The Amphawa Floating Market takes place from Friday to Sunday, starting at midday but truly coming to life in the late afternoon. It's primarily a night market and that's when it reveals its full charm. The boats are like small kitchens on the water, offering Pad Thai, grilled shrimp, fried rice, and much more. You can also explore the market on foot; a boat isn't necessary. Everything can be easily done from the platform. However, if you do want to take a boat trip, wait until evening to admire the glowworms (or fai flies) blinking in the trees. The trip lasts an hour and costs 60 THB. The main market is located on land in the street that runs perpendicular to the main canal. Shops on both sides sell souvenirs, clothing, paintings, and other items, and you can also find a bar or restaurant to enjoy. At the end of the main canal, numerous homestays offer accommodation. Prices vary but generally range from 1200 to 2500 THB per night. For those staying overnight in the area who don't want to travel there and back from Bangkok in one day, this might be a good idea. There are other accommodations nearby, with bungalows or rooms of various categories right on the water, either in Amphawa or Bang Thi.

I recommend spending the weekend in Amphawa and staying overnight, rather than just traveling a few hours from Bangkok. Firstly, because Amphawa's floating market is more of an evening market, and secondly, because you'll miss the glowworm boat tour before your return trip to Bangkok in the evening, as well as the monks' alms-giving ceremony on the boats in the morning. And most importantly, you'll miss out on the unique charm and atmosphere of Amphawa.

To get there from Bangkok, take bus or minivan 78 or 996 from the Sai Tai Mai (Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal). There is an hourly departure, and the fare is 70 THB. Apparently, vans also depart from Pinklao Bus Station in Bangkok. Alternatively, you can go to Mae Klong (Samut Songkhram) and explore the impressive railway market. From there, you can take a shared taxi (songthaew) on route 333 to Amphawa (20 minutes – 10 baht). The songthaews wait in front of the 7-Eleven at the far end of the railway market.

How to get there

How do you get to the Amphawa Floating Market? From Bangkok, you can reach it by taking bus 78 or minivan 996 from Sai Tai Mai (Bangkok South Bus Station). The buses run hourly and cost 70 THB. Apparently, there are also minivans from Pinklao in Bangkok. Alternatively, you can go to Mae Klong (Samut Songkhram) and explore the fascinating railway market there. From there, you can take a shared taxi (songthaew) on route 333 to Amphawa (20 minutes – 10 baht). The shared taxis wait in front of the 7-Eleven at the far end of the railway market.