Amphawa, 63 km west of Bangkok, makes a popular day trip destination. It is home to a quaint floating market which cuts through Khlong Amphawa and a small community of vintage cafés, restaurants and wooden shop-houses selling artsy souvenirs, books and Thai sweets. Vendor boats park along the two canal banks, ready to whip up a bowl of ‘boat noodles’, rice porridge, even grilled squid and river prawns, to order. Here, long-tail boats leave at regular intervals for a two-hour scenic tour of the Mae Klong, dotted with stilt houses, fruit orchards and temples.

Besides the floating market, Amphawa’s picturesque riverside scenery, laid-back ambience reminiscent of a bygone era and a lineup of waterfront boutique guesthouses lie at the heart of its enduring popularity. For most visitors, a trip to Amphawa is a welcome break and an experience that often leads to repeat visits.