19 things you can do on a 2D1N trip to Amphawa (1.5 hours from Bangkok) besides the railway and floating markets

You’ve probably heard of the famous Maeklong Railway Market and Amphawa Floating Market – destinations most travellers choose to go to when visiting this district. But did you know there are more fun things to see and do in Amphawa, and actually, one full day isn’t enough?

Other than its local markets, at Amphawa, you’ll be able to:

• Enjoy a floating massage down the river

• See a mangrove forest and oyster farm

• Dine at a salt farm cafe

• Dig for razor clams at Don Hoi Lot

• And more!!

Best of all, Amphawa is only 1.5 hours from Bangkok – a great place to visit if you want a quick overnight getaway from the city.

To get you going, here are 19 things you should do on a 2D1N trip to Amphawa.

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Nature-themed Restaurants & Cafes

Salt Lake De Maeklong, The Buffalo Amphawa, Tarnpawa (ตาลพวา)

There’s just something about the wind and fresh air that never fails to relax me, which is why I enjoy dining outdoors. So if you’re looking to treat yourself to good food and nature views, visit these three restaurants and cafes.

1. It’s so white!! – Salt Lake De Maeklong

Well… It’s a salt farm. So naturally the cafe is fully white – from the interior furniture to the decoration outside the cafe. Unlike its theme, the food and beverage offerings aren’t salt-based (phew). There’s everything from Spare Rib Soup and Shrimp Spaghetti to Butterfly Pea Honey Lime and Chocolate Lava Cake – and honestly, they look pretty amazing.

The cafe’s incredibly scenic too, so scenic that the place looks great on photos from whatever angle. My favourite spot is the swing by the salt farm – it’s both fun and picturesque!

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2. Dine with buffaloes – The Buffalo Amphawa

Yep. Buffaloes. There won’t be cattle roaming around the restaurant, so don’t worry about accidentally getting bumped or poked by one of them. 😉But you can definitely see them frolicking in the mud when you eat here.

Feeling hungry? Lucky for you, they serve a wide range of dishes from Thai to Western delights. If you’re starving, order something filling like spare ribs (my sister’s favourite) or Pad Thai. If not, get some light refreshments instead. (Psst…The cakes here look amazingggg!)

3. Eat the local way (on a wooden tray!) – Tarnpawa (ตาลพวา)

I bet you won’t forget your dining experience and will come back for more once you’ve eaten here! The experience is truly unique and local as you eat on an elevated wooden platform, with your meals served on a rattan tray. The seating area is also filled with trees and green umbrellas so you feel like you’re in a jungle.

As a result, you can expect to be eating Thai favourites like Pad Thai, Som Tum and Fried Chicken. Add a refreshing glass of Thai Milk Tea to this meal and you’ve got an unforgettable meal right there.

So… My claims of repeated visits aren’t far fetched right? 😉

Waterfront eateries with a view

Khuntavee By The Legend Meaklong, Kaomai Plamun

Who doesn’t love water, especially if you can enjoy the breeze and views, AND not get wet (my mom especially loves this)?! Visit these restaurants to dine by a lake or stream.

4. Hidden treehouse by a stream – Hidden Tree Garden

There are only two words to describe this place: trees and relaxation. Here, you’re surrounded by soooo many trees that it feels like you’re in a treehouse. The small stream beside the cafe puts a relaxing vibe to this place that you’ll want to stay here for ages. That’s probably why they’ve built a catamaran net by the stream – which many people have laid on (it’s sturdy!).

If you’re afraid of falling, you can opt to sit on the floor while hanging your legs over the stream. It’s equally relaxing, so you’re not missing out on anything!

Remember to get some light refreshments while you’re here (waffles and soda!). It makes the experience even more perfect!

5. Open-air thatch-roofed Thai seafood restaurant – Kaomai Plamun (ข้าวใหม่ปลามัน)

What’s your favourite Thai food? For me, I have loads. But my ultimate has to be Thai seafood because it’s just so savoury! So if you’re a seafood lover like me, remember to drop by Kaomai Plamun.

