Riverside

Ayutthaya's riverside district lines the eastern bank of the Pa Sak River and the southern shore of the island, offering a more relaxed counterpoint to the dusty ruins a few kilometres west. Guesthouses, boutique hotels, and open-air restaurants cluster along the waterfront, many with views of the river and the silhouetted temple towers beyond. The area is the natural base for visitors wanting to explore the ruins over two days — close enough to cycle in but removed from the main tourist circuit. Evening boat cruises departing from riverside piers give a memorable perspective on the illuminated temples after dark, and the night market along the river serves excellent local seafood and grilled meats.