Hua Hin is a sensational vacation destination due to the breathtaking scenery, friendly locals, exceptional food, historical temples and a wide variety of engaging activities. Whether you are travelling with your friends or family, one destination you do not want to miss is the Sam Phan Nam Floating Market in Hua Hin. The market was designed as a representation of the architecture and unique history of Hua Hin. The identity of the Sam Pan Nam Floating Market is nearly identical to the Hua Hin of the past.
Everything in the market including the tiles on the roofs, railings, folding doors and signposts are a lovely representation of Hua Hin during the 1920s. Sam Phan Nam is the biggest floating market anywhere in Asia. The atmosphere is from the Rattanakosin period of King Rama VII. There are a lot of similarities between the Ayothaya Floating Market and the Sam Pan Nam Floating Market because the organiser responsible for both markets are the same.
Hua Hin Floating Market and Sam Phan Nam Floating Market
If you are travelling on Highway 112 from the town centre in Hua Hin, you will discover the Hua Hin Floating Market approximately 11 kilometres to the southeast. Once you have passed the Hua Hin Floating Market, look for the first paved road and make a left turn. Proceed about one kilometre, and the Sam Phan Nam Floating Market will be on your right. The market was constructed in roughly 2010. The Sam Phan Nam Floating Market is close by, although a separate market. The markets were built in areas where both water and markets were rare, right on the pineapple fields.
You can easily lose yourself in everything the markets have to offer for an afternoon or even the entire day. The Hua Hin Floating Market is located on a man-made canal. A lot of the shops can be found along this small canal. The market is upscale with numerous quaint shops selling food, drinks, Thai treats and sweets and lovely Thai handicrafts. If you have children, take the time to visit the little petting zoo. The sheep and goats are delightful.
Although the architecture of the market is an unlikely combination of a classic California and Thai mall, the uniqueness works well. There are several different areas ideal for taking pictures and spending some quality time with your friends and family. You can enjoy the canal up close in your choice of a Thai boat or paddleboat. The floating market was designed to surround an existing lake. You will enjoy seeing everything the shops have to offer.
You can purchase some beautiful Thai handicrafts as souvenirs or enjoy a delicious Thai meal. There are white and black swans and ducks enjoying the lake found just outside of the floating market. Look for the little train for an enjoyable ride around the circumference of the market. You will be able to see the same boats fishermen use throughout the Gulf of Thailand. Both floating markets will be extremely busy during the weekends. You will find a lot of Thais making the trip from Bangkok to Hua Hin.
If you prefer to leave the crowds behind, visit during one of the weekdays for a more relaxing experience. Both the Hua Hin Floating Market and Sam Phan Nam Floating Market open from 10:00 a.m. until early in the evening.
The Delights of the Sam Phan Nam Floating Market
Sam Phan Nam Floating Market offers 40 rowboats and 193 charming shops. Surrounding the market is a natural water source and majestic mountains. The reason the market is called Sam Phan Nam is because of the location. The Sam Phan Nam goes through 3,000 different villages. Go to the very back of the floating market to find a mini tourist train and a nice replica of a train station. Even though the market does not have a fishing pier, you will still find several fishing boats.
You can climb right onto any of the moored boats to take some nice pictures. The fee to enter the market is 200 baht. If you want to ride the train in a full circle, the cost is 20 baht. You can feed the fish for 40 baht or enjoy a boat for two for 100 baht. Your best option for reaching the Sam Phan Nam Floating Market is hiring a taxi or transport from Hua Hin. If you are leaving from the railway station, you can take a taxi for 80 baht. Your ride will be extremely lengthy.
In Front of the Sam Phan Nam Floating Market
When you reach the front of the market, you will notice the islands have been connected by boardwalks and red wooden bridges. There are cultural shows and boat tours often taking place on the lake. Right in front is a clock tower with traditional Thai numerals. The shops are very similar to the building you will see in Hua Hin town. The exception is they are all just one story in height. The mixture of clothing, souvenir and food shops is excellent.
A lot of the shops have locations at both the Pattaya Floating Market and the Sam Phan Nam Floating Market. You can always find a tasty snack bar among the stores. The food section provides an exceptional selection of different types of snacks, grilled meat skewers, noodles, complete meals, seafood, desserts and drinks. This is the place to be to meet new people, have a lot of fun and enjoy delicious food. The little lake offers plenty of fish and sailboats complete with kitchens and good food. You can even take a boat ride.
The selection of souvenirs is extensive. You can purchase everything from clothing to traditional Thai magnets. If you are looking for an inexpensive and delightful meal, visit the Coastal Cafe. If you prefer, you can have your food delivered right from the floating boat. The railway was built by the market for visitors to ride. You can stroll across one of the bridges to cross the canal to enter the market. As you walk along the canal, there are palms and orchids by the shops for ideal photograph opportunities.
All of the buildings were named for one of Thailand’s many districts. Although you will see river taxis all over the Bangkok canals, they are rare in this area. The taxis are most commonly found in Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River taking locals to work and the children to school. You will discover longboats all over Thailand participating in races. The yearly boat races take place south of Hua Hin at the Khao Tao Reservoir.
The Sam Phan Nam Floating Market is a colourful option to the more traditional Thai outdoor markets and shopping malls. If you want to experience some of the best Thailand has to offer, spend some time at the Sam Phan Nam Floating Market. You will enjoy the shopping, architecture, culture and amazing Thai food.
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