Post 366: Amphawa Floating Market, Samut Songkram, Thailand

In Samut Songkram, I found a hotel that I can honestly say, I love. It's name is 'The Legend Maeklong', an old colonial building that sits on the banks of the river. In the grounds are four traditional stilted buildings ... stylish, classy and comfortable. It's family owned and the family take great care of their guests .. nothing is too much trouble. It costs a little more than I'd normally pay, but it's still an awful lot cheaper than a mid-week room at 'Motel 6' in the USA. This is a special weekend. Since returning to Thailand, my friend Nongnoo hasn't been feeling well. At first we thought that it was just a bug from the waters in Lak Si. Everybody here was sick to a certain degree, it's the nature of flooding and its aftermath. But, things didn't improve and the antibiotics didn't seem to help. Finally it was a trip to hospital where several medical tests were carried out. The first test results returned positive, but positive in a very negative way. More tests have been done and we await the results ... and waiting isn't  easy ... so we took the break to Samut Songkram and treated ourselves to a little luxury.....     

From the Hotel, a long-tail boat takes us along the water for about thirty minutes. The banks are a hive of activity, vibrant and teaming with life. We head to Talad Yan Yen Amphawan, the less famous Thai floating market...... 

The Amphawa market takes place in the afternoons of Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It's less famous and much nicer than the touristy floating market at Damnuen Saduak. Walk down both sides of the river on wooden platforms with no safety rails. Buy fresh food from the vendors on the small boats and eat until your hearts content. The vendors will not speak English, but that doesn't really matter .... you can see everything that's on sale and 'pointing' is a universal signal ....

The market sells mostly fresh and cooked food from the small wooden boats and clothing from the stalls on the banks. But really, it's not about what the market sells, but more about the experience. It's impossible not to like this place .... It has changed over the years but still reflects a side of Thai life that's been lost in the development of other markets. I hope that Starbucks stay away .... but we will see .... mai pen rai kap