Amphawa Market - Thailand

Last September, I discovered some news that was too good to pass up: Air Asia offered a direct flight from Tokyo to Bangkok for only ¥15,000 ($150). I managed to book within the first week of their flights starting up, and so, was able to get a small discount.

I headed to Thailand with the purpose to explore a resort area I had previously never been -- Krabi.
But before catching that connecting flight, I spent a day to explore a floating market that is popular with Thais, but not as famous among tourists: Amphawa.

Also known as the Amphawa Floating Market, people can meander along the river boardwalk exploring various food, clothing and snack stalls. It's a great place to observe Thais enjoying their weekends, and to sample local delicacies.

Various scenes from Amphawa: vendors, the river, boats, and small statues.

Hoping in a shared van from Victory Monument (cost ¥70 ~ 100 Baht one way = $3), I spent about 1.5 hours zipping along the highway to this market.

When I lived in Bangkok, I visited this market twice before with a group of friends. This time, it was nice to explore quietly on my own, take photos and eat, of course!

I found one young man selling an interesting dessert -- coconut ice cream, complete with toppings, served up in a husked out coconut shell. It was big and delicious!

 Top two photos: the coconut vendor / my coconut ice cream topped with everything! 

Three photos above: An inside side market / cat or dog paw prints / colorful lanterns 

Amphawa Market is open only on weekends and crowded with Thais. That said, there are some English signs and most vendors speak a little English, so it's possible to go without a tour group.

Also, other bloggers have mentioned the market is best after 5PM -- if you can stay overnight in the area, so do. At night, you can rent a songtao (long boat) and view the fireflies via a canal tour.

Upper Photos: A lover's retreat, cutenekko in front of a welcome sign

Bottom: Deep in the market, locks left by couples, a statue outside a cafe

Two of my favorite things in Amphawa -- sweets and drinks -- are a great deal. While walking, I sipped on ice coffee, fresh fruit smoothies, even lemongrass juice. Most light snacks and drinks cost 20 ~ 60 baht or so (60 cents ~ $1.20). 

I think this market is best for travelers who enjoy a laid-back, slow style. Allow yourself at least 3 hours for a quick exploration, 5 or more to explore everything. 

Information:

Amphawa Floating Market is open on weekends, morning until late at night. 

Access: 

• Van from Victory Monument in Bangkok (BTS Victory Monument, walk to van stand). 
• Travel time: approximately 1.5 hours. 
• Vans will depart when they have enough passengers. I waited an hour for the van to fill up.
• Cost: 70 ~ 100 baht one way.

If you wish to see the fireflies, you can rent a long boat (about 600 baht = $18). The canal tour + fireflies lasts 1.5 ~ 2 hours.

Useful sites: 

Bangkok Magazine article on Amphawa Floating Market 

Trip Advisor's site on taking vans from Victory Monument to various cities in Thailand.