Amphawa Floating Market: evening market and fireflies from Bangkok

Updated on October 5, 2026

Amphawa Floating Market sits on a canal in Samut Songkhram province, about 80 km south-west of Bangkok. Unlike Damnoen Saduak, it mostly opens from Friday to Sunday, from the afternoon into the evening, and draws a largely Thai crowd: people come to eat grilled seafood on the banks while kitchen boats move along the water. In the evening, boats set out to watch fireflies in the mangroves. The place is very busy at weekends; a Friday late afternoon is far calmer. Allow a long half-day from Bangkok, or an overnight stay so you can enjoy the evening without worrying about the last minivan.

Highlights

The canal and its kitchen boats

At the heart of the market, the canal is lined with wooden houses, stilted terraces and landings. Boats fitted with a small stove serve grilled food and noodles, which you eat sitting on the steps at the water's edge. The best moment is when the light drops in the late afternoon.

The long-tail boats

Motorboats with blue or colourful roofs carry visitors along the canal and out to the quieter stretches. A crossing over the canal gives a view straight down on the boat traffic, without paying for a ride.

The bridges and the town

The market spreads on both sides of a bridge, at the foot of which the boats stop. Walking up the canal you find craft shops, coconut-sweet stalls and the old houses that give the town its character.

The firefly boat trip

After dark, boats leave from the market's landings and follow the river to the banks where fireflies gather in the trees. Departures are in groups, often around 7pm; the price is per person, paid at the landings, and it is worth comparing two or three offers. The trip lasts about an hour; do not shine a torch on the trees, which disturbs the insects.

Wat Bang Kung

This temple, a few kilometres from the market, is known for its old ordination hall (ubosot) completely wrapped in banyan roots. The site is modest and very photogenic; allow a little under an hour including the journey. Cover shoulders and knees.

The King Rama II Memorial Park

Amphawa is the birthplace of King Rama II, the second ruler of the Chakri dynasty. The park dedicated to him, beside the canal, gathers traditional Thai houses and a small museum: a quiet visit, best done in the early afternoon before the crowds arrive.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Arrive between 3pm and 4pm: you will enjoy the market before the evening crush and see the stalls being set up. Compare firefly boats and meals as soon as you arrive; do not pre-pay a package with a driver who waits for you. Many items are sold in portions for a few dozen baht: taste several rather than one big dish. Grilled seafood is expensive compared with the rest: ask the price by weight before the vendor starts cooking. The market is narrow and packed on Saturday evening: watch your pockets and bags. Hours and prices change from season to season: check before you go. On the same weekend, the Maeklong Railway Market is a morning visit, and the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which is more touristy, is also a morning visit. To compare the three, see our guide to the floating markets near Bangkok.

How to get there

From Bangkok, the simplest option is a minivan from Victory Monument (BTS Victory Monument) to Samut Songkhram, then a songthaew or taxi to Amphawa; the journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Buses also leave from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) for Samut Songkhram. By taxi or car with driver, allow 1.5 hours on the road: for a group, it is a good compromise. The Maeklong Railway Market is about ten kilometres away: a songthaew links the two. To return in the evening, check the time of the last minivan; otherwise stay overnight (many guesthouses on the canal, to book ahead at weekends). Address: Amphawa, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram province 75110.