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