Amphawa Floating Market

The Basics

One of the best ways to explore the market and its surrounding canals is aboard traditional long-tail wooden boats. A typical cruise on the Mae Klong river (Mae Khlong river) and through the market takes visitors past several of the area’s Thai Buddhist temples, and can be combined with a visit to a local zoo, the nearby Maeklong Railway Market, or the chance to watch fireflies light up the riverbanks at dusk. The Amphawa Floating Market is a popular place not only for shopping, but for eating too, with waterside seating providing the ideal setting for a lazy lunch. Thai food such as dried pork, shrimp, shellfish, and crab are all prepared and cooked aboard the boats before being handed up to diners on the elevated banks on both sides of the river.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Amphawa Floating Market is a must-do for travelers looking to get off the beaten path.

• Don’t forget to bring cash in small denominations if you plan to shop or eat at the market.

• Visit the market on a half- or full-day tour from Hua Hin.

• Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and drinking water.

How to Get There

Minibuses run between Victory Monument in Bangkok and Amphawa throughout the day, but the most convenient way to visit is as part of a guided tour with return transportation included.

When to Get There

The Amphawa Floating Market is at its liveliest in the afternoon, beginning around 1pm. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, you can still get a sense of what the market is like in the morning, though not everything will be open.

Wat Bang Kung

Many visitors to the floating market overlook the area’s many interesting temples, most notably Wat Bang Kung. This Buddhist temple just a stone’s throw from the banks of the Mae Klong river (Mae Khlong river) sits ensconced within a banyan tree, making it particularly serene and photogenic. Some boat tours of the market also include a stop at the temple.

When is the best time to visit Amphawa Floating Market to experience its lively atmosphere?

To experience Amphawa Floating Market at its liveliest, visit in the late afternoon and early evening when it’s open—between Friday and Sunday. To avoid the crowds, you can come around noon when the market first opens, but not every vendor may be set up.

What can I expect to find at Amphawa Floating Market in terms of food or goods?

The foods at Amphawa Floating Market range from fresh fruit and produce to prepared foods, which are especially popular, such as grilled seafood, boat noodles, and coconut ice cream. You can also find other goods for sale, ranging from souvenirs to handicrafts to traditional Thai clothing.

Is it possible to visit Amphawa Floating Market as a day trip from Bangkok, or should I plan to stay overnight?

Yes, it is possible to visit Amphawa Floating Market as a day trip, as it’s located 31 miles (50 kilometers) from Bangkok. There are nearby accommodations, and you can certainly spend the night. Many visitors combine Amphawa Floating Market with Maeklong Railway Market as part of a day trip.

Is there an entrance fee to enter Amphawa Floating Market, and do I need to pay for boat rides separately?

No. There is no entrance fee to access the Amphawa Floating Market. However, there is a fee to take a boat around (private or shared), which is one of the best ways to explore the floating market. Some tours from Bangkok include a boat ride.

Can I bargain with vendors at Amphawa Floating Market, and what is the typical pricing like?

Yes, bargaining is customary at Amphawa Floating Market, much like other markets in Thailand. Be respectful and polite when bargaining, and don’t touch anything unless you intend to buy it. Most vendors only accept cash, so bring enough cash to purchase food and other goods.

Are there any nearby attractions or activities that I can explore after visiting Amphawa Floating Market?

Yes. Don’t miss Wat Bang Kung, a Buddhist temple almost entirely engulfed by a Banyan tree near the Mae Klong River, not far from Amphawa Floating Market. Many visitors stop at the nearby Maeklong Railway Market, which sells food and other goods and sits atop an active railway line.