As many important rivers flow through the center of Thailand and to the sea, they have affected central Thai lifestyle since long before recorded history. Previously, many central-Thai people built their communities by the rivers because they needed to use water in their daily life. The rivers are also a means of transportation. Nowadays, we can see and appreciate the remaining essence of old traditional Thai Lifestyle at the canal floating markets at Amphawa district, Samut Songkhram Province.

Amphawa Floating Market is one of the famous attractions of Samut Songkhram province and provides many activities for travelers especially on weekends. A great way to start your day is to make merit by giving alms, like many Thai people do. In the early morning, just after sunrise, people wake and prepare their offerings then wait for the monks. The sun reflects from the water and makes the yellow robe of the monks glow. On the still calm canal a boat slowly moves along and stops by each house. The people will then modestly add their precious offerings into the black alms-bowls. 

Afterwards, to get an impression in the peace before the time of market opening, let’s take a little walk around the simple old style wooden houses and find something delicious to eat for breakfast. When sun is a little higher and almost reaches its zenith, many merchants and villagers gradually paddle their boats containing various goods along the canal. Visitors can also catch a boat and, just like in the past, visit a floating market place and experience the traditional Thai Lifestyle at Amphawa Floating Market.

If you are not in a boat, you can walk along the wooden bridge on the waterside and enjoy picking through many different goods.  There is luscious local food such as rice noodle with curry, Thai desserts and sweets, grilled fresh seafood, and many other delicacies. There are also a variety of hand-made souvenirs that are popular with the tourists who visit here.

When the day is done and the night has fallen, one of the popular activities for tourists is firefly watching from a boat. Thousands of fireflies sparkling above the surface of the river is a very romantic scene. The little lights twinkle in the cool clear night air especially during the time of the waning moon during the rainy season.

Even though it is crowded on the path and with boat traffic on the river, all travelers are having fun with shopping and looking. People are taking pictures, selling and buying goods, tasting many Thai foods, and peacefully drinking Thai beverages. Looking at the pictures, you will see that each shot contains a story of Amphawa Floating Market, giving you the sense of traditional Thai villagers living close to the rim of river.  It is a wonderful experience for anyone looking for a sense of traditional Thai lifestyle and with a morning to spare.