Built on an island at the confluence of three rivers, Ayutthaya naturally lends itself to boat tours and river trips. Less obvious is the province's long tradition of arts and crafts, which dates back to the times when Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam and one of Southeast Asia's most powerful empires, over two centuries ago. Knives, basketry, carved wood and palm-leaf products are among the arts and crafts native to the province and very popular among both local and visiting bargain hunters.

Set on an area of 285 rai (14 acres), this Royally supported art and craft center is located at Chang Yai, Bang Sai District, 24 km from Bang Pa-in. The center offers a glimpse of how farmers in the four regions of Thailand live and work, and how Thai folk arts and crafts are produced. It also offers training to farmers and villagers in folk arts and crafts as a means to keep traditional art forms alive.

Products and activities on view include fern vien basketry, woven basketry, artificial flowers, hand-woven silk and cotton, silk dyeing, wood carving, miniature hand-modeled dolls, furniture production and cloth-made products. The products are sold at the center and all branches of Chitrlada Stores.

Recently the Bangsai Arts and Crafts Village at the Bangsai Arts and Crafts Centre, Ayutthaya was introduced as a new tourist attraction. The Bangsai Arts and Crafts Village is a village of the four regions, with examples of traditional Thai houses, living styles in the olden days, folk arts and crafts, landscaping and gardening of the four regions of Thailand. The village built and donated to the centre by TAT to be a permanent showcase of Thai culture of the four-regions in only one place.

The Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center is under the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques (SUPPORT), an organization under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. An annual fair at the end of January highlights the center's craft products. A variety of performances enliven the fair.

To get there, take a bus from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Tel +66 2 272-0299) or take a boat up the Chao Phraya River. The center is open 8.30 am to 4.00 pm daily except Monday. The admission fee is 20 baht for children (both Thai and foreigners), 50 baht for Thai adults and 100 baht for foreigners. Unfortunately, the center has a dual pricing system, charging foreign visitors double the entry fee for locals. For more information, call +66 35 366-092 or +66 2 225-8165.