Easygoing Amphawa 1 Night 2 Days

"Hey, wanna go to Amphawa next Saturday? I found a hotel review," a message popped up on Facebook from a friend (male) who loves to travel and review hotels. "Where?" I typed back. "Villa Amphawa," his message bounced back. I quickly opened my web browser, went to Google, and typed in "Villa Amphawa." As soon as the search results popped up, I immediately replied, "Okay, let's go."

The allure of Amphawa: A haven for diverse experiences

The decision to visit Amphawa was driven by two compelling reasons. Firstly, Amphawa, a district in Samut Songkhram, has always held a special charm for me. Whether it's bustling with the vibrant market scene, offering a tranquil escape amidst nature, or providing a platform for spiritual reflection, Amphawa caters to every desire. Every trip to Amphawa has been a unique and enriching experience.

Secondly, the captivating images of Villa Amphawa that surfaced on Google captivated me with their sheer beauty. The allure of the villa, coupled with the inherent charm of Amphawa, made the decision to visit an easy one.

This trip, our group of three cars departed from Bangkok in the late afternoon, heading straight to our accommodation, Villa Amphawa. This relatively new addition to the Amphawa district stands out with its modern design, a stark contrast to the numerous homestays and guesthouses lining the canals near the floating market. Villa Amphawa is an excellent choice for those seeking a contemporary lodging experience. (For room rates and further details, please visit >>> www.facebook.com/villaamphawa or www.villaamphawa.com or call 086 471 5583)

The resort is located in Wat Chang Phuak Alley, approximately two kilometers from Amphawa Floating Market. It is a short drive away. The resort has a car park with security guards on duty.

We arrived at our destination around 3:30 PM. Stepping out of the car, we couldn't help but exclaim "Wow!" Villa Amphawa is a white colonial-style building that exudes a clean and comfortable atmosphere. The vintage ambiance evokes a sense of being in a period drama featuring noble ladies and gentlemen (haha…). While the total area may not be extensive, every inch is utilized effectively.

This compact swimming pool is located at the back of the house, next to a small canal, which is a unique feature of Amphawa floating houses.

The interior of the room is very romantic. The only thing that bothers me is that I came on this trip with friends. This kind of atmosphere is not right. I should have brought my sweetheart instead (lol...)

We spent a relaxing afternoon at the resort before heading to Bang Phrom Temple, just a short distance away, around five o'clock in the evening. We took a boat ride to experience the Mae Klong River's atmosphere at dusk, admiring the houses, people, and way of life along the riverbanks, which are still preserved.

This is a vibrant time for Amphawa, as the annual lychee festival is in full swing. This year's harvest is the most abundant in three or four years. Our boat takes us through the Khlong Kwae canal to Wat Intharam, one of the festival venues. Unfortunately, we arrived a little late, and the market has already closed, leaving only a few remaining items. However, our disappointment was short-lived. On our way back from the temple, we spotted a sign for a lychee and pork noodle shop nearby. We promptly asked the boatman to pull up to the house's steps.

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The conversation revealed that this is a lychee orchard called "Uncle Chu's Orchard." Recently, it has become trendy to open their homes to sell food, using lychees as ingredients. This coincides with the lychee festival organized by Wat Intharam, a festival that everyone in the community is already cooperating with.

The highlight dishes at Uncle Chu's Garden include lychee noodle soup, lychee steak, and stir-fried pork with lychee. The combination of lychee and savory dishes is surprisingly delicious, especially the lychee-stuffed pork meatballs. The restaurant's relaxed atmosphere adds to the dining experience.

The orchard informed that the current lychee harvest is nearing its end. However, they will strive to extend the sales period until May 22nd. Therefore, those interested in trying the lychees are encouraged to visit Uncle Chu's orchard as soon as possible. The orchard is open only on Saturdays and Sundays, and it is closed on public holidays. Visitors can either take a boat ride like us or drive to the orchard.

