You can’t visit Bangkok and not experience the wonder and beauty of the world famous floating markets. Long boats gliding by with bursts of colours from foods, flowers and more make for great photo opportunities, and watching the daily trade take place over the traditional vessel give you an insight into this Thai way of life. Damnoen Saduak is the most well-known floating market in the city; however, for a more authentic atmosphere, head over to the Amphawa Floating Market. The second most popular floating market close to Bangkok, where visitors are almost exclusively locals.
Located about 50m away from the bustling city, this small village draws a huge crowd of locals over the weekend who come here to dine from the numerous food stalls that stretch along the riverbanks. Getting to Amphawa can be tricky because of the distance but if you happen to be staying at a Luxury Hotel Bangkok can offer, like the Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok for example, transport can be arranged to take you to the market and back without any hassle.
The main draw here is tasting the delicious seafood from each wooden boat anchored around a central bridge, the irresistible aroma of grilled prawns, shellfish and squid drifting through the air from noon till late evening. Hungry customers sit on narrows steps leading to the water, eagerly awaiting their orders which are bought directly from the boats on tiny tables. Along the side of the canal are charming wooden shops that sell all kinds of sell Amphawa souvenirs and snacks from sweets like ice cream and fruits to the more interesting local dishes for the adventurous eater.
You can also hire one of the beautiful longtail boats and explore the surrounding canals and rivers, though not as impressive as the canals of Bangkok, it can be a welcome escape from the noise and heat of the markets. If you want to experience a typical Thai market without the crowds of tourists, then the Amphawa Floating Market is the place to be.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+