Ayutthaya Local Product

Chao Phrom Market. Corner of Naresuan and Uthong Roads (on the east edge of the island). A bustling provincial market. There are particularly many protective Buddha amulet vendors here.

Palm Leaf Fish Mobile (ปลาตะเพียนสาน เครื่องแขวน)

Weavers of the palm leaf fish mobile, and other palm leaf products, in this province are Thai Muslims. The skills have been inherited for over 100 years. It is assumed that Thai Muslim spice traders who sailed their houseboats along the Chao Phraya River in the olden days were the first to have woven fish mobiles from palm leaf, out of inspiration from their affectionate bond with water and their surroundings, referring to a Thai barb with which they were familiar and using leaves from various species of palm grown locally. Originally, each woven fish mobile was not as colourful nor numerously composed as in the present, using only a mixture of natural pigment and varnish for the final touch. The fish mobile, mostly in red, is usually hung above a baby’s cradle so that Thai children are familiar with it since their babyhood.

There are some beliefs relating to the fish mobile. Thai people in ancient times regarded Thai barb as an auspicious fish that would help to attract wealth, so a palm leaf fish mobile would be hung in the corridor in front of the house. Some believed that by hanging the fish mobile that was numerously composed would help to enhance the growth as well as number of their children so that they would have plentiful supply of labour. It was also believed that, in hanging a fish mobile above the cradle, it should be hung at the right position easily visible for the baby, neither toward the head nor the feet or else the baby would be disturbed by the guardian spirit. In fact, that would cause defective eyes.

Bamboo Fan (พัดสานไม้ไผ่)

Bamboo fan weaving in Amphoe Ban Phraek, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, has been inherited from the olden days. Formerly, the fans were woven with a quite simple technique into a rough design. The border was usually trimmed and sewn by hand with plain white cloth. Later, its form changed to imitate that of a Bodhi leaf or a heart shape. The border is trimmed with gold cloth while the weaving techniques and designs have become more complicated. Required materials are easily available including strips of golden bamboo, a splitting knife to make bamboo strips, golden trimming cloth, white cloth, dyes for bamboo strips, a cutting block, bamboo handle, etc.

Palm Leaf Hat (งอบใบลาน)

A handicraft that has been inherited since ancient times. Weaving a palm leaf hat requires no less craftsmanship than any other kinds of basketwork. The weavers have to be skilled and patient as the crafts will have to undergo a number of weaving steps. The palm leaf hat is now an OTOP product of Tambon Bang Nang Ra, Amphoe Bang Pahan, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. It has gained popularity among Thais and foreigners and is available in various provinces around the country.

Roti Sai Mai (โรตีสายไหม)

A snack composing of candyfloss (Sai Mai) wrapped with flat bread (Roti), initiated by Thai Muslim vendors. It is available near the Ayutthaya provincial hospital on U Thong Road and in shops.

Thank you information from wikitravel.org