Amphawa Floating Market Verified listing

The riverside town of Amphawa (“Firefly”) is just over an hour outside of Bangkok and is home to a quaint floating market quite unlike its tourist counterpart, Damnoen Saduak. Amphawa Floating Markets are part of a network of more than 300 canals jutting out of the Mae Khlong River, and are comprised of striking wooden shop houses set against a backdrop of tropical vegetation. The markets have an authentic, almost vintage feel, and are bustling with locals searching for a unique shopping treasure or seafood delight.

While vendors sell goods ranging from fashion and accessories through to handicrafts, the market highlight is undoubtedly the food. Seafood is grilled precariously on wooden boats moored to the boardwalk, with an appetising array of shellfish, squid, fish and prawns. Visitors can eat on the canal seating or have the food delivered in to one of the quality restaurants along the market front. The selection of deserts is extensive and the homemade coconut ice-cream is arguably one of the best in Thailand.

Families will love the vintage charm and cozy atmosphere. There are longtail boats available for hire that will tour the local waterways and visit a number of the local temples, most notably Wat Bang Kung that features a giant banyan tree. If families visit in the evening, there are special trips taken around the waterways to see the fireflies.

Amphawa is more popular with locals, than tourists, and gives a fairly authentic glimpse into this bygone way of life. Prices are reasonable, as the market is yet to be crowded by tourists.