Kong Khong Market (Ban Saengsom)

Rating: 3.7/5 (6 votes)

Open Days: Thursday–Sunday and public holidays

Opening Hours: 09.00 – 16.00

 

Kong Khong Market (Ban Saengsom) in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is a well-known retro-style attraction that clearly captures the atmosphere of a traditional Thai market. It is located in Moo 5 on the Bang Pa-In–Wat Phanan Choeng Road, Khanon Luang Subdistrict, Bang Pa-In District. The market sits next to Wat Ban Len and close to the “Ban Saengsom” area, a large cluster of traditional Thai wooden houses that preserves classic Thai architectural character. Visiting here is not only about shopping or looking for something to eat—it feels like stepping into a living scene of Thai life in the past. It suits both Thai visitors who want to enjoy a community atmosphere with family and international travelers who want to experience a local market in a carefully curated retro setting.

 

The charm of this market begins with its name, “Kong Khong Market,” which is not a newly invented phrase made to look vintage, but a word with linguistic meaning that reflects older trading customs in Thai society. The term “kong khong” was used to describe markets in the past because many vendors sat on the ground to sell their goods rather than setting up raised stalls like modern markets. Shoppers had to bend down—“kong khong”—to look closely at the items they were interested in. This image shows that a market was not only a place to exchange goods, but also a space for close human interaction: gestures, tone of voice, bargaining, and buying etiquette formed a distinct micro-culture that could be seen in traditional markets. When you walk through Kong Khong Market, you feel that the name is not just a sign; it describes the real experience. The overall atmosphere encourages you to slow down, look closely, taste little by little, and talk with vendors shop by shop.

 

Looking deeper into the local context, Kong Khong Market is connected to Ayutthaya’s trading history in a meaningful way. According to stories passed down over time, this area once served as a “dan khanon,” or a tax checkpoint in the past. Such checkpoints were typically established at strategic transportation and trade points, where goods from local communities and other towns passed in and out. When taxation and inspection were carried out under state systems, the surrounding area naturally became a meeting point where people traded and exchanged goods at the same time—whether vegetables from gardens, household items, dried foods, or products carried in by traveling merchants. The checkpoint function acted like a “bottleneck” that intensified commerce, and the market community grew from those activities. Visiting Kong Khong Market today feels like seeing how an old trading landscape has been reshaped into a cultural tourism space where people still genuinely live and work, rather than a staged set separated from the community.

 

What sets Kong Khong Market apart from typical markets is its clear intention to preserve a sense of Ayutthaya-era ambience. Even though it is not a historic monument with brick stupas or city walls like the province’s major heritage sites, this market uses “everyday life” as its storytelling medium. As you enter, you will see shops arranged in wood tones and natural materials that feel warm and inviting. Many vendors wear retro-style outfits, turning ordinary shopping into a naturally colorful activity. Whether you are buying garden produce, small household items, or tasting local foods, everything seems to slow down. It is ideal for a relaxed stroll and especially fitting for visitors who want to “rest their eyes” from the pace of modern city life.

 

The market offers a wide variety of products, but its heart lies in “food and community goods.” You can find pesticide-free vegetables and fruits brought directly from local gardens, displayed in a traditional market atmosphere. There are also everyday consumer goods with a distinctly local feel. Naturally, the area where most people linger is the diverse selection of savory and sweet foods. Many items are made fresh in front of you, turning the market walk into more than just buying something to take home—it becomes a “taste-while-you-walk” experience, like markets in earlier times when eating was part of social life. Many food stalls serve homestyle dishes and traditional sweets that remind Thai visitors of childhood memories, while international travelers can learn that Thai food diversity is not only found in famous city restaurants, but also across communities and markets that still preserve older ways of selling and sharing.

 

Another aspect that gives Kong Khong Market a stronger cultural dimension is the ceremonial activity connected to the space. In the morning before the market opens, vendors often perform a traditional circle dance as an offering to “Por Pu Som,” a revered sacred presence associated with the market area. This reflects Thai beliefs that link livelihood and commerce with respect for protective spirits and sacred guardians of place. The ritual is a way to ask for smooth business, steady customer support, and overall well-being for the market community. Witnessing this makes the visit more than photos and purchases; it reveals the continuing “relationship between people and place.” If you want to experience this part, it is best to arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere before the market becomes lively. If you take photos or watch, do so respectfully, honor the space, and avoid stepping into the ritual circle.

 

The overall atmosphere is well-suited for families. It is easy to walk around and does not require as much effort as visiting large historical sites, and you can choose activities at your own pace. Photography lovers will find plenty of spots: signage, traditional house backdrops, and scenes of vendors in retro outfits that give photos a sense of story. Visitors with children can enjoy selecting snacks, browsing simple local items, or watching basic cooking processes. Many older visitors also like this style of market because it feels friendly and familiar, resembling the markets they remember from earlier times. It can also evoke memories through food aromas and down-to-earth selling styles that are increasingly rare today.

 

For international travelers, Kong Khong Market is a cultural learning spot that does not require long explanations. Simply walking through it shows clear differences between a modern market and a community-centered one—from product displays and greetings to the way food is enjoyed. You can sample small portions and chat with vendors, who often explain what a sweet is or how to eat it in a friendly way. This makes the market a great fit for a half-day trip or a one-day itinerary for visitors who want both “a Thai feeling” and “an easy, comfortable pace,” without rushing through multiple check-in points.

