Amphawa Market Place guide

Of all the floating markets in Thailand, the Amphawa Floating Market is the most authentic, especially if you’re looking for stationery, arts, and crafts. Located 50km from Bangkok on the Amphawa canal, it is one of Thailand’s most popular floating markets, preferred to the Damnoen Floating Market by many. 

This veritable Bangkok tourist spot is one of the best places to visit in Bangkok and popular weekend activity for both tourists and locals, with its main draw being the delicious grilled seafood. It’s also home to an endless array of Thai sweets and snacks, and even a Thai Dessert Museum, where you can take photographs of different Thai sweets on display. This is definitely a hotspot foodies of all ages will enjoy!

If you need a little break from the throngs of people, there is always a coffee shop or restaurant on every corner to hide in. While in Amphawa, don’t forget to visit the Rama II Memorial Park, across the market. This park was built to honor King Rama II, and while photos of the exhibits are prohibited, you can still experience the serenity of walking through the endless flowers and fruits of the gardens.

You can also go to the Wat Bang Koong, a temple located on the other side of the Mae Khlong River. Visit and take photographs of the life-sized Muay Thai statues, or check out the mini-zoo in front. (Tip: Take care to dress neatly when venturing into the temple, and make sure to cover your arms and legs)

You can also check out the following tours:

• Dining Cruise Tour at the Amphawa Floating Market: Sample food like fried sea mussels, noodles, and iced black coffee – even see fireflies at night while on a boat! 
• Amphawa Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Train Market Tour: Visit two popular Thailand tourist places in one day!

Some things to take note of:

• Dress comfortably in light, cool clothes and long pants.
• Don’t forget to bring a light raincoat or umbrella, as Bangkok rainfall happens in short bursts rather than a long rainfall. 
• Wear sensible walking shoes.
• Operating hours: 12:00nn to 8:00 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays; take note that the operating hours are not strict, with some stalls opening and closing later or earlier than the given time. 
• The best time to visit is after 4:00 pm.
• Operating hours for Rama II Memorial Park: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

How to get there:

• Travel time from central Bangkok is about an hour and a half, depending on traffic. 
• There are buses that travel from the Southern Bus Terminal to Samut Songkram Town. From there you can take a local songthaew to Amphawa. 
• The Thai Dessert museum is located in the Amphawa Municipality building, next to the ferry pier.

Amphawa, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram 75110, Thailand