After enjoying a delicious meal of stir-fried pork with lychee at a local restaurant, we boarded a boat that took us through the darkness, joining a multitude of other boats on a journey to witness the mesmerizing spectacle of fireflies at the Amphawa Floating Market. We disembarked and strolled through the market, indulging in a variety of local delicacies and souvenirs. As the evening drew to a close, we returned to our resort, where some of us relaxed with refreshing drinks while others opted for a peaceful night's sleep.

The next morning, we woke up at 5:30 am, changed our clothes without washing our faces or brushing our teeth (haha…), and rushed to the Amphawa Floating Market. At this early hour, the market was not yet set up. However, we came to offer alms to the monks who were paddling their boats along the canal. This is a unique image of the way of life in Amphawa.

It is important to clarify that while the majority of monks in the Amphawa district traditionally walk to receive alms, only a small number still use the traditional method of rowing boats. This clarification is necessary as many people mistakenly believe that all monks in Amphawa receive alms by boat, including myself when I first visited this area.

Then, stop by for a cup of coffee at the Municipal Pier 2, near the Liapnatee Bridge. There is a coffee cart called "Uncle Kiw's Ancient Coffee". If you want to know what the coffee scene was like in the old days, this is the place to be. It's a gathering place for people to come and shout their coffee orders, sit down and chat. You hardly see this kind of scene anymore, except in old communities with a lot of older residents. Everything is only 10 baht a cup.

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Upon returning to the resort, it was breakfast time. I must say, I was very impressed. The food selection was not overly extravagant, but it was perfectly suited to Thai tastes. There was hot rice porridge, bread and deep-fried dough sticks, soy milk, yogurt, salad vegetables, fruits, and fruit juices. You could definitely eat until you were full and satisfied. There was also an egg breakfast menu, where you could choose from fried eggs, scrambled eggs, or omelets. It all looked very delicious.

We relaxed comfortably, some swam in the pool, some took photos, the atmosphere was good and relaxing, perfect for relaxation, until it was time to check out and move on.

The next destination is Bang Noi Floating Market, another ancient market that has been revived alongside Amphawa. However, it may not be as famous and does not cover as much area. This, however, means fewer people and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Visitors to Bang Noi often focus on the food scene, with a variety of noodle dishes like kway teow, kway chap, and kway teow lord, alongside other small bites. Northeastern Thai cuisine is also well-represented, with som tam (spicy papaya salad) being a staple. (Haha...) The relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place to enjoy a meal. While there are trendy cafes for those who prefer a more modern vibe, the overall market experience remains consistent, which is why I keep coming back after five or six visits.

With our bellies full from the delicious lunch at Bang Noi, we said our goodbyes around 1:30 PM and headed back to our respective homes. However, our car made a special detour to the Maeklong Railway Market, also known as the "Talad Rom Hoop," for a quick photo opportunity. We checked the schedule and saw that the train was due to arrive at the Maeklong station at 2:30 PM.

Arriving at the Umbrella Market at 2:30 PM, I was slightly concerned that I might be late. However, upon inquiring with a vendor, I was greeted with a warm smile and the reassuring news: "You're in luck today, the train is running late." Indeed, the train was delayed by fifteen minutes. After a brief wait of less than five minutes, I witnessed the fascinating spectacle of the Umbrella Market unfolding before my eyes.

A Short Trip to Amphawa: 2 Days, 1 Night

Amphawa, a charming district just a short drive from Bangkok, offers a wealth of experiences despite its proximity to the bustling city. From its vibrant floating market to its serene canals, Amphawa-Maeklong presents a tapestry of attractions that never cease to amaze. Whether you choose a one-night stay, a weekend getaway, or an extended visit, Amphawa promises a unique and enriching experience with new discoveries around every corner.

Though it has grown and changed over time, for me Amphawa will always be a charming district that leaves a lasting impression every time I visit.

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