Amphawa Floating Market & Firefly Half-Day Tour
- A charming tourist destination located just 2 hours from Bangkok.
- Enjoy the tour with a Korean-speaking Thai guide who provides insightful commentary.
- Indulge in delicious food and shopping at the Amphawa Market, which is open only on weekends (Fri, Sat, Sun).
- Experience a romantic moment while watching the sparkling fireflies on a boat tour.
Product Info
Purchase Notice
- Children under 2 years old are free of charge. However, seats may not be provided in case of large groups.
- This product can be departed with a minimum of 4 people. If the minimum number of people is not met up to the day before departure, it may be cancelled. If departure is not possible, we will contact you individually to inform you of the schedule change/cancellation.
- If you are late, you will be considered a no-show and cannot be changed, cancelled, or refunded. Please arrive early so that you are not late for the meeting time.
- This tour is a join tour, so you cannot bring carriers, strollers, or wheelchairs. Please keep in mind that if you do, you will not be able to participate in the tour.
- The tour will proceed even if it rains. Even if the tour is difficult to proceed due to rain, the tour fee is not refundable. *If you cannot board the boat due to rain, the boat fee is refundable.
- Tour ending time and schedule may change depending on the tour circumstances on the day.
- Please be especially careful about losing valuables and cash, as well as personal safety accidents. We inform you in advance that we are not responsible for the loss of valuables, regardless of the reason.
Reminders
A minimum of 4 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 1 day(s) before the departure date
FAQ
1. How does Amphawa Floating Market differ from regular markets, and what makes it unique?
The main difference of Amphawa Floating Market lies in its 'on-water' trading characteristic. Vendors sell various goods from their boats, and visitors can shop while sitting by the riverside eateries or by boarding a boat to navigate through the market. It preserves a more traditional and authentic Thai waterside living style. Compared to land-based markets, it offers a more relaxed and unique cultural atmosphere.
2. Among Thailand's many floating markets, what unique charms or cultural features does Amphawa Floating Market possess?
Amphawa Floating Market is renowned for its evening and night charm, operating primarily on weekends. It's not just a place for shopping and enjoying food, but also retains a strong local community life atmosphere. Visitors can savor freshly grilled seafood and traditional Thai desserts, and take a boat trip at night to see fireflies, experiencing a unique blend of nature and culture.
3. What is the historical background of Amphawa Floating Market?
Amphawa Floating Market has a long history, with its origins dating back to the 17th century when it served as a center for local residents to trade and socialize. It has witnessed the changes in the lifestyle of the local waterside communities and has gradually transformed into a popular cultural tourist attraction in recent years, while still striving to preserve its traditional market style and community spirit.
4. On which river is Amphawa Floating Market primarily located?
Amphawa Floating Market is situated in Samut Songkhram Province in central Thailand, developing mainly along the banks of the Amphawa Canal (Khlong Amphawa). This canal connects to the Mae Klong River and is an important waterway for the traditional waterside life and trade of the local residents, playing a crucial role in the market's formation and development.
5. What local signature activities can be experienced on a trip to Amphawa Floating Market?
On a trip to Amphawa Floating Market, you can sample a wide variety of authentic Thai snacks and fresh seafood, and experience the lively market atmosphere. In the evening, you can take a unique firefly boat tour, searching for flickering lights amidst the mangrove forests on both banks, enjoying a romantic natural experience. You can also visit temples and traditional wooden houses along the river.
6. What are the operating hours of Amphawa Floating Market?
Amphawa Floating Market operates mainly on weekends, specifically from Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons through the evening. It is recommended that visitors go in the afternoon to fully experience the lively daytime market atmosphere and then wait to see fireflies in the evening, experiencing the market's different moods from day to night.
7. What are the transportation options from Bangkok city to Amphawa Floating Market?
There are several transportation options from Bangkok city to Amphawa Floating Market. The most common are minivans (Van) or taxis. For greater convenience, you can opt for a private car charter or join a local day tour, which includes dedicated transportation and often guided explanations, saving you the trouble of planning your own route.
8. What is the best time to view fireflies on the Amphawa firefly boat tour?
The best time to view fireflies on the Amphawa firefly boat tour is usually after dusk, around 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM after sunset. On clear nights without much moonlight, it's easier to see clusters of fireflies twinkling in the mangrove forests along both banks, creating a romantic and enchanting natural spectacle. This is a very popular nighttime activity.
