Exploring Amphoe Amphawa District can be more than just the famous Floating Market and Train Market. The area is full of rich heritage and beauty.
Take a ride along the the road that follows the Mae Klong river, and you are suddenly finding yourself amoung tall coconut and banana trees, where locals make a living from farming.
As you delve deeper into this less traveled road, you will find some amazing Buddhist temples, and also a Christian Church that could see the backdrop being anywhere in Europe and not southeast Asia.
Amphoe Amphawa, or Amphawa District, holds a significant place in Thai history dating from the Ayutthaya period to the early Rattanakosin period.
Amphawa started life as a small agricultural and trading community, named Khwaeng Bang Chang. Back then the bustling market existed as it does now, owned by a member of a prominent family. As the years passed, King Rama the first married a local of the District, making her immediate relatives members of the royal line by virtue of their familial link.
Until the reign of King Rama IV, the district was often colloquially referred to in relation to the royal palace, with Thais calling the district Suan Nok (or “Outside Garden”), as opposed to Suan Nai (or “Inside Garden”) – a term for the Bangkok-based royal palace.
The district itself is located slightly inland at the northwestern tip of the Bay of Bangkok.
The train market is one of the largest fresh produce and seafood markets in Thailand, and is centered around the Maeklong Railway’s track. Visiting this market for the first time, you will be immersed in the culture of years gone by.
This is no common market where you see the same items regurgitated over and over again, this is an authentic food market that exists for the Thai people, and welcomes farang visitors.
Amphawa is only a ten minute ride from Maeklong.
You can catch a songthaew which are located at the main junction in Maeklong and the journey costs less than 10 baht each way.
Amphawa floating Markets located on the Mae Klong River is one of the most popular floating markets near Bangkok. One of the big drawcards for the markets is of course the opportunity to eat seafood grilled on wooden boats moored around the famous narrow bridge.
Tucking into the seafood is a must, with a huge array of prawns, shellfish and squid available from noon until late into the evening.
There are many restaurants available along the river, with many featuring balconies allowing you to take in the sights and smells of the bustling market.
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