Amphawa

If you want to experience the idyllic country life in central Thailand, you should visit the small town of Amphawa, 60 kilometers west of Bangkok. A trip back in time towards when the modernization of Thailand was still a long way off.

At the floating market in Amphawa you can immerse yourself in the everyday life of the locals and try a wide range of local specialties. Fiery hot curries are prepared on wobbly boats and freshly caught mackerel is grilled. Old-fashioned cafes and small restaurants line the banks and colorful stalls sell fruit and vegetables in all shapes and sizes, most of which come straight from the seller's gardens. Sweets such as Kanom Wongthong, Thai donuts or Khanom Alua, a dessert made from flour, coconut milk and sugar, are particularly popular among locals and visitors.

Old wooden houses along the Amphawa Canal give an insight into the humble life of the people in the community on the river. UNESCO has awarded the district for its efforts to preserve culture. You have the feeling that time stands still.

In addition to the floating market, Amphawa also scores with its picturesque river landscape, the relaxed atmosphere, the opportunity to watch fireflies from the boat and a very special tradition, the Buddhist alms-giving ceremony on the boat. Monks in their saffron-colored robes paddle along the river while the people at the water's edge hand them alms. Amphawa is one of the few towns that still maintains this riverside tradition to this day.

The best time to visit Amphawa

The climate in Amphawa is similar to that of Bangkok, with slightly smaller temperature fluctuations. The best travel time is from November to February. The floating market is only open from Friday to Sunday, which is why a visit on the weekend is recommended.

Eating in Amphawa

Dishes and all kinds of snacks are traditionally served from boats at the floating market. Amphawa also offers noodle restaurants, where you can taste different types of noodle for little money, especially interesting is that you can sit on benches on the riverbank and dangle your legs over the water.

Amphawa is also known for its river prawns from the nearby Mae Klong River, these prawns are larger than those from the sea and are often served grilled. A variety of restaurants, in every price range, can be found on the riverside. Since the sea is not far away, seafood and fish are also on the menu.

Asiaventura's recommendation:

Try something swee*t: Sweets such as Kanom Wongthong, Thai donuts or Khanom Alua, a dessert made from flour, coconut milk and sugar, are particularly popular with locals and visitors.