Want to visit a floating market in Bangkok? Yes, but you don't know which one to visit, where, which day or how to get there. These are the same questions that I asked myself during my stay in Bangkok.
So, in this article, I will tell you all the information I found and used to select one of the best floating markets in Bangkok and its surroundings. And based on my experience of them, I will also give you advice on how to visit them.
Why visit a floating market?
The floating markets are a unique experience to live during a bangkok tour in 2 days or more. These quaint markets offer a glimpse into local life and Thai culture, while allowing you to sample a variety of delicious foods and make interesting purchases (cheap shopping).
In fact, they are a symbol of Thailand's history and tradition. They were once the main means of trade and transportation in the country. Even today, Bangkok's floating markets continue to play an important role in the lives of locals as they attract thousands of tourists.
By visiting the floating markets, you will have the chance to discover a unique way of life and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of these colorful places.
Additionally, the floating markets offer an incredible variety of local produce, from fresh fruits and vegetables to traditional Thai street foods. It's the perfect place to taste local specialties and buy unique souvenirs to take home. Floating markets are also a great opportunity to take great photos and experience unique moments.
What is the most beautiful floating market in Bangkok?
The most popular floating market with tourists (thus considered the most beautiful) is the Damnoen Saduak floating market. But you should know that it is not in the city of Bangkok but about 100 kilometers away.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Hours
This market is open every day from 7am to 16pm but I recommend that you go there very early in the morning before the crowds of tourists arrive.
How to get to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market from Bangkok?
- Many agencies in Bangkok offer floating market day trips. The excursion usually includes a stop at the Maeklong Railway Market (market on the rails). This is another unique market where vendors set up their stalls alongside a working railway line.
- You can also go there by yourself. Just take a train from Bangkok's Wongwian Yai Station to Maeklong Railway Market, located near Damnoen Saduak. From Maeklong Railway Market, you can take a taxi or tuk-tuk to take you to the floating market. Otherwise you can take public transport (songthaew) near the bus terminal which will take you to the street that leads to the floating market, then you will walk 10 minutes to get there.
- You can also take a bus from Bangkok to Damnoen Saduak. Buses depart from the Southern Bus Station (Sai Tai Mai) and take around two hours to reach the market.
- The last option is to take a taxi which offers more flexibility but is a bit more expensive.
Damnoen Saduak floating market prices
To visit the floating market of Damnoen Saduak, you will have the choice between taking a motor boat (2000 THB) or a rowing boat which is cheaper (1200 THB) but more ecological!
Before visiting the heart of the market, by taking a rowing boat, you can ask to explore narrow canals and the typical habitat (wooden houses on stilts) which is very interesting.
How to visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market?
Once you arrive at Damnoen Saduak floating market, you will see a large indoor market (handicrafts, clothes and souvenirs) and the entrance to the main canal where you can rent a boat to visit the floating market.
Then you will reach the floating market which is filled with vendors of fresh produce, local crafts and delicious street food. Don't forget to bring cash as most vendors only accept cash.
Which floating market in Bangkok?
If you don't have time to go outside of Bangkok, you'll probably be looking for a floating market that's in Bangkok.
In this case, know that there are only 3 floating markets located in the city of Bangkok:
- Taling Chan floating market;
- Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market;
- and the floating market of Wat Saphan.
These 3 floating markets are not the most popular with tourists. Indeed, they are less lively, less frequented and above all they are all closed on weekdays.
But if you are lucky enough to be in Bangkok on the weekend, here is more detail on how to visit these 3 floating markets in Bangkok:
Taling Chan floating market in Bangkok
Taling Chan Floating Market is located just a few kilometers from downtown Bangkok, making it a convenient option for visitors with limited time. Here you will find a wide variety of Thai dishes, as well as fresh fruits and handicrafts. The part of the canal where the boat vendors are located is quite small, but that's what gives this floating market in Bangkok its charm.
Floating market hours in Bangkok
The Taling Chan floating market in Bangkok is only open on weekends between 7:30 a.m. and 16 p.m.
Khlong Lat Mayom
Located just 20 kilometers from the city center, this floating market in Bangkok remains one of the most authentic. If the place is starting to be known to foreign tourists, a visit to Khlong Lat Mayom promises you a dive into the heart of local life.
