Amphawa Market & Railway Ride: A Review & Guide From Bangkok

Visiting the Amphawa Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market is, like, very often at the top of people’s lists for day trips out of Bangkok. It’s almost that you get two unique experiences in one trip, plus this enchanting firefly boat tour to cap off the day, which really makes it feel very special. That said, is it really worth the hype? Let’s have a look at what awaits you and what you should expect so you can get the best out of it.

What Makes Amphawa Floating Market Special

Amphawa is, like, very different from your average tourist spot, you know? So, it’s a more relaxed, really kind of local affair than, say, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. In a way, Amphawa has kept a certain charm because it’s much more visited by Thais. Too, it’s open in the late afternoons and evenings, which really gives it a totally different vibe than those markets which cater primarily to the morning crowd. So, imagine wandering along the canals, with all those old wooden houses lit up, trying the endless street eats available – that really is the soul of Amphawa. Like your average floating market, boats here sell a huge selection of delicious treats straight from the water; that, however, might not be the main draw for Amphawa. What makes this location genuinely remarkable is actually the riverside atmosphere that is inviting and convivial, which is just nice.

Also, one thing that many visitors appreciate is that there are no overly aggressive touts here pushing for sales. Most people you’ll meet are locals who visit, or those selling food items, or trinkets along the riverfront shops, so, too, that gives a feel of genuine thai culture. You might find boat tours running constantly, that’s what makes a trip on the canals just a bit more lively.

The Maeklong Railway Market: A Close Shave

Okay, you’ve probably seen this place in travel documentaries; it’s almost a market sprawled right across a working railway line. The vendors set up their stalls very close to the tracks, selling everything from veggies to souvenirs. Very, very often visitors plan to visit the market according to train schedule, which is something to do if you have some time. So, the exciting bit is really seeing how fast the vendors pack up everything the instant they hear that train coming. It’s, like, rather a spectacle. Then the train chugs past, sometimes only inches from the produce, and within minutes of the train’s passing, they set it all up again. That, too, demonstrates the resilience and the adaptability of the Thai people.

Too, it is super important to arrive in advance of the scheduled time. If you intend to witness the action up close, so that you’re properly positioned to enjoy this rather insane market. You know, because the market is literally ON a train track, it is super easy to locate, very centrally. If you get lost – which you won’t – you can ask virtually anyone local, that works. Also, be mindful of the announcements. I am saying that because you don’t want to be run over.

The Firefly Boat Ride: A Magical End to Your Day

As the sun goes down, it’s almost time for this very special activity: taking a boat ride to watch the fireflies. The boats typically go further down the river and just slightly outside the town where, hopefully, you’ll find less light, and the fireflies will really pop against the darkness. It’s, like, magical to sit there, and glide along, witnessing hundreds of these little glowing bugs lighting up the trees by the riverside. Too, you won’t forget this – it adds a layer of wonder to your whole experience at Amphawa.

So, too, it’s quite romantic, is that so many couples come down just for the boat trip. Typically you won’t want to take a camera since the low lighting really makes any photo quite grainy and blurry. Anyway, it’s better if you just take it all in and experience the charm first hand, it’s nearly like an otherworldly performance.

Getting There: Bangkok to Amphawa & Maeklong

Getting from Bangkok to these markets, is, like, a bit of an expedition, that. You’ve got several choices: very organized tours, private taxis, or public transport.

Organized Tours: Like your standard, there’s loads of tour companies in Bangkok that run day trips, it’s almost as though they take care of all of the travel details, and will pack in the railway market, the floating market and probably that firefly boat trip all in the package. If you don’t like to make choices yourself or spend the entire time online before your holiday working out an itinerary, this, basically, is probably the simplest and best approach. But this way is naturally not really free.

Private Taxi: So, hiring a taxi offers much more flexibility, in some respects. You might set your agenda, quit one site if you do not find it particularly compelling, then go on to another. Obviously it does cost a bit more as compared to public transport, though is clearly not as wallet-busting as tour groups can often be, but still may be suitable if there’s two or three people taking the same cab.

Public Transport: Basically, this would involve taking a bus from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai). So, buses run pretty regularly to both Maeklong and Amphawa, yet this will require slightly more walking from each site; the trade-off however is an incredibly affordable fare. You may see the authentic parts of Thailand by doing this, which is a plus, right?

What to Eat at Amphawa

The street food at Amphawa is, like, a total foodie adventure, alright? You could eat, I mean, you could *really* eat for a couple days here without repeating food – there’s all kinds of fantastic Thai eats awaiting the curious palate, and a bunch you might not even have heard of. As I was saying, you really must try the seafood; the grilled prawns and squid really is caught that morning. So, too, sample the local sweets like Khanom Krok (coconut pancakes) that come fresh from the vendors that line the waterways.

I want to emphasize though, it is better if you come down *not* full, because so many delights can often make a casual passerby gluttonous if they aren’t cautious. But it isn’t merely the taste; its the experience of getting that wonderful stuff along that riverside, really taking it all in – the environment along with the cuisine makes Amphawa so unique. One important word of warning; be mindful of things like allergies and cleanliness, yet, really, you will probably find this just amazing and wonderful!

Tips for Your Visit

Go on a Weekday: The market gets super crowded on weekends. So, visiting during the week is way better if you’re trying to dodge that crowd and experience it in, I want to say, a somewhat quieter form.

Bargain Respectfully: It’s part of the culture, very. But that said, do it with a smile and respect. The vendors always will be willing to come down a little on prices. You, like your vendors, should have a enjoyable exchange.

Dress Comfortably: The weather will tend to be warm and humid, almost. So, that said, loose, light clothes make all the difference, not to mention comfy shoes that may resist moisture if visiting on a particularly bad day, for example one with an extremely humid climate.

Stay Hydrated: Just slightly always carry water and maybe sip consistently to remain comfy for your journey. I mean, seriously, Thailand’s weather can sometimes catch up to you so stay sharp! Very seriously.

Respect Local Customs: Do wear conservatively in the event of stopping at any temples during the journey, so to speak, is respectful of their beliefs and cultural practices.

Book Firefly Boat Trip in Advance: So, because these popular rides might get booked quite rapidly (since that is typically the climax of daytrips to these areas) you will have a spot, and ensure that things will go as smooth as humanly achievable.

So, really, spending a day at the Amphawa Floating Market with the Maeklong Railway Market combined with a firefly boat ride is an experience that will stick with you. Very magical memories await to get woven together as you soak everything in; be careful in advance, be clever with trip choices. Take pleasure in all of it, is all I am saying!