Thailand's Colorful Floating Market Near Bangkok Is A Delicious Nighttime Tourist Attraction

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.

There are a couple of things to bear in mind when visiting Amphawa Floating Market. One is that cash is king, with many vendors not accepting card payments, so come prepared. Another is that you don't have to accept the first price you're offered, and you're welcome to bargain with stallholders. Just remember to keep it friendly and respectful — if you're nervous about haggling, read up on Rick Steves' expert bargaining tips.

The market doesn't get going until early afternoon, and the best time to visit is between 6 and 8 p.m. You'll get to witness the river bathed in the gentle light of the setting sun and then enjoy the lively nighttime atmosphere. The market is roughly an hour and a half drive southwest of Bangkok, and there are several ways to get there. The cheapest is by public minibus from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal — the 90-minute drive costs around $2. Alternatively, you can take a taxi for less than $25 round-trip or join one of the many tours that leave from Bangkok.

The advantage of taking a tour is that you'll likely do more than just visit Amphawa Market. Many stop at the neighboring Maeklong Railway Market, a must-see spot that's also considered the most dangerous market in the world because of the proximity of the stalls to the train tracks. Some tours also include a boat ride to see the fireflies nearby, which past visitors strongly recommend adding on as a wonderful end to your trip.