Think you’ve had enough of scripted tours, tacky souvenir items, crowded beaches and touristy night markets? Then it’s about time you stop at your tracks right now and consider Amphawa.

Located in the province of Samut Songkram which happens to be the smallest province in Thailand, Amphoe Amphawa has something more to offer to average tourists than the usual overload of sights and sounds. In fact, Amphawa is many ways a lot different from your usual tourist destination.

For one, you will seldom, if at all, meet foreigners on your visit here since this place is more of the local tourists’ haven. Mercifully, it has not (yet) joined the pack of commercialized tourism.

What sets Amphawa apart is its old-world ambiance and an almost unbelievable rustic setting despite its proximity to Bangkok.

Consider one of its attractions, the Rama 2 Memorial Park. You will find the place swarming with lush vegetation that practically represents all the plant species found in Thailand.

This complex comprises four buildings built in traditional Thai architecture and displays collection of musical instruments and traditional masks, a variety of household items then used during King Rama’s reign, plus a display of some of his works. Every year, usually in February, it holds a fair that features demonstration of classical dance, puppetry, handicraft-making and Thai desserts preparations.

From there, a five-minute walk will take you to the floating night market. Late in the afternoon, boats gather along Mae Klong river where they set up shop to sell grilled squids, shrimps, fish and local fare like “som tam. They can prepare your favorite “phad-thai” (stir-fried rice noodles) right on the boat and have it delivered to the other side of the bank by a hanging basket.

The night market is like a feast, a kaleidoscope of local color, food and smell. Oh my, the food, everything seems inexpensive.

If you have more time to spare, an overnight stay is highly recommended. There are no hotels around but Amphawa residents offer homestay accommodations. During your stay here, you practically become a part of the household and get to participate in the daily household chores.

You can explore and enjoy the local sights by taking a walk or renting a bike. Most houses in the canals have boardwalk access for cyclists and pedestrians.

One place to see in Amphawa is a Benjarong factory. Here, you get to see how this rare ceramic product is done. It has a museum with a treasure trove of memorabilia depicting the growth and development of the Benjarong industry during the Chakri dynasty.

If you are into temples, you shouldn’t skip Wat Bang Kung. It is known for its chapel with roots of a banyan tree serving as its pillars.

Your visit here won’t be complete without a night-time boat trip on Mae Klong River. Catching a glimpse of fireflies swarming around the trees on the banks of the river are the highlight of such a tour. Baanamphawa Resort and Spa can arrange the boat trip for you and provide you comfortable accommodation on your visit to Amphawa. The resort is located at 22 Bangkapom-Kaewfah Road, near Wat Kaew Fah. You can call 034-752-222 or 08-1827-4522 for more information.

How to get to Amphawa: Samut Songkhram is about an hour and a half from Bangkok. Amphawa is about four kilometers from Samut Songkhram. It can be reached by bus from the Southern Bus Terminal or by train at Wong Wian Yai.