Bangkok & Around - Thailand - page 281

and which features accomplished murals. A short walk from the temple is King Buddhalertla
(Phuttha Loet La) Naphalai Memorial Park ( ( . ); admission 20B; 8.30am-5pm) , a museum housed in a
collection of traditional central Thai houses set on 1.5 landscaped hectares. Dedicated to
Rama II, the museum contains a library of antiques from early-19th-century Siam.
At night long-tail boats zip through Amphawa's sleeping waters to watch the Christmas
light-like dance of the hìng hôy (fireflies), most populous during the wet season. From
Friday to Sunday, operators from several piers lead tours, charging 60B for a seat. Outside
of these days, it costs 500B for a two-hour charter.

Sleeping & Eating
Amphawa is popular with Bangkok's weekend warriors, and it seems like virtually every
other house has opened its doors to tourists in the form of homestays. These can range
from little more than a mattress on the floor and a mosquito net to upscale guesthouse-
style accommodation. Rooms with fan start at about 200B while rooms with air-con,
many of which share bathrooms, begin at about 1000B. Prices are half this on weekdays.
If you prefer something a bit more private, consider Ploen Amphawa Resort (

08 1458 9411;

) , or ChababaanCham Resort ( www.ploenamphawa.com ; Th Rim Khlong; r incl breakfast 1400-3000B;

) , an attractive but somewhat over- 08 1984 1000; Th Rim Khlong; r incl breakfast 1500-2400B;

priced resort just off the canal. Baan Ku Pu (

) is a col-

0 3472 5920; Th Rim Khlong; d 1000B;

lection of wooden bungalows.
Amphawa has basic restaurants and a simple night market open each evening. If you're in
town on a weekend, get your eats at the fun Amphawa Floating Market ( Click here ) ,
where pàt tai and other noodle dishes are served directly from boats.

Getting There & Away

From Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal ( Click here ) , board any bus bound for Damnoen
Saduak and ask to get off at Amphawa (80B, two hours, frequent 6am to 9pm). Alternat-
ively, from a point north of Bangkok's Victory Monument, frequent minivans head for
Samut Songkhram (also known as Mae Klong; 73B, 1½ hours, 5.30am to 9pm); from
Samut Songkhram's market area, hop on one of the frequent sŏrng·tăa·ou to Amphawa
(8B, 10 minutes).

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