Amphawa Floating Market Travel Guide: Tips, Must-Try Foods & Activities

Amphawa Floating Market is one of the most famous Thai weekend markets, which is more than 100 years old. It is situated in Samut Songkhram, and a combination of traditional Thai culture and colorful canal-side activities is found there. Whether it is the attempt to taste authentic Thai street food and boat noodles, or take a long-tail boat ride and visit some local crafts, this market provides a vibrant insight into life in Thailand during the weekend. Amphawa is among the floating markets near Bangkok that should be visited because of its distinctive waterside location.

Quick Facts: Amphawa Floating Market

Getting to Amphawa Floating Market

Amphawa Floating Market is around 1.5 hours away by road when coming from Bangkok. The Southern Bus Terminal by bus costs a minivan (transfers) to a budget traveler for only 70 THB (approximately 2 USD). In the case of the notion of family or groups, the most comfortable and direct method is private transport, as it saves time and provides convenience.

What to Expect at Amphawa Floating Market

Being one of the most frequent Bangkok weekend markets, Amphawa attracts local and international visitors who are willing to buy, eat, and experience the riverside atmosphere. Tickets and night market snacks have been put up at the entrance area, whereas the main canal has restaurants, coffee shops, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

The canal itself has always been the focus. Dozens of boats sell freshly grilled seafood, boat noodles, and traditional foods such as Pad Thai, squid, and prawns with spicy seafood sauce. Visitors who want to discover more can take two kinds of boat tours: a short version, the Market Boat Tour (50 THB per person), which is an hour-long journey of the canals, and a longer one, the Temple Boat Tour, which lasts up to three hours and takes one along five local temples.

In case you are after food, do it on an empty stomach- Amphawa is known to have a variety of seafood and Thai cuisine. The noodles are also a local dish that one should not miss, as it is served in an enriched broth that is prepared with herbs, spices, and slow-cooked meats. To have a rest, there are specialty cafes all over the canal that sell strong coffee and cookies that are freshly baked, which is ideal for relaxing between sightseeing.

Other Floating Markets near Bangkok

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market are also worth visiting in case you are exploring floating markets in and around Bangkok.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (around 100 km from Bangkok) is the most famous and touristy. It provides colorful scenes on the boat and is full of activity, but it is more commercialized and much costlier than Amphawa. It is an excellent option for first-time travelers who wish to observe the traditional postcard version of a Thai floating market.

Maeklong Railway Market, on the other hand, is a unique experience. This market is located in Amphawa, only 10 km away, with the vendors being placed directly on railway tracks, and they quickly draw back their merchandise whenever a train passes through. It is not so much boat riding but more of taking a picture of one of the most unique and interesting market viewpoints in Thailand.

Being a combination of local flair, tasty Thai street food, and a special boat adventure, Amphawa Floating Market should be included in the list of places a person should visit when traveling to Thailand. It is a food, shopping, and riverside sightseeing getaway, just 90 minutes out of Bangkok, and therefore, a must-have destination on any Samut Songkhram travel itinerary.

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