Traditional floating market a big draw

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AMPHAWA floating market is a Made-in-Thailand slice of life, still with its original flavour for all to savour.

The market has retained much of its authenticity, at least for now.

Travellers usually flock to the much more famous floating market in Damnoen Saduak, immortalised in picture-perfect postcards.

But people would readily testify that it has become touristy where boats there sell fake LV bags and the usual run-of-the-mill souvenirs.

Life on the river: A typical scene from Amphawa.

Not so in Amphawa.

“I like coming here. This place is so much more authentic,” said Vera M, a 30-something Malaysian homemaker who has been living in Thailand for the past three years. Damnoen Saduak, to her, is just another tourist trap.

A banner strung up at Amphawa provided a proud reminder that the place was honoured with the 2008 Unesco Asia-Pacific Heritage Award, which recognised its efforts in protecting a part of Thai heritage, besides recognising the restoration work of the canal.

This floating market is patronised mostly by Thais. They sit on the steps leading to the river, enjoying their bowls of noodles prepared by female traders on the boats.

Snack time: The vendors have a wide array of tidbits to choose from.

Other vendors sell fruits and iced drinks to those seeking to quench their thirst on a sunny day.

Unlike Damnoen Saduak, which is a morning market, Amphawa comes alive in the evening during weekends.

It is a 90-minute car ride from the hustle-and-bustle of Bangkok. Get a taxi, negotiate the price (likely about RM150 for a return trip) and you are off for a great getaway. The driver would not mind a three to four-hour wait while you stroll around the market.

The Amphawa floating market is located in the Samut Songkhram province, which is about 70km south-west of Bangkok.

Making our way there one Saturday afternoon, we passed by man-made salt lakes.

Numerous stalls were seen on the roadside, set up by enterprising traders hawking packets of salt that were priced from 10 to 35 baht.

My buddies and I stopped by at Don Hoi Lot, a place where local Thais go for seafood.

There are countless restaurants there, so competition is stiff.

Even children are enlisted to help. They wear cute, colourful masks, beckoning potential customers to select their place.

Our seafood lunch for four adults cost about RM160.

At Amphawa, take your time to check out the rows of shops which sell locally-made hats, biscuits, rattan bags and other what-nots.

“Most of all, I like their desserts,” said Vera, who is often tempted by the wide selection of colourful, mouthwatering tidbits.

Thai massage is available, too. And amid the crowds and the noise, a violinist sits at a corner to entertain passers-by.

The sun can still be quite merciless though it is late afternoon. A number of local cafes there are arty and chic looking.

Patrons would laze on the wooden floors, where Thai cushions are spread all around.

“Amphawa is getting more popular,” Vera remarked, as traffic began to build up at about 5pm.

The sun would soon be going down, so most people prefer to come in late evening to avoid the heat.

Amphawa, indeed, is a hot attraction for the Thais.