Amphawa Floating Market Market
Amphawa is one of Thailand's most atmospheric floating markets - a canalside warren of wooden shophouses, sampan food boats and evening firefly tours, about 90 km south-west of Bangkok.
Amphawa Floating Market at a Glance#
Address: Amphawa, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram 75110, Thailand
Hours: Fri-Sun, ~12:00-20:00
Admission: Free (boat trips extra)
About Amphawa Floating Market#
Amphawa Floating Market is a canal (khlong) market in Samut Songkhram, one of the most popular floating markets near Bangkok. Held mainly on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings, it lines the Amphawa Canal with wooden shophouses, cafes and vendors grilling seafood and cooking noodles from long-tail sampans.
Unlike the touristy daytime markets, Amphawa comes alive in the late afternoon and evening. Boat trips run along the canal to riverside temples, and after dark visitors take boats to watch fireflies twinkling in the mangroves. Many people stay overnight in canalside homestays.
How to Get to Amphawa Floating Market#
Amphawa is in Samut Songkhram, about 90 km south-west of Bangkok - around 1.5 hours by car or minivan. Minivans run from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal and near Victory Monument; it is usually combined with the Maeklong Railway Market on a day trip. The market operates mainly Friday to Sunday.
Tips for Visiting Amphawa Floating Market#
- Come in the late afternoon and stay into the evening, when the market is at its liveliest.
- Take an evening long-tail boat trip to see the fireflies in the mangroves (best in the wet season).
- Try the grilled river prawns and seafood cooked on the sampan boats.
- Consider an overnight canalside homestay to enjoy the market after the day-trippers leave.
Best Time to Visit Amphawa Floating Market#
The market runs mainly on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from afternoon into the evening - go late in the day for the best atmosphere. Fireflies are most active in the warm, wet months (roughly May-October). The cool season is the most comfortable overall.
Weather & Climate near Amphawa Floating Market#
Amphawa Floating Market's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1015 mm/year), wettest in October with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 29°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 31°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (119 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (200 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (223 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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