Be careful because this market is only open on weekends from 8:30 a.m. to 16:30 p.m.
What Saphan
This small market is also only open on weekends. Little frequented by tourists, it is a more typical and authentic place that deserves to be visited.
Floating market in Bangkok open on weekdays?
There is no floating market in Bangkok open on weekdays. All the ones that I have presented to you above are only open on weekends. If you are looking for floating markets open during the week, you will have to choose one around Bangkok (see below):
Best floating markets near Bangkok
The most beautiful floating markets or the most touristy are located around Bangkok. But it is quite simple to get to these floating markets from Bangkok as there are many transportation options available. Whether you choose taxi, minibus, boat or train, you will spend a pleasant day exploring these colorful and lively floating markets.
Discover now the 2 best floating markets near Bangkok:
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Amphawa Floating Market
Here is in detail the best floating markets near Bangkok:
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The Damnoen Saduak floating market is one of the most famous in Thailand. Located about 100 kilometers from Bangkok, it offers an authentic experience with its vendors sailing on small wooden boats, selling a multitude of local products and souvenirs. See detailed presentation above (best floating market in bangkok).
Amphawa Floating Market
The Amphawa floating market is a little less touristy and therefore less crowded. More authentic and calmer, it is located about 50 kilometers from Bangkok.
Schedule
To visit this floating market in Bangkok, you don't need to get up at dawn! Indeed, it is really at the end of the afternoon that the Amphawa market begins to come alive, when the Thais meet to eat after work.
How to visit the floating market of Amphara?
The floating market of Amphawa can be visited on foot, passing through small stalls, galleries, artists' studios and crossing bridges. But depending on the schedule you go there, you can also choose to visit it by boat along the canals to admire the natural beauty of this floating market.
How to get to Amphawa Floating Market from Bangkok?
One of the most convenient ways to get to Amphawa Floating Market from Bangkok is to take a taxi. The journey usually takes between one and a half and two hours. This is an opportunity to discover the famous Maeklong railway market, located nearby, in the same day. However, it is important to negotiate the price of the ride with the driver in advance to ensure a fair price.
Another option to get to Amphawa Floating Market is to take a minibus from Bangkok. They leave from different places in Bangkok, such as Victory Monument or Southern Bus Terminal. The minibus journey takes between one and a half and two hours, depending on traffic conditions.
If you prefer public transport, you can also take a train from Bangkok to Maeklong Station, located near the Amphawa Floating Market. Trains depart regularly from Wongwian Yai Station in Bangkok and the journey takes around an hour. From Maeklong Station, you can easily hire a taxi or tuk-tuk to get to the floating market.
Other floating markets outside of Bangkok
If you have time, I also recommend visiting some of the floating markets outside of Bangkok. Here are some of the most popular:
- Le Bang Nam Pheung floating market – Located in the Phra Pradaeng district, this floating market is famous for its tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. Here you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, traditional Thai dishes and handicrafts.
- Le Bang Khla floating market – Located in Chachoengsao province, this floating market is famous for its delicious seafood dishes. Here you can enjoy shrimp, crabs and other fresh seafood caught in the surrounding area.
- Thaka Floating Market – Open only on weekends, it is one of the smallest floating markets but also one of the most authentic that you can find. By rowing boat, you will discover the floating kitchens, the wooden houses along the canal and a palm sugar factory.
Tips for your visit
Here are some essential tips for navigating the floating markets in and around Bangkok:
- Arrive early – Floating markets are often very busy, especially on weekends. To avoid the crowds, try to arrive early in the morning when the markets have just opened.
- Bring cash – Most vendors in floating markets only accept cash, so make sure you have enough with you.
- Prepare to negotiate – In floating markets, it is common to negotiate prices. Be prepared to haggle with vendors to get the best possible price.
- Try local dishes – Floating markets are the perfect place to sample authentic Thai cuisine. Don't miss the chance to sample local dishes such as pad thai, sticky mango rice, green curry and meat skewers.
- Be respectful – When visiting the floating markets, respect the local culture and customs. Be respectful of vendors and other visitors and follow market rules.