Here, you can try a wide array of Thai seafood delights from Steamed Crabs to Deep Fried Sea Bass in Fish Sauce. They also offer ice-cream and drinks – a great palate cleanser after meals!

Remember to take pictures once you’re done too. For the best-looking image, take it from afar so the pointed straw roof is in the frame.

Where to Stay?

Chuchai Buri Sri Amphawa, Damnoenphawa Resort, Rimrabeang Amphawa

Tired from exploring all the different spots around? Recover your energy at one of these stays in this quaint town, whether it’s by the river or around nature.

6. Welcome to paradise – Damnoenphawa Resort

Doesn’t it look like one of those ritzy resorts in Bali? Whether it’s the tall palm trees and short bushes around the premises, or egg-shaped wooden chairs and rockery-pool with its man-made waterfall, it feels like you’re holidaying on an island.

However, what differentiates this with other resorts is the fact that there’s a river beside it. So the first thing you see in the morning are its flowy waters. My tip is to sit either at one of the loungers by the riverside or on the balcony to clear your mind (it’s super relaxing!).

You can also dine at their riverside restaurant (they have indoor and outdoor options) or enjoy your breakfast on your balcony!

7. Live in old-world glam – Chuchai Buri Sri Amphawa (ชูชัยบุรีศรีอัมพวา)

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!

8. Talk about convenient! – Rimrabeang Amphawa (ริมระเบียง อัมพวา คาเฟ่ แอนด์ สวีท)

Can’t bear to part with Thai floating markets? Now you can stay up late at the Amphawa Floating Market and rest the minute it closes (missing the early morning crowds if you so wish) when you book a night at Rimrabeang Amphawa.

What’s great about this place is that you can see the river and the market as soon as you wake up. The room is also vintage-styled, from clawfoot bathtubs to canopy beds, which adds to the stay’s rustic charms.

Best of all, there’s a restaurant downstairs selling Western delights like pizza and steak! No need to worry about getting hungry again.

9. Catch the train rumbling through a market – Mae Klong Railway Market

Legend has it that once upon a time, in 1905 to be more precise, there was a free local market where people would barter together happily ever after! And then a train came and it changed everything… again, ever after.

If you want to catch this trendsetting train, and shop at the same time in the exact spot – on the railway tracks – this market is the best place to do so.

When the train chugs through the quaint market, everyone wraps up their tarps/awnings and products in a hurry – and lays them back down when the train is gone. This happens several times a day!

10. Catch Razor Clams and eat your fill of seafood – Don Hoi Lot (ดอนหอยหลอด)

Did you know you can catch Razor Clams here? In fact, you’ll see many locals by the beach inserting a thin stick covered with salt or lime into sand holes (home to, and where the clams live). Why? The salt and lime actually irritate the clams, causing them to emerge from the holes, and that’s when they catch them!.

But for others that prefer eating them as opposed to catching them, no worries. It is the seaside, meaning tons of seafood! Have your pick, from proper restaurants to food stalls. You can even take your food to-go and eat picnic-style (sitting on a mat) like the locals do.

P.S. It’s recommended to visit Don Hoi Lot from March to May to catch if you want to do some clam-catching. Charter a boat to get to Don Hoi Lot (10 Baht one-way, per person).

11. Meet one of Thailand’s oldest floating markets – Amphawa Floating Market

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!

You can also expect to see a lot of unique trinkets, gifts, products and arts, and mostly everything here is handmade (which we just love!).

12. Plant mangrove trees and visit an oyster farm – Baan Mai Chai Lane Resort

By now, you’ve probably realised that Amphawa is full of water activities. No surprises here since this is a riverside city. But what this means is that you’ll get to do a lot of water-related activities you can’t experience in Bangkok, such as planting mangrove trees, visiting oyster farms and riding kayaks – all possible at Baan Mai Chai Lane Resort.

