The weekend evening market at Amphawa

About this experience

This trip does not go to Damnoen Saduak at all. It goes to Amphawa, about 25 km away in Samut Songkhram, a floating market that only opens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from the afternoon into the evening. TripGuru runs it with nine guests at most, from the G floor of MBK Center or with pickup. First comes Maeklong Railway Market for about 90 minutes, then an hour at Wat Bang Kung, a small temple swallowed by the roots of a banyan tree.

At Amphawa you get about two hours on the canal steps, where vendors grill river prawns and other seafood on boats, then a 90-minute boat ride after dark to look for fireflies in the riverside trees. Fireflies are best from May to October, according to Wikipedia's Amphawa article, so in the dry months you may see fewer. The trip lasts 8.5 to 11.5 hours depending on the option, ending with an 80-minute drive back.

Book it as a swap, not an add-on. If you're in Bangkok on a weekday, it isn't an option. If you want boats piled with fruit at 7am, the classic Damnoen Saduak trip is the one. Cover shoulders and knees for the temple.

• Amphawa, the weekend market Thai visitors go to
• A firefly boat ride after dark
• Wat Bang Kung, the temple in the banyan roots
• The Maeklong train market
• Nine guests at most

How the day runs

1. StartMeet at MBK Center

   G floor of MBK Center, or pickup if your option includes it.

2. About 1.5 hMaeklong Railway Market

   Walk the tracks and see the train pass through the stalls.

3. About 1 hWat Bang Kung

   A temple wrapped in the roots of a banyan tree. Cover shoulders and knees.

4. About 2 hAmphawa floating market

   Grilled seafood on the canal steps and the evening market.

5. About 1.5 hFirefly boat

   A boat out after dark along the river to see the fireflies.

6. About 80 minBack to Bangkok

   The van back to the city.

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Check the day before you book: the trip only runs Friday to Sunday.
• Go in the rainy season, May to October, for the most fireflies.
• Bring cash for grilled prawns at Amphawa, and mosquito repellent for the boat.
• Wear or pack clothes that cover shoulders and knees for Wat Bang Kung.
• Compare the two markets in our Amphawa vs Damnoen Saduak guide.

Read next:

• Amphawa vs Damnoen
• Train market combo

Frequently asked questions

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