What a shame this attraction has been allowed to fall into such disrepair. What must at onetime have been a lovely place to visit is now in need of a great deal of attention and repair. The boat ride is a joke short burst round the tiny lake. Hardly free when theres 200bht entry fee As is the train ride Most of the shops were closed or empty. Those that were open offered good food at a reasonable cost along side good quality clothing again at reasonable costs. So it’s such a shame that someone doesn’t invest time and money making it a better experience for visitors One just hope that perhaps there’s more to do a weekend or evenings Stall holders were very polite and helpful and not pushy at all and deserve so much more to aid their endeavours

Hua Hin Sam Phan Nam Floating Market is mostly a tourist trap for Chinese tourists, but it is actually quite fun on a Saturday evening. It is cooler in the evening and much more active on the weekend. The very best part in my opinion is the traditional dance show by young Thai performers from a stage on one of the docks that stick out into the lake so it is visible from most points in this shopping market around a small lake. They put spotlights on the dancers in costume and they hold torches. The dozen performers dance a story of young lovers and conflict with a commentary announced over the loudspeakers in Thia. Hua Hin Sam Phan Nam Floating Market is the biggest floating market in the province but 75% of the shops sit on the lakefront, covering an area of over 100 rai (16 hectares). The market’s architectural features take their inspiration from several historical sites in Hua Hin from its glory days in the 1920's. During the reign of King Rama VI (1910-1925), the King used Hua Hin as his summer residence and build the Mrigadayavan Palace and renovated the Hua Hin Railway Station to make it easy for the Royal Family to travel there. There are about 193 shops of all different kinds and 40 shops actually on the boats (only on the weekends), selling local food, hand made products and souvenirs. You can stroll through the heart of the floating market on foot, by boat (on weekends) or even a take a pedalo (paddleboat on weekends). Alternatively, you also have the opportunity to tour the floating market on a miniature railway (for the kids) that tries to remind you of Hua Hin's railroad. There’s also a replica train station and the miniature train runs behind the stores of the market so there is not much of a view - but still fun for the children. 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 and unfortunately, some seem to be that old. Although there’s no actual fishing pier, the lake has a few moored fishing boats where you can climb aboard and take photos. Hua Hin Sam Phan Nam floating market had the added attractions of three large elephants and a baby elephant that you could feed bananas to and also have your photo taken. However, if you visit the elephants, you really need to feed them bananas as it is probably the only food they get. Another feeding opportunity is the many, many goldfish in the lake. Several shops will sell you fish food you can throw into the lake - really fun for children. Although the market has a large parking lot, because of the large crowds of Thais coming from Bangkok on the weekends, it may be hard to find a spot on Saturday and Sunday. There is a toilet near the train Railway Station and lots of food and drinks available. No charge to get into the market or to park, but there is no shade in the parking lot except a few trees near the edge. You would be wise to bring your own water bottle and take an umbrella or wide brim hat.

Nothing special. Was disappointed to see a floating market with no floating market vendors something like Bangkok floating market. It was just a man-made lake surrounded with stores (that aren’t floating) sells everything from t-shirts to souvenirs, cute items and food. P/S: They charge a hefty fee of 200 baht (with free boat trip) just for the entrance!!!