of the creation process: from clay molding to layering papier-mâché, and then to the delicate decorations and hand-painted details. Each mask is a unique masterpiece that reflects the elegance of Thai traditional art and the ancestral know-how of the local artisans.
What touched me most during my visit to the craft villages of Ayutthaya was the chance to interact directly with these artists. I spoke with a passionate artisan who shared that he had learned the craft from his father. He kindly explained the symbolism behind the colors, the shapes, and the importance of each intricate detail. Guided by a skilled female artisan, I even tried painting a small souvenir mask - a simple, sincere, and truly unforgettable moment.
At Ban Chao Khun Phaen, you don’t just observe—you live the craft. For travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences, this visit offers a timeless pause, a rare immersion into a living heritage.
Ayutthaya, beyond its iconic temples, offers an authentic cultural journey through its craft villages of Ayutthaya and its ethnic villages of Ayutthaya and nearby areas. What to do in Ayutthaya ? By visiting places like Ban Sao Kradong, Ban Sai Noi, and Ban Chao Khun Phaen, I discovered living traditions and passionate artisans carrying on ancient skills. These villages let you experience Ayutthaya from a different perspective - away from mass tourism - while bringing home meaningful souvenirs rich in history and culture. For a unique and enriching experience, these villages are must-see stops on your trip, especially if you’re wondering about things to do in Ayutthaya. Contact AUTOUR ASIA, Thailand travel company, to plan your tailor-made journey and discover the hidden gems of Ayutthaya.
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