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B E Y O N D B A N G K O K
Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, King
Bhumibol’s second daughter who is
much loved by the Thais, established
a floating market in Amphawa to help
boost the local economy, and to keep
the people from leaving the thinly
populated district. The area was the
birthplace of the queens of Rama I and
II, which makes this ancestral place
even more special to their people.
Homestay iswhere
the heart is
There’s a quaint town in Amphawa
with charming houses, most of them
with rooms available for homestay — a
great way to soak in the local vibe.
This popular form of accommodation
in Samut Songkhram means that most
villagers have accommodations for
visitors: some are as simple as providing
a mosquito net for guests, while others
are more luxurious, like a whole house
available for rent. Living in someone’s
home, even for just the weekend, gives
travelers an authentic taste of local life
and hospitality.
Clockwise from top:
Amphawa’s floating
market is crowded
on weekends; sweet,
crunchy
khanom
bueang
pastries; life
by the
khlongs
is
slow and sweet;
a serving of
coconut jelly
Cap off a Thai meal
with dessert (you have
lots of choices)
PHOTOS
LESTER LEDESMA (MARKET & PASTRIES), RIA LIMJAP (JELLIES & HOME)