🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Grilled river prawns have been tied to Ayutthaya for a long time, because the city sits where three rivers meet — the Chao Phraya, the Pa Sak and the Lopburi. So most of these places are riverside spots or floating rafts on the water, and some have been around for more than 30 years. The draw is the big prawns grilled over charcoal until the head fat oozes out, then spooned over with a seafood dip that each restaurant makes to its own recipe.
Before you go, we'll be straight with you: river prawns are pricey. Most places charge by weight, and right now large prawns run about ฿1,000–1,100 per kilo, with smaller sizes around ฿700 per kilo. On average, a meal that includes grilled prawns tends to land at ฿250–500 a head or more. We'd suggest asking the weight and the per-kilo price before you order, so the bill doesn't catch you off guard.
Riverside grilled river prawn restaurants in Ayutthaya
Grand Chao Phraya
A riverside restaurant that's made the Michelin Guide several years running. The dish everyone orders is the big grilled prawn with the juicy head fat. They pound their own curry pastes, and there are air-conditioned, riverside and garden zones, with temple views and live music. A good pick for a special meal or for taking the family elders out.
Ruean Thai Kung Phao (Wat Choeng Len)
An old riverside spot on the Chao Phraya around Bang Sai, open for more than 30 years and a Michelin Bib Gourmand pick. The standout is big, fresh-grilled river prawns where you choose the size, and there's fish-feeding out front too. It's the kind of place whole families drive out to.
Krua Pom Phet
A riverside spot right where the three rivers meet, with a wide-open view of the waters joining together. The charcoal-grilled prawns smell great, and it's an easy, breezy place to sit. Open from late morning to evening, so it works for both lunch and dinner.
Baan Watcharachai
A Thai restaurant in a teak house on the Chao Phraya, with a teak-house zone, a riverside terrace and an old rice barge to sit on. The big grilled river prawns come with the house dip, and the leafy setting is good for photos.
Krua Ya Bua
A spot on the Pa Sak with a leafy garden and a flower-lined walkway, nice for sitting out in the late afternoon for the sunset. The grilled river prawns come with a house dip the restaurant is proud of and says you won't find elsewhere. A good place to settle in and take your time.
Baan Mai Rim Nam
A Thai-modern spot on the Chao Phraya on U Thong Road, with air-conditioned and riverside zones plus a floating raft. The draw is grilled river prawns with that charcoal smokiness and fresh river fish, everything cooked to order. Mid-range and easy on the wallet.
Khum Krung Si
A spot decorated in antique style with old wooden furniture and seating on a floating boat. The big grilled river prawns are firm and sweet, and the retro feel suits the old city. Good for anyone who likes a vintage photo corner.
Ton Nam Riverview
A Chao Phraya spot around Bang Pa-In, near Bang Pa-In Palace, with seating on a boat and a wide river view. Jumbo grilled river prawns come with seafood dip — an easy stop after touring Bang Pa-In.
Chai Nam @ U Thong
A modern riverside spot with a wide terrace and a clear river view. Big grilled river prawns, an airy and relaxed feel, good for groups or families. Open late, until 10pm.
Raan Phae Krung Kao
A floating-raft spot on U Thong Road known for prawns grilled until they pick up that woodsmoke aroma, with raft seating that catches the breeze. Locals know it well, and it's easy to reach since it's in town.
Ruea Samran Sum Pa Sak
A Thai-style riverside spot around Nakhon Luang, with a river cruise boat that stops at temples too, like Wat Phanan Choeng. Grilled river prawns are the main event — good for big groups or banquets.
Ordering prawns smartly
Tell the staff roughly what weight you want and have them weigh it in front of you before grilling — it's easier to keep to a budget that way. If there are only a few of you, a medium size is plenty; you don't need to go for the biggest one.
Want to taste deeper? Try a Ayutthaya food tour or cooking class
Half a day with a local who knows the lanes — or cooking a dish yourself — teaches you more than just eating. Book ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide.
Make your grilled prawns even better
- Go on a weekday lunch — popular spots like Grand Chao Phraya and Ruean Thai Kung Phao get packed on weekends with long waits. A weekday visit is far easier.
- Ask the per-kilo price before ordering — prawns are charged by weight and the price shifts with the season, so get it clear up front and there'll be no surprises at the till.
- Order side dishes with your prawns — river prawn tom yum, fried river fish or a stir-fried vegetable will fill out the meal without blowing the whole budget on prawns alone.
- Leave time to linger — the charm of riverside spots is the setting, so come in the late afternoon for the breeze and a sunset over the water to get the full feel.
How to pick the right spot
Want a special meal with a great view
Grand Chao Phraya or Baan Watcharachai — lovely settings, good for taking the elders out or marking a special occasion.
Want an old-school, genuine place
Ruean Thai Kung Phao, a 30-year-old local institution with a Bib Gourmand and home-cooked local flavour.
Touring Bang Pa-In afterwards
Ton Nam Riverview is near Bang Pa-In Palace — swing by for jumbo prawns right after.
Plan a full eating-and-sightseeing trip in Ayutthaya
See the Ayutthaya travel guide →