Amphawa Floating Market: A Hidden Gem in Bangkok
add_circle Pros
- Affordable prices for food and souvenirs
- Delicious and fresh local cuisine
- Lively and authentic atmosphere
- Plenty of opportunities to haggle and try new things
- Unique and off-the-beaten-path experience
- Variety of street food options
- Chance to shop for souvenirs
remove_circle Contras
- Location is a bit of a trek from Bangkok city center
- Can get crowded and noisy
- Some vendors may try to overcharge or sell low-quality goods
- Limited English spoken by vendors and locals
- Return tickets can be tricky to find or purchase
- Limited credit card acceptance
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Editor's Summary
This off-the-beaten-path gem in Bangkok's suburbs is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and authentic Thai market experience. With its affordable prices, delicious food, and lively atmosphere, Amphawa Floating Market is a total game changer. I spent a whole day here and was blown away by the sights, sounds, and smells. Be prepared to haggle and try new things – it's all part of the fun! The market's location might be a bit of a trek, but trust me, it's worth every penny. I loved the variety of street food, from grilled fish to sweet treats, and the chance to shop for souvenirs and try to get the best price.
Specifications
Hello everyone!
I'm stoked to share my experience with the Amphawa floating market, a real gem tucked away in the suburbs of Bangkok. This place is off the beaten path, but don't worry, it's mostly tourists who visit, so you won't feel out of place.
The market operates on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8:00 to 7:00 PM. Trust me, you'll want to spend the whole day here – it's that good!
To get to the market, hop on a minibus from the Victory Monument in Bangkok. This transportation hub is a big deal, with a train station and bus station nearby. The trip costs between 100-150 baht, and it takes over an hour to get there – the market is about 60 km from the city center.
When you arrive, make sure to check the bus schedule and grab a return ticket. Otherwise, you might get so caught up in the experience that you forget about everything else.
One of the best things about Amphawa is the affordable prices – they're cheaper than in Bangkok itself! As with any Thai market, there's plenty of delicious, fresh, and cheap food and souvenirs. The souvenirs are different from the usual Thai ones, with many handmade items that are really cute and cheap!
You can get a coconut for just 15 baht (25-30 rubles), and I haven't seen prices like that anywhere else in Thailand!
This isn't your typical floating market – it's more like a European-style market with a pleasant atmosphere. Everything is really well-kept (for Thailand) and clean! From the boats, they sell very little, but there are floating shops with food, and the main market is located along the canal.
You absolutely have to take a boat ride! The canal where the market is located flows into the river, and along the riverbanks are temples and just regular Thai buildings. It's ridiculously cheap and fun! You can choose between two types of boat trips:
With stops to see the sights, it lasts around 2 hours;Without stops, the boat makes a circle around the river, and the trip takes about an hour.
We cruised along without a hitch, and the trip cost us around 50 baht per person – that's about 90-100 rubles!
I've got to give a shout-out to the boat we took for the river excursion – it's a traditional Thai wooden boat with a roof and a motor, and it's a real blast to ride on!
This is the kind of boat you can take a ride on the river
The sensations on the river cruise are just incredible! One minute you're navigating through a bustling market with tons of people and chaos, and the next you're in the middle of a big river on a small boat with 10-12 passengers, surrounded by original Thai landscapes and the feeling that you're far removed from civilization! Everything you see along the riverbanks isn't just tourist infrastructure – it's historical sites and real-life scenes of everyday Thai people.
Some of the scenic views you can see on the river cruise:
I'd recommend taking the boat ride at the beginning of your visit to the market or during the daytime, when it's not too hot. The boat ride is a great way to escape the heat and enjoy some comfort.
After the boat ride, you can explore the market, try some delicious Thai food or seafood, and grab a fresh fruit shake! There are plenty of cafes and restaurants on the market, and the prices are very budget-friendly!
The market itself isn't too big, I think you can cover it all in about 1.5-2 hours, assuming you take a break for lunch.
It's especially beautiful here during sunset and after (sunset in Thailand is around 6-6:30 pm) – the place takes on a whole new set of colors!
SunsetAfter sunset
I highly recommend visiting the Amphawa floating market! Despite the crowds, you'll feel like you're really relaxing and getting a boost of energy! The tiny souvenir shops, the fresh food, and the river cruise with historical sites – what more could you ask for in a vacation?
From Bangkok, you can also take a day trip to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, which is often called the Thai Angkor Wat because many of the buildings have a similar style.