10 Reasons to visit Amphawa Floating Market in Bangkok including things to do, places to eat and stay

Foodie? Culture enthusiast? Keen on new adventures? If you ticked yes to one of these, or all three, you’ve got to head down to Amphawa Floating Market in Bangkok!

It’s a cultural extravaganza, from the tail-boat tours to bursting flavours and aromas that carry in the air, as people march past and through this long stretch of a market.

We loved it so much, we just had to write about it, and you too should know why this little market on the waters, captured our heart.

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PS: We took a day-trip to discover Amphawa Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market.

If you’re keen on daytrips from Bangkok, we recommend joining the Klook Amphawa Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market (from USD $30 / 956 Baht). It’s really quite convenient and value-for-money too!

1. It’s one of Thailand’s oldest floating markets – The History

Back in the day, the agricultural community of Amphawa used the river as their daily trading hub, and many wooden houses were built along this river to make it easier for the people to trade and transport by boat.

These canals, which run through the Maeklong River, are still used today, which is awesome in my opinion, and although it is not the people’s only way of income nowadays, the natural culture and tradition of the market are still carried to today’s floating market.

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2. Indulge your foodie senses, especially the seafood and local snacks  – Eat Local

Now this market is superrr local, but that’s the beauty of it; experiencing bursts of local flavours, so expect a LOT of seafood, boat noodles, as well as really local Thai desserts.

The fish is fresh, the prawns, crab, squid, oysters and scallops are really delicious, and you have to try the fish cakes in a sticky, sweet, hot sauce (so look out for them).

The desserts are a treat too. Dumplings in coconut cream, caramelised crisps, egg yolk fudge balls cooked in syrup and delicious coconut ice-cream!

Apart from all the local restaurants, seafood and traditional Thai dishes, there is also an abundance of yummy snacky things from red corn on the cob, soup packs made with banana leaves (and also on-the-go), traditional salads filled with all sorts of crunchy bit in takeaway bowls, as well deep fried crispy, crunchy shrimp bowls!

PS: They’ve also got the usual Pad Thais, grilled chicken and steaks, papaya salads, etc if seafood just isn’t your thing, and if you’d prefer food you’re familiar with!

3. Visit a 19th-century museum – King Rama II Memorial Park

Showcasing the people’s way of lives, this little museum can be found along the riverbank at the King Rama Memorial Park and is set up to reflect the traditional Thai houses.

It’s filled with antiques and rare Thai books from the early 19th century, and visitors can learn about the history of the Thai boats too.

4. And of course, what’s a market without a little… – Shopping!   

Like any market in Thailand there’s always a bit of shopping to be done, and at this one, you can expect to see a lot of unique trinkets, gifts, products and arts, and mostly everything here is handmade (which we just love!).

Shops filled with illustrated scatter cushions and keyrings, tiny handmade wooden puppet figurines that you can control (nostalgic or what!? I used to play with these as a kid!), handmade dream-catchers, crystals and chimes, wire jewellery and natural, herbal soaps, creams and oils!

You can also get your very own portrait drawn for you by a very talented artist on the spot. His other works, showcased in frames and on postcards, is really beautiful too, with a little bit of fun and funk in there too.

Everything in here from the hand-painted calendars to paintings in white-washed frames could be an awesome idea for a gift, as it’s something super special and unique.

5. Stay in a beautiful Thai-style treehouse or live in old-world glam – Amphawa Club, Chuchai Buri Sri Amphawa

We’ve also found the most gorgeous places for you to stay in the area, in case you were wanting to spend the night. Take up rest literally in the trees, in a treehouse (or cottage bungalow) done in gorgeous dark Thai woods and stained glass windows. Amphawa Club is so pretty!

They’ve got a pool, perfect to escape the heat of the day, and each room has a patio/balcony that overlooks the river. Simply and naturally beautiful, and perfect for a night’s escape.

If you’re not into treehouses, flip the switch 360º  and indulge in a little comfort. Chuchai Buri feels like a Roman/English palace, decked in marble floors, deep woods, and gold touches here, there and everywhere!

I love the furniture in these rooms and the splashes of colour dancing off Impressionist art pieces hanging on the walls.

There are also bungalow-style units around the swimming pool to stay in, less glam but still super comfy. Oh yeah and the food here looks divineeee! Like seriously! And they also offer a little high tea!

6. Ever had a floating massage? – Massage on the boat (ธนสิน นวดแผนไทย ณ อัมพวา)

Apart from the normal massage places situated around Amphawa Market, you might want to keep your eyes peeled for this massage on a boat!

How’s this for a massage with a view? Float down the river as you’re getting your massage. It’s definitely a unique spa experience to have.

7. Quaint museum with little shops and a massage place – Ananchai Thai Boat Museum

This little museum is tucked away in a back alley of Amphawa, is absolutely awesome, and showcases an array of wooden traditional boats!

There are also a few shops with wood-crafters making these small traditional style wooden boats, which are gorgeous and make for wonderful souvenirs! And if you feel like a spot of relaxation, there’s also a little open massage spa for your convenience, so why not treat yourself?

8. See fireflies and experience the lifestyle of everyday local life – Take a Boat Tour

Time to hop onto a traditional Thai Longtail Boat and take a tour through the narrow canals and out onto the Maeklong river. Venture around luscious green mangroves, stilt houses, a Thai temple and tons of coconut trees – it’s so jungle-y.

I totally believe in magic, and so I really loved this experience as we caught views of the fireflies that look like glimmering, glittering little stars in the trees/bushes! (Or fairies).

You can find one of the many boats offering ‘Firefly Tours’ (which last about 45 mins – 1 hour), which will take you back out to the Maeklong to parts known for the glowing fireflies. Look to the cork trees and they’ll all be dancing around.

You can hire a private boat (500 Baht) or buy a single ticket on a shared boat (50 Baht). However, this does take a tad longer than the usual 1-hour tour, as you pick and drop along the way.

Tip: Tours start after 7pm, so I would suggest only starting to look for a tour then.

9. See the temple in a tree – Wat Bang Kung

Did you just read that sentence twice? Well, it’s a beautiful truth and is just breathtaking, and if you ask me, is a true work of art. A temple hidden within the roots of a Banyan tree… Can you imagine??

It is said to have been built in the Ayutthaya in 1765, so you can just imagine all of the richness and stories it’s experienced.

The temple itself is small and simple, but with thanks to the emergence of both tree and temple, there’s a real natural beauty here and a feeling of sereneness.

10. Escape the city with a – Day/weekend trip to Amphawa

You’ll find this market by travelling a little out of BKK city, and the market really gets going in the late afternoon. A lot more stalls open at night and there’s a special feeling in the air, so why not spend a night here?

The market itself is also a good 50 km long!!! So you’re definitely going to need more than a few hours trying to cover any ground here.

There are also a few other smaller markets around such as the Noi Floating Market: a little ancient market full of charm and visitors can experience canalside lifestyles in the morning.

It’s also a lot less of a hassle and cheaper than Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and  lot of people of toss-up between the two Floating markets, but our favourite is Amphawa. The traders don’t haggle you as much and the area of the market is really pretty and tranquil.

So, you see, this market is more than just a few boat-shops parked up next to the canal sides, but more of a complete celebration (and mini weekend excursion I’d say) of traditional Thai culture.

Take the opportunity to enjoy something unique to the Thai people, and something a little different to do when travelling to Bangkok!

Thanks to Klook for making this trip possible!

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