Amphawa Floating Market Bangkok
A vibrant evening market where you can savor fresh seafood cooked on boats and witness enchanting firefly displays along the canal.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Market is most vibrant and active
Amphawa Floating Market Bangkok
Best Time
Market is most vibrant and active

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant evening market where you can savor fresh seafood cooked on boats and witness enchanting firefly displays along the canal.
"Amphawa offers a more authentic Thai experience with delicious food and magical firefly tours, especially on weekends."
🎯 Ask Prices Before Ordering
To avoid being overcharged, always confirm prices before you order food or buy souvenirs.
🚌 Use Minivans for Transport
Minivans are the easiest and most affordable way to get to Amphawa from Bangkok. Ask locals for the departure point.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Seafood Cooked on Boats
Along the canal
Savor freshly grilled seafood and local delicacies prepared right on wooden boats. A true culinary adventure!
Firefly Watching Tours
Canal boats
Experience the enchanting glow of fireflies on a serene evening boat ride. A magical spectacle not to be missed.

Local Crafts and Souvenirs
Market stalls
Browse unique handmade crafts, local snacks, and traditional Thai goods. Perfect for finding authentic souvenirs.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Market: Avoid Tourist Traps
Timing is Everything for Amphawa
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ask Prices Before Ordering
To avoid being overcharged, always confirm prices before you order food or buy souvenirs.
🚌 Use Minivans for Transport
Minivans are the easiest and most affordable way to get to Amphawa from Bangkok. Ask locals for the departure point.
🌙 Stay for the Fireflies
The evening atmosphere is magical, especially with the firefly tours. It's worth staying after dark!
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Boats
While the boats are iconic, explore the charming shops and temples along the canal for a fuller experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ask Prices Before Ordering
To avoid being overcharged, always confirm prices before you order food or buy souvenirs.
🚌 Use Minivans for Transport
Minivans are the easiest and most affordable way to get to Amphawa from Bangkok. Ask locals for the departure point.
🌙 Stay for the Fireflies
The evening atmosphere is magical, especially with the firefly tours. It's worth staying after dark!
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Boats
While the boats are iconic, explore the charming shops and temples along the canal for a fuller experience.
🚫 Beware of Scams
Some drivers may try to take you to less authentic or more expensive markets. Stick to Amphawa for a better experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Amphawa Floating Market offers a vibrant evening experience with delicious street food cooked on boats and a charming canal-side atmosphere. While it's a popular tourist spot, it's generally considered more authentic than other markets. The firefly tours are a magical highlight, but be mindful of potential scams and confirm prices.
"A very famous floating market on the Maeklong River. I thought the food was good and reasonably priced, but my Thai friend who went with me said that everything there has gotten a lot more expensive. Boat tours and homestays are popular."
K S
"Sightseeing spot for dat trip from Bangkok
you will meet the shops for local foods along the river
The price is very reasonable, lots of old and rare food stuffs and you can help buying from the locals too. Dont forget to try coconut and palm juice called Nam Tan Sod,
you can take a boat trip to visit 5 temples
for only 50 THB
and sure you will gain a lot of experience and impression like me"
Bikka UkiUki
"Parking? Oh yes—plenty of it! Inside and outside the temple, because Buddha believes in convenience. Only 30–40 baht to leave your chariot there and strut a short distance to the market like a local hero.
The market? A paradise of snacks and souvenirs. And guess what? The prices won’t make your wallet cry like they do for unsuspecting tourists—finally, justice!
The vibe? Absolutely charming. Think cozy canal-side house, but with more noodles and fewer mosquitos (okay, maybe a few mosquitos—it's authentic, alright?).
Now, there was this one restaurant we walked by. The staff stared deep into our souls and practically telepathically said, “Sit here or never know peace.” So naturally, we kept walking in pure petty defiance.
Fast forward: we landed at the last restaurant. And oh boy, jackpot. The view? Chef’s kiss. At 6:30, fireflies appeared like nature’s version of fairy lights. The sunset? Straight out of a romance movie. The sky? Instagram couldn’t handle it. And the fireflies? Sparkling like someone spilled Christmas all over the river.
10/10 would ignore pushy restaurants again."
