Amphawa Floating Market
Set along a narrow canal in Samut Songkhram province, roughly 90 minutes from central Bangkok, Amphawa Floating Market operates on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from 2pm to 9pm. The market centres on a historic riverside community, with wooden shophouses lining the canal and vendors selling grilled seafood, Thai sweets, and street food from both the banks and a dwindling number of boats on the water. Visitors can also join short boat tours along the canal to see the surrounding area and, in the evenings, fireflies along the tree-lined banks. It is worth noting that the traditional floating market experience has changed in recent years. Fewer vendors now operate from boats directly on the canal, meaning the market functions more as a lively canalside street market than a classic floating market in the traditional sense. That said, the setting retains genuine local character and the food stalls remain a strong draw, particularly for fresh seafood cooked to order. Parking near the market is limited and can be congested on weekends. Paid parking is available from local residents nearby, typically around 40 THB. Arriving in the early afternoon allows more time to explore before the evening crowds build. The market is most lively from late afternoon onward, and an evening boat tour is a popular addition to the visit.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Amphawa Floating Market, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
The Amphawa Floating Market set off my tourist trap radar but I gave it a shot and honestly really enjoyed the experience and spent just about 1.5 hours on an unpowered boat. You probably won't enjoy it if you don't like crowded, loud, overstimulating places but for what it is, it is enjoyable.
A beautiful market in a historic riverside community. Absolutely worth the drive from Bangkok, this market is of course touristic but still maintains a lot of the old flavor. Make sure to take a boat tour, it takes 40 minutes and shows you around the Khlongs and beautiful neighborhoods. Only 50 Baht per person. Best to visit on a Friday afternoon as weekends become really busy with the Bangkok crowd.
We visited Amphawa Floating Market in the afternoon, and although it is more famous for its evening vibes, we still enjoyed the experience. The market has a local charm with stalls lined along the canal selling snacks, drinks, seafood, and souvenirs. Not all shops were open yet because it gets busier later in the day, but there was still plenty to explore. We enjoyed walking along the riverside, browsing the stalls, and soaking in the relaxing atmosphere without the usual evening crowds. You can also take a short boat ride to see more of the canal area, which adds to the floating market experience. Overall, even in the afternoon, Amphawa offers a cultural and enjoyable stop, especially if you prefer avoiding heavy crowds and want a more leisurely visit. 🌤️🛶✨
Location Info
Amphawa, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram 75110, Thailandwww.amphawafloatingmarket.org/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 34°C(77°F – 93°F)
Crowds
Peak: December & January
Getting there
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports serve Bangkok with direct flights from most major cities.
Getting around
- •BTS Skytrain (most central areas)
- •MRT Metro (underground)
- •Airport Rail Link (ARL)
- •Chao Phraya Express Boat
- •Grab (ride-hailing app)
- •Metered taxis — always use the meter
Where to stay near Amphawa Floating Market
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Tips for Visiting Markets & Shopping
Haggle at Markets, Not Malls
Prices at market stalls are negotiable — start at 50–60% of the asking price and meet in the middle. Fixed-price shops and malls don't haggle. Smile and keep it friendly; aggressive bargaining is considered rude.
Arrive Early or Late
Vendors believe the first sale of the day is lucky — you'll often get a better deal if you arrive right when the market opens. Late in the evening, sellers may also discount to avoid packing unsold goods.
Be Cautious with Tailors
Bangkok has excellent tailors, but also many tourist traps. Avoid anyone offering suspiciously cheap suits or who approaches you on the street. Ask your hotel for recommendations, read reviews, and always get two fittings.
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Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 34°C(77°F – 93°F)
Crowds
Peak: December & January
Getting there
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports serve Bangkok with direct flights from most major cities.
Getting around
- •BTS Skytrain (most central areas)
- •MRT Metro (underground)
- •Airport Rail Link (ARL)
- •Chao Phraya Express Boat
- •Grab (ride-hailing app)
- •Metered taxis — always use the meter
Where to stay near Amphawa Floating Market
Find hotels in Bangkok on the booking sites travellers trust most.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.