Explore Thailand 2015
Amphawa Canal

It’s fair to say that Thailand is the country of markets – there is one on every corner.

But there is a market that everyone should visit when in Thailand. It’s an hour’s drive southwest of Bangkok, Amphawa Floating Market, and it starts where all markets in Thailand started – on the water!

Amphawa Floating Market is the second most popular floating market near Bangkok – not as large as Damnoen Saduak. This small village existed since the mid 17th century. This market attracts mostly locals.

Dating back centuries, early Thai traders would row their long boats, filled with all manner of goods, and tie them along the banks of the local canal, and sell to the passing public. These informal sellers found more formal places to sell along the shore and stores were set up, evolving over the years to today’s modern day markets. Walking along the canal edge the Amphawa’s oldest stores are distinctive timber structures. They are over 300 years old and still retain their sense of history and character.

Primarily selling food, the current flotilla of moored long boats is a hype of activity, for their land-based customers, wanting a taste of quick and delicious meals and snacks on offer. The market’s main draw is the grilled seafood, serving delicious prawns, shellfish and squid. Customers sit on rows of narrow steps leading down to the water and food is brought from the boats. There are also restaurants next to the bridge.

Amphawa’s Floating Market is ample fun and take on a magical aura as the sun lowers and shimmers over the canal.

The market is open Fri-Sun are open to 5-10pm.

One-way trips can be purchased for about 80 baht from the minibus station near Victory Monument, just north of the Century Mall. The tickets sell out 1-2 hours ahead so make sure you allow for plenty of time to ensure you are booked on the journey of your choice.  You can also take a bus there from the Southern Bus terminal.

For more information, visit www.tourismthailand.org