Discover Amphawa Floating Market and Magical Firefly Boat Rides
Do you love being outdoors and want something to do outside Bangkok? Then a trip to Amphawa district to visit the area’s charming floating market comes highly recommended. The Amphawa floating market ranks as the second most popular market of this type near Bangkok. However, many locals visit to enjoy an evening boat ride under firefly-filled tree canopies along the canals.
Visitors to Amphawa are almost entirely Thai. Furthermore, the evening boat rides have a reputation for being romantic and nostalgic. Therefore, they remind many locals of a simpler time in history.
Customer feedback – “At night going to see the fireflies is a must! The best time to go is during the wet season, that is when there are the most of them in the trees.”
UNESCO Recognition for Cultural Heritage
In 2008, the Khlong Amphawa community received an Honorable Mention Award from the UNESCO Asia–Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation. They earned this recognition because of their efforts to preserve local culture and buildings along the canals.
The preservation efforts become clear as you walk along areas of wood-framed buildings, small dockside shops, and small pedestrian bridges and alleyways. Additionally, the community is home to many old and large trees. These same trees attract colonies of fireflies as they flicker and sparkle against the canal waters.
What You’ll Experience on the Firefly Evening Boat Ride
During your firefly boat ride in Amphawa, you’ll see many exciting sights:
- The popular and charming Amphawa floating market
- Canal life of locals going about their daily routines
- Tasty Amphawa district sweets and desserts
- Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram, a popular temple among Thais
- Fresh Tom Yum soup made with river prawns
- Coconut ice cream topped with fresh coconut shavings and peanuts
Customer feedback – “It’s a nice ride in a long tail boat along the river to see the wonderful naturally lit fireflies. Some trees can really be brightened up by these fireflies.”
Making the Most of Your Visit
Visitors who plan to enjoy a boat ride to see the fireflies usually want to explore the market first. Therefore, spend time enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of the Amphawa floating market before getting on the boat. The stalls run alongside the canal and make a great place to take a coffee break.
Moreover, you can try a Thai dessert and enjoy the cool evening atmosphere. Your private tour guide can tell you the best time for the boat ride. Consequently, you need not worry about enjoying the market and surroundings at your own relaxed pace.
The Fireflies Boat Ride in Amphawa can be enjoyed on any evening, 1 hour after sundown. Boat rides begin around 6:00 pm from the dock area of the little Amphawa floating market. Usually, the fireflies are present throughout the year but are more active during Thailand’s rainy season, from May to October. A moonless night, when it is almost or completely dark, is an excellent time for viewing the fireflies.
Admission Price: 1,500 Baht per GROUP up to 6 people.
Other attractions that can be easily arranged along with the Fireflies Boat Ride include our Wat Bang Kung and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market tours. Visit this attraction on our Thailand Royal Coast Experience tour.
Things you should be aware of when booking the Fireflies Boat Ride in Amphawa tour:
- Comfortable shoes and clothing are highly recommended.
- Photography is highly encouraged along every part of this tour.
- Bring your appetite and your sense of adventure.
