Sam Pan
Nam
Floating Market
Sam Pan Nam Floating Market is a large scale market fashioned in the style
of middle Rattanakosin Period (King Rama VI). The market’s vast landscaped
grounds encompass a large manmade lake, show islands, mini train track, over
200 shops and 40 boat vendors offering all kinds of food and snacks. Tucked in
Soi 112, about 6km south of town centre, Sam Pan
Nam is one of the two floating
markets found on the same street.
Coming from
Phetkasem Road,
you reach Hua Hin Floating Market first, and Sam Pan
Nam is about 1km further on. Both
markets embrace a retro theme, with 1920s style architecture and long, wooden
boardwalks connecting the shops. Daily cultural shows and boat tours are also
offered at both markets.
The difference is the size and type of activities available. Hua Hin Floating
Market is not as big but has a more sophisticated ambience, while Sam Pan
Nam
offers a wider range of activities and goods.
Designed to reflect Hua Hin’s unique history and architectural heritage, Sam
Pan Nam Floating Market adopts the same identity as Hua Hin town. The sign
posts, railings, roof tiles, folding doors all evoke an air of 1920s Hua Hin.
There’s also a replica train station and a miniature tourist train that runs at
the back of the market. Although there’s no actual fishing pier, the lake has a
few moored fishing boats where you can climb aboard and take photos.
On the front section, red wooden bridges and boardwalks link one island with
another, while the lake serves as a venue for boat tours and cultural shows.
Shops resemble the shop-house buildings in Hua Hin town, but here they’re only
one storey high. There’s a good mix of food, souvenirs and clothing shops
