I first went to Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram exactly five years ago. I went there for the annual Rama II Fair. This year it takes place on the weekend of 5th-6th February 2011. I have been back to Amphawa a few times since. I really like the floating market as it seems very authentic compared to the tourist trap at the nearby Damnoern Saduak. I also enjoyed the boat tour of the local river and temples.
Five years ago I didn’t see any foreigners at all and there was hardly anything about it on the Internet. Certainly not in English. Also at that time there was nothing in the guidebooks. Things have of course changed since then. Judging by chatter on the Internet there will most likely be more foreigners today. I think one of the things that many people like about it is that it is a late afternoon market. So, no need to wake up early. It is also only a weekend market.
This weekend I am going to go again, but this time I will be spending the night at a homestay by the river. I’m really looking forward to that as I have heard a lot of good things. However, I am worried that it may have become over commercialised with every other home becoming a homestay. There is certainly a lot of demand. The first four homestays that I called on Wednesday were already fully booked. I will be blogging about my weekend when I get back, but you can follow me live on Twitter @RichardBarrow.
I will be collecting new content for my Amphawa Floating Market website and also for the Samut Songkhram Map.