 

Getting There If you drive, Kong Khong Market is on the Bang Pa-In–Wat Phanan Choeng Road in Bang Pa-In District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The market is near Wat Ban Len (Wat Mai Prachumphon), a helpful landmark for navigation. From Bangkok, a common route is to take the Asia Highway (Highway 32) and connect into the Bang Pa-In area, then follow signs toward Wat Phanan Choeng. Traffic can be heavier on weekend mornings, so it is wise to allow extra time—especially if you plan to arrive early to catch the morning ritual before the market fully opens. If you prefer not to drive, you can travel first to Bang Pa-In or the Ayutthaya area, then use local taxis or hired transport to reach the market. This option can reduce route concerns and makes it easier to continue your trip to Bang Pa-In Palace or other important temples nearby.

 

The best time to visit depends on “your goal.” If you want an authentic community atmosphere, come in the morning when the weather is cooler, walking is more comfortable, and you may have the chance to see pre-opening ceremonial activity. If your goal is to eat and shop, late morning to midday works well because stalls are typically ready, products are more plentiful, and the atmosphere becomes lively at just the right level. If you want photos without the market feeling overly crowded, early afternoon can be a good choice—people begin to spread out, yet many shops are still open. Planning this way helps you get the experience that matches what you actually want, without trying to do everything at once.

 

It is also easy to make a “worthwhile” trip from Kong Khong Market because it is in a zone that connects conveniently to Ayutthaya’s key attractions, especially in Bang Pa-In. Nearby highlights include Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, and the Arts of the Kingdom Museum, all of which offer beauty, architecture, and historical insight. For a half-day plan, a practical route is to start at the market in the morning for food and ambience, then head to Bang Pa-In Palace to explore the gardens and landmark buildings. After that, you can end at Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, known for its distinctive architecture unlike typical Thai temples. If you prefer a more contemporary museum experience with refined craftsmanship, the Arts of the Kingdom Museum is another strong option. With this kind of itinerary, a day in Bang Pa-In becomes more than a “stopover”—it becomes a destination with its own clear identity.

 

A small tip that helps you enjoy Kong Khong Market more is to embrace the “slow walk” experience. This type of market is not designed for rushing in and out, but for strolling, tasting, and talking with people. If you want freshly made food or a dish that has just been finished, you may need to wait a little—but that waiting is part of the charm because you get to see how it is made and enjoy the aromas that define Thai markets. The retro outfits of vendors also bring the setting to life. If you wear a modest Thai-style outfit, it fits the theme naturally and can elevate your photos without trying too hard. Still, choose clothing that is comfortable for walking, as you may walk continuously and weave through other visitors in some sections.

 

In terms of tourism content, Kong Khong Market’s highlights can be summarized in four dimensions. First is its retro-market identity with complete elements—Thai ambience, vendor costumes, and friendly, traditional-style selling. Second is its community character: many products are connected to local gardens and daily life, not only items made purely for tourists. Third is the ceremonial dimension, such as the offering dance to Por Pu Som, which gives the market a grounded sense of sacredness and shows how Thai beliefs remain embedded in commercial spaces. Fourth is its convenient location in the Bang Pa-In zone, making it easy to extend your trip to Ayutthaya’s headline attractions. If your goal is to find “a different Ayutthaya experience” beyond brick ruins and ancient walls, Kong Khong Market is an excellent answer because it tells Ayutthaya through people’s lives and trade rather than through monuments alone.

 

Finally, if you ask why Kong Khong Market deserves a spot on an Ayutthaya itinerary, the answer is that it makes travel feel both “tangible” and “friendly.” You do not need deep historical knowledge to enjoy it, yet there is enough story and context for visitors who appreciate cultural meaning to feel it is worthwhile. Walking the market is like reading a chapter of Ayutthaya that blends commerce, community life, and belief in one place. When you leave, you often take home not only food and souvenirs, but also a memorable impression of simple, everyday Thai-ness.

 

 

A: It is generally open Thursday–Sunday and on public holidays from 09.00 – 16.00. It is recommended to check the latest announcement on the official page before traveling.

 

A: The term refers to an old-style market where vendors sat on the ground, so shoppers had to bend down—“kong khong”—to look closely at the items they wanted.

 

A: It is known for a wide variety of local savory foods and sweets, pesticide-free garden produce, community-style everyday goods, and a retro atmosphere enhanced by vendors’ traditional outfits.

 

A: It is usually performed in the morning before the market opens, as a blessing for smooth trade and well-being. If you want to watch, arrive earlier than the main market hours.

 

A: Yes. You can travel to the Bang Pa-In area or Ayutthaya first, then use local taxis or hired transport to reach the market. This also makes it easier to continue to Bang Pa-In Royal Palace or nearby temples.

 

A: 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. If you want to try many foods, take photos, and enjoy the atmosphere, plan for about 2–3 hours.

 

A: Yes. It is a relaxed walk with plenty of food and souvenirs and a friendly setting. Choose a cooler time of day and wear comfortable walking shoes.