All you need to do is to charter a boat (for four people), which comes with their activity program. It’s not as cheap as other activities on this list, but the memories you’ll make with your loved ones will definitely be worth it.

13. So many sweets and savoury food! – Thai Sweet Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์บ้านขนมไทย)

Update: This restaurant is currently temporarily closed.

Ask my mom if she prefers Western or traditional sweets and she’ll say the latter. According to her, it’s not as sweet and it brings back fond memories of her childhood. If you hold the same sentiments as her, then you’ll be happy to know that there’s a museum in Amphawa dedicated to traditional Thai desserts!

Here, you’ll see models of traditional desserts like Foi Thong and Sweet Coconut, as well as the equipment used to make these different sweets. You can even act like a street seller while carrying a shoulder basket (remember to take pictures!).

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

Did you just read that sentence twice? Well, it’s a beautiful truth and is simply 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 during the Ayutthaya Kingdom period in 1765 – so you can just imagine all of the richness and stories it’s experienced.

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

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

Showcasing the people’s way of life from this time, this little museum can be found along the riverbank at the King Rama Memorial Park and is set up to reflect 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 Thai boats too.

16. Admire stunning gothic architecture – Nativity of Our Lady Cathedral

Update: This cathedral is currently temporarily closed.

No need to go to Europe to see a beautiful church. People say the Nativity of Our Lady Cathedral is the most beautiful Catholic church in Thailand. 😍

You will have to see it for yourself…

Decorated with colorful stained glass windows imported from France, the church was built in 1870 in French gothic style.

The interiors are even more amazing – don’t forget to look up and check out the beautiful ceiling! The church being located on the river bank, it’s the perfect place to quiet down and do a little spiritual reflection.

17. Foodie tour!! – Tha Kha Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำท่าคา)

Hey foodies! You might want to check this out while you’re in Amphawa (best on an empty stomach!) or you’ll regret it. There are so many food choices here, from cooked food like Som Tum and Khao Krapow to Thai desserts and fruits. This weekend market is really lively too – filled with sellers and buyers – great if you’re looking for a good time outdoors.

Just like other floating markets in Thailand, you can buy food from one of the stalls beside the rivers or from sellers on the wooden boats. The latter are usually found parking by the river bank, although they might change spots from day to day.

18. Discover Amphawa’s charms at this learning centre – Amphawa Chai Pattananurak Project (โครงการอัมพวาชัยพัฒนานุรักษ์)

I’ve always believed in learning and loving your own culture – whether it’s the language, food or traditions – because that’s what makes you different from others. Similarly, the city of Amphawa started the “Amphawa Chai Pattananurak Project” to conserve and develop traditions that have been passed on for generations.

To do so, they’ve created five sections, not only so locals can contribute to this project, but also so visitors can learn and understand Thai culture better. Whether it’s getting to know about traditional Thai puppet shows or shopping for local crafts and souvenirs, you’ll be sure to have loads of fun while learning more about Thailand.

19. Learn Buddha’s stories at this teak wood temple – Wat Bang Khae Noi (วัดบางแคน้อย)

As people always say, “don’t judge a book by its cover” – which is the case for Wat Bang Khae Noi. From the outside, you’ll think this temple is like any other in Thailand, especially with its white walls and red and golden roof. But what makes this temple special is the interior is made from teak wood. There’s also carvings that have been made into the wood of different stories of Buddha, making it quite an attractive sight.

Remember to stop by to take a look or pray (if you’re Buddhist).

So, how does it all sound? Wayyy more than enough for just two days in Amphawa, right? So what are you waiting for? Book your plane ticket, pack your bags and get on a car to Amphawa! 

Happy travelling! 😀

P.S. Visited Amphawa and found something special we may have left off this list? Do let us know by leaving your comments below, your opinion matters to us!

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