Sam Pan Nam Floating Market

Sam Pan Nam Floating Market is a large-scale market built in the style of the middle Rattanakosin period (King Rama VI). The market's large landscaped grounds include a large man-made lake, display islands, mini train tracks, more than 200 shops and 40 shops arranged on boats offering a variety of food and snacks. Located in Soi 112, about 6 km south of the town center, Sam Pan Nam is one of two floating markets on the same street.

Starting from Phetkasem Road, you will first come to Hua Hin Floating Market, and continue about 1km to Sam Pan Nam. Both markets have a nostalgic theme, with 1920s-style architecture and long wooden walkways connecting the shops. Daily cultural shows and boat tours are also held at both markets.

The difference is the size and type of operations available. Hua Hin Floating Market is not as big but has a more refined ambience, while Sam Pan Nam offers more activities and goods.

Designed to reflect the unique history and architectural heritage of Hua Hin, Sam Pan Nam Floating Market shares the same identity with Hua Hin town. Signposts, balustrades, tiled roofs, and folding doors all evoke the 1920s atmosphere of Hua Hin. There is also a simulated train station and a miniature tourist train running at the back of the market. Although there is no real fishing pier, in the lake there are several fishing boats moored where you can climb on board and take pictures.

In the foreground, redwood bridges and boardwalks link one island to another, while the lake hosts boat tours and cultural programs. The shops resemble the shop buildings in Hua Hin town, but here they are only one floor high. There are many shops selling food, souvenirs and clothes - many have branches at the nearby Hua Hin Floating Market as well as the nearby Pattaya Floating Market. In addition to a number of snack bars interspersed with retail stores, the food court also offers a wider variety of snacks, ready-to-eat foods, grilled skewers, seafood, noodles, drinks and desserts.

What's unique about this market are all the fishing boats moored where people can climb onto the deck and take pictures. Once people have done that, they can venture to the replica train station, at the back of the market. This is where a miniature tourist train can be seen circling the tracks and visitors are encouraged to take the train.

All the shops look exactly like the ones in Hua Hin town, but they are only one floor high. Each shop and boat vendor sells Thai souvenirs, clothes and delicious food.

Visitors wandering through Sam Phan Nam Floating Market will find themselves needing to choose from a variety of foods when feeling hungry. They can choose from snacks or a number of ready meals including grilled skewers, noodles and seafood. Of course, no trip to the market or meal would be complete without one of the wonderful desserts available for purchase.

If the shops, food vendors and mini-trains aren't enough, people can also catch one of the many cultural shows performed at this floating market. Visitors are encouraged to check the calendar to see when each popular show is scheduled.

Anyone who visits Sam Phan Nam Floating Market will find themselves having a wonderful experience and well worth adding to your itinerary during their stay in Hua Hin.

Floating markets offer colorful alternatives to traditional shopping malls and open-air markets. You can experience a little bit of everything, whether it's Thai food, architecture, culture or shopping. But which floating market should visit among 2 floating markets in Hua Hin? For sheer fun and variety, Sam Pan Nam scores much higher than Hua Hin Floating Market.

Opening hours: 10:00 - 23:00

Address: Soi 112, Hua Hin Town, Thailand.