Harvey Creed
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended way is by minivan. Look for minivans heading to Mae Klong or Amphawa from major bus terminals like Ekkamai, Mochit, or the Southern Bus Terminal. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Some vans depart from across the Bangkok Bank near Amphawa.
While taxis are available, they can be more expensive and some drivers might try to take you to less authentic markets. It's generally advised to use public transport like minivans for a more reliable and affordable trip.
Yes, you can take a bus to Samut Songkhram Bus Terminal, which is near Amphawa. From there, you can take a local Songthaew (shared taxi) to the market. Minivans are often more direct and frequent.
The travel time from Bangkok to Amphawa Floating Market is typically around 1.5 to 2 hours by minivan, depending on traffic conditions.
Yes, many tour operators in Bangkok offer day trips to Amphawa, often combined with the Maeklong Railway Market. This can be convenient but may be more expensive than DIY travel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Amphawa Floating Market itself is free. You only pay for the food, drinks, souvenirs, or boat tours you purchase within the market.
Amphawa is primarily an afternoon and evening market. It typically opens around 4 PM and stays lively until about 9 PM or later, especially on weekends.
Amphawa Floating Market is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It is most vibrant on these days, with fewer vendors and a quieter atmosphere on weekdays.
Yes, there is a fee for the firefly boat tours. Prices can vary, so it's a good idea to inquire with different boat operators before you go.
While the market itself is free to enter, be mindful of potential overcharging by some vendors. Always confirm prices for food and goods before purchasing to avoid unexpected costs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a fantastic array of local Thai street food, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood grilled on boats. Expect dishes like grilled prawns, squid, fish, as well as noodles, curries, and sweet treats.
While seafood is dominant, you can find some vegetarian options like stir-fried noodles, spring rolls, and fruit. It's best to ask vendors if they can prepare dishes without meat or fish.
Prices are generally reasonable, especially compared to tourist traps. Seafood dishes might range from 100-300 THB, while snacks and smaller items are much cheaper. Always confirm prices.
Yes, many vendors cook and serve food directly from their boats. You can often buy food from a boat and eat at small tables set up along the canal banks.
Don't miss the grilled seafood like prawns and squid. Also, try local desserts, mango sticky rice, and various noodle dishes. The variety is part of the fun!
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon and early evening offer the best light for photography, with the golden hour casting a beautiful glow. The market becomes even more atmospheric after dark with the lights and fireflies.
The canal itself, with boats selling food and goods, is the main subject. Look for interesting angles from the bridges, the canal banks, and during the firefly tours for unique shots.
Crowds can make photography challenging, especially around popular food boats. Be patient, use a wider lens if possible, and try to capture candid moments.
Yes, most vendors are happy for you to take photos, especially if you are purchasing something. A smile and a polite gesture go a long way.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for general shots. For low-light and fireflies, a camera with good low-light performance and a tripod or stable surface would be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Getting to Amphawa: The Savvy Traveler's Guide
Some travelers also mention that vans can be found departing from across the Bangkok Bank near the Amphawa floating markets themselves, which is convenient for your return trip. If you opt for a bus, you can head to the Samut Songkhram Bus Terminal and then take a local Songthaew (a shared pick-up truck taxi) to the market. While taxis are an option, they are generally more expensive and there's a risk of drivers taking you to less authentic markets, so public transport is often preferred by savvy travelers.
The Amphawa Experience: More Than Just Boats
As dusk settles, Amphawa transforms into an enchanting spectacle. The market is renowned for its firefly tours, where you can take a small boat along the canals to witness thousands of fireflies illuminating the trees. This is a truly magical experience that many visitors rave about and is a highlight of staying overnight. The market is also a great place to sample authentic Thai street food, with vendors cooking up a storm right on their boats. From grilled seafood to local desserts, your taste buds are in for a treat.
Avoiding Scams and Getting the Best Value
While Amphawa is generally considered more authentic than some other markets, it's still a popular tourist destination. By being informed and asking questions, you can ensure you get the best value for your money and have a genuine experience. The market is best enjoyed on weekends, and staying overnight allows you to experience its full charm, including the firefly tours, without feeling rushed.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit