Thailand Floating Markets

Posted on September 18, 2010 by Mike

Floating market food seller

I was particularly pleased to see a recent Tourism Authority of Thailand(TAT) press release about the promotion of old markets and floating markets in the provinces of Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom and Samut Songkhram. It seems markets are becoming increasingly popular with tourists which has prompted the TAT promotion.

“TAT Samut Songkhram Office Director Ms Angkana Poompaka stated that old markets touring was the current trend among tourists to enjoy their days with shopping, sightseeing and senses of the old atmosphere.”

“These three provinces are full of floating and on-land markets which existed for 50-100 years. Local residents in each community still live in their own lifestyle based on the rivers passing by the provinces.”

Floating markets have been around in Thailand for centuries which I suppose is not surprising given the reliance the Thai people have placed on their internal waterways as a route for communication and commerce. A tradition that still continues to this day.

Sure there are floating markets around that have sprung up specifically for tourists, often lined with stalls selling tacky souvenirs, but there are still plenty of the genuine articles to be found.  Here you will find flat bottom craft being paddled by Thai  women,  in traditional market “uniforms” which include the large flat topped straw hat,  shaded by large umbrellas selling all manner of goods and food items. Here commerce comes first and tourism second.

Given that floating markets are in my opinion some of the most picturesque and photographed locations in Thailand I thought I might point you towards one of my favourites that I have visited and would certainly recommend. It also happens to be in the charming coastal province of Samut Songkhram that TAT is promoting.

Amphawa floating market is located just north of the town of Samut Songkhram. It is set on a canal(khlong) that branches off the mighty Mae Khlong River that enters the Gulf of Thailand to the south of the town.

Ttraders at a floating market in ThailandUnlike many floating markets Amphawa only operates in the evening,  it comes to life about 4.30pm when the waterway and the surrounding narrow alleys become jam packed with traders and shoppers. The waterfront walkways are often log jammed with bustling crowds which can make progress and taking photographs difficult.

There is a small elevated pedestrian bridge over the canal but unfortunately it does not offer the best vantage point for the keen photographer. A far better option in my opinion is to get out on the water in a small boat which can be hired for a few Baht.

Turning to Amphawa Floating Market Thailand

Finding your way to Amphawa floating market is not too difficult as it is clearly signposted from Highway 325 heading north.

Turn left onto route 6006 and follow the road over the canal bridge. There is plenty of parking nearby to the entrance(GPS: 13.42.44 and 99.95.68.93) for which a small charge is made.

Please note however that the small roads around the market do get very busy and traffic jams are frequent.


Opinion:

At the moment, Amphawa remains  relatively unknown  from a foreign tourist perspective.   It has a certain charm, its a bustling vibrant place, with all the sights, smells and sounds that you can only find in one of Thailand’s floating markets.

Related posts:

  1. Ayutthaya Floating Market
  2. Mahachai-Mae Klong Railway
  3. Unseen Thailand Trip
  4. Thailand Blogs Review 2010
  5. World Sugar Shortage Continues to Affect Thailand
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  • http://paulgarrigan.com/ Paul Garrigan

    Mike, I’ve lived in Thailand almost a decade and I’ve never been to a floating market. I will have to go some day. Last year when I went back home to Ireland there was this amazing mural in the airport. It was a picture of Dublin but the streets were flooded and had a Thai floating market in progress.

    • http://www.thailand-blogs.com Mike

      Paul I just think they are atmospheric and I enjoy the photography angle too. Dublin with a floating market, maybe the artist had one to many glasses of Guinness?

  • Malcolm

    Mike, can you believe –I’ve been here 6 years and have not been to a floating market , after your post and great pictures I’m putting it n my list of things to do soon . Malcolm

    • http://www.thailand-blogs.com Mike

      Malcolm I think if you chose carefully there are some excellent authentic floating markets. I like the photo opportunities, they are so colourful.

  • Camille

    Hi Mike,

    Great picture of the woman in the small boat selling the food. I would love to visit a floating market bit haven’t managed one yet. This seems like a good one. Thanks for the tip and the description on how to get there.

    • http://www.thailand-blogs.com Mike

      Camille when you head to Pattaya next its only a short detour off Highway 35 head towards Samut Songkhram, then take 325 out of town to the north.

      I would recommend a boat trip too, best 50 Baht I have spent.

  • http://tambon.blogspot.com/ MaewNam

    I doubt Amphawa floating market actually needs any more marketing by TAT. When I went there, it was already so crowded it was hard to walk along the row of shops. While foreigners are still rare there, this market has been featured in several English blogs and forums already, so it is no longer a secret one.

    I wonder why TAT did not include the names of the markets they want to promote. While Amphawa would be the easy guess, in Nakhon Pathom I only know the one at Don Wai and that one is also no secret for Thai visitors either – though it is more a riverside market, no sellers in boats. Samut Sakhon I have only driven through yet..

    • http://www.thailand-blogs.com Mike

      Andy what about the railway market at Samut Songkhram and the large fish market at Samut Sakhon? Could be in their plans, not secret to Thais either though.

      In fact the trains also come into the market at the latter too but not as dramatic as the former.

      There is some interesting stuff around the Tha Chin river in Samut Sakhon if you ever find yourself there. I know it quite well because Duen’s family live there.

  • http://www.thaisabai.org Martyn

    Mike I’ve always admired the header you put on this site, now I know where it came from. What a great photo.

    I’ve been to Damnoen Saduak’s Famous Floating Market in Ratchaburi Province and really enjoyed the experience. I think the colours grab you first, there’s so many different one’s and the whole scene is something you could imagine being just the same 50 years or more ago (without the tourists).

    I’m surprised Malcolm, Paul and Camille have never visited one of Thailand’s floating markets, I’d mark them down as being very near the top of anyone’s ‘must see’ list for Thailand.

    I know people knock Pattaya but their floating market is well worth a visit too. It’s more of a walk round, than a float the boat experience, but I thought for sin city it was a really good place to see, and it was free to get in.

    The best tip I’d give to anyone who is visiting one of Thailand’s floating markets for the first time is make sure your camera battery is well and truly charged up. You’ll regret it if it isn’t.

    • http://www.thailand-blogs.com Mike

      Martyn yes I was quite surprised that the boys hadn’t been to a floating market. I guess it depends on interests. Since I enjoy snapping away its a natural choice. The woman photo is actually taken at the Ayutthaya floating market and cultural show that I posted on last year. One of my better efforts.Photographs at Amphawa are more difficult due to lighting and density of crowds etc.

      PS I notice you are still top of the leader board 4/6 on to retain your title.

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