Understand

Experience the vibrant canal-side way of life in Amphawa, a delightful town nestled along the waterfront walkways of Amphawa Canal. This canal, which is a small tributary of the magnificent Mae Khlong River, serves as the heart of the community. Every weekend, Amphawa comes alive with the bustling Amphawa Floating Market, attracting both locals and tourists alike. Stroll along the canal's charming bridges and walkways, and immerse yourself in the old-world charm of the traditional wooden houses and shopfronts that line the water's edge. This enchanting town has a rich history, dating back to the Ayutthaya Period, and is even the birthplace of King Rama II. Visit the King Rama II Memorial Park, which stands on the probable site of the king's birth, and delve into the fascinating past of Amphawa.

Get in

Amphawa, a charming destination, is a popular choice for day trips from Bangkok. Most visitors secure their bookings through their hotels or local travel agents. If you prefer public transportation, you can take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal. However, be aware that you will need to switch to a songthaew or bus bound for Samut Songkhram first before transferring to one heading towards Amphawa. It is advisable to seek assistance from locals, as bus signage is in Thai, and songthaews do not have any signs at all. The journey from Samut Songkhram to Amphawa takes approximately 15 minutes, and it is easy to identify the correct stop. As of December 2014, some blue songthaews display "Amphawa" in English on their sides. They follow Road 325 for around 6km before turning left at a roundabout. The Amphawa market awaits just 500 meters away. If you decide to travel by car, parking may pose a challenge due to the high number of visitors.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Pad Thai: Pad Thai is a signature Thai dish consisting of stir-fried rice noodles with a uniquely balanced blend of sweet, sour, salty, and tangy flavors. It typically includes shrimp or chicken (though can be prepared with tofu for a vegetarian version), scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and is garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions. The dish is served with a side of som tam (green papaya salad) and mango sticky rice for a complete meal.

Tom Yum Goong: This spicy and aromatic soup is a beloved Thai classic that features a fragrant broth made from stock, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. It's packed with succulent prawns, mushrooms, tomatoes, and other vegetables, with optional additions like snakehead fish or even chicken. The dish is often garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkling of pepper.

Mango Sticky Rice: This iconic Thai dessert is a delightful combination of sweet, creamy mango and glutinous rice. The sticky rice is cooked in coconut milk and sugar until it achieves a chewy texture, then served alongside ripe, juicy mango slices. The dish is sometimes garnished with toasted coconut flakes or sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. It's typically enjoyed during the mango season (May to September) as a sumptuous, refreshing treat.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing