Amphawa Floating Market, Railway & Fireflies: Evening Tour

Summary

Evening at Amphawa market with railway stalls & firefly boat

You’ll wander through Mae Klong Railway Market as trains pass inches away, explore Wat Bang Kung wrapped in ancient banyan roots, snack your way through Amphawa Floating Market with your local guide nearby, then drift by boat under trees lit by fireflies. It’s lively and calm all at once — an evening that lingers long after you’re back in Bangkok.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the Mae Klong Railway Market to feel so calm in the evening. You always see those wild videos of vendors scrambling as the train rolls through — but when we got there, it was almost quiet. Our guide, Nok, waved us over just as a bell rang somewhere behind the fruit stalls. I watched a woman fold up her awning with one hand while still handing change to a customer. The train slid past so close I could smell metal and something sweet — maybe lychees? It was oddly peaceful, not the chaos I’d imagined.

After that, we drove to Wat Bang Kung. The temple’s half-swallowed by this enormous banyan tree — roots everywhere, like nature’s trying to keep it secret. Nok told us about the old warriors who used to gather here (she pointed out statues in boxing poses; I tried copying one and nearly lost my balance). Inside, it smelled faintly of incense and old stone. There were locals lighting candles for luck. I liked how nobody rushed us — we could just stand there and let it sink in.

Amphawa Floating Market was already busy when we arrived but not overwhelming. Boats lined up along the canal selling grilled prawns and squid — smoke drifting over the water, mixing with river air. I tried these little coconut pancakes (Nok called them “khanom krok” — she laughed when I repeated it). We wandered between stalls; sometimes you catch someone’s eye and they just smile back, no words needed. The main keyword here is definitely “Amphawa Floating Market” because it’s where everything comes together: food, people, noise, light on water.

Last bit was my favorite: a long-tailed boat ride into the dark where the fireflies live. At first I thought Nok was joking about “thousands of lights,” but then you see them blinking in the cork trees along the banks — tiny sparks everywhere. It felt quiet in a way that sticks with you after you leave. So yeah, if you’re looking for a day trip from Bangkok that feels both lively and strangely peaceful at once… this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore markets and firefly boat ride

• Visit Mae Klong Railway Market
• See Wat Bang Kung temple
• Stroll Amphawa Floating Market
• Take boat ride along Amphawa canal
• Watch fireflies at habitat

Top questions

How do I get from Bangkok to Amphawa Floating Market?

The tour includes private hotel pickup and transport from Bangkok to Amphawa Floating Market.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this tour?

Yes, your private guide speaks English or other selected languages fluently.

What time does the firefly boat ride happen?

The firefly boat ride takes place after sunset following your visit to Amphawa Floating Market.

Are meals or snacks included on this day trip?

No set meal is included but you can buy snacks and street food at Amphawa Floating Market.

Can children join this Amphawa day trip?

The tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, private hotel transfer is included both ways from Bangkok.

Do I need cash for shopping at Amphawa market?

Most stalls accept cash only so bring some Thai baht for shopping or snacks.

Will I see the train pass through Maeklong Railway Market?

Yes, watching the train come through is part of the experience at Maeklong Railway Market.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup in Bangkok with return transfer by air-conditioned vehicle, a friendly local guide fluent in your chosen language (English or others), travel accident insurance throughout the journey, witnessing the train passing through Maeklong Railway Market up close, exploring Wat Bang Kung temple embraced by banyan roots, wandering Amphawa Floating Market at your own pace with plenty of time for street food stops, plus a motorboat ride along the canal to see fireflies before heading back in comfort.