You’ve probably seen the Instagram shots of wooden boats bobbing under flickering lanterns as the sun dips below the horizon. What Instagram misses is the scent of sizzling street food floating in the warm night air and the sounds of hawkers drawing you toward their stalls. Thailand’s night markets have a special kind of magic, and few capture it better than Amphawa Floating Market outside Bangkok.
Amphawa prides itself on retaining its authentic charm compared to more tourist-oriented markets in the country. Sitting on the Amphawa Canal, its stilted wooden buildings and walkways line a bustling waterfront. While you can explore on foot, many tourists hop on a boat to soak up the unique atmosphere and the experience of buying food and souvenirs from floating vendors and waterside stalls.
This market is a street food lover’s dream. You can find mouthwatering local delicacies, from tropical fruits and the famous mango sticky rice to grilled seafood and steaming tom yum soup. Between bites, Amphawa is a great place to shop for local handicrafts, though make sure you know this rule before buying souvenirs in Thailand! Certain items will do more than just raise a few eyebrows at customs.
Tips for visiting Amphawa Floating Market
