Bangkok Floating markets – Convenient and Closer One to Visit
At a floating market Immerse
yourself in a whole new shopping experience, and taste some of the best local
food around! Take a beautifully decorated long-tail boat down the winding
waterways to the market. Once you hop off, you’ll find yourself surrounded by
market stalls, selling everything from souvenirs to locally harvested tropical
fruit.
To take you out of the confusion on which floating
market to visit when in Bangkok, here are few that we have penned down,
1. TALING CHAN FLOATING MARKET (30 Min Away)
• Distance From Central Bangkok -
12 km
• Opening Hours
Sat & Sun, 08:00 - 17:00
• Address
324 Chakphra Rd, Bangkok, Thailand
Want to see a floating market but running out of time in Bangkok? Then
Taling Chan is a good option for you. Only a few kilometers away from Bangkok
sits a beautiful floating market haven. This perfectly sized floating market
allows you to shop at the scattered boats without the overwhelming crowds.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Conveniently close to Bangkok:
Unlike other floating markets, Taling Chan is just a
short trip away from Bangkok (12 km). It is also small enough to venture the
markets without a tour, making it an affordable option.
• Thai cuisine enhanced by ethnic melodies of
traditional Thai musicians:
Besides the all time favorite Thai dishes like pad
thai and som tum, there is an abundance of exotic food to go adventurous such
as salt-crusted grilled fish with femongrass and durian. Enjoy food by the
river, and peep into the lives of locals across the water. Tune into local Thai
musicians as they play their instruments in the center of the market for an
added authentic touch.
• Intriguing mix of bargain products and fresh food
produce:
Shop around for some of the wackiest fruit you will
ever see! Stroll through the busy little stalls offering homemade decorations,
flowers, snacks and much more. After you’ve tired out your feet, stop by for a
Thai foot massage for 100 baht.
SUPER TIPS
• Try to get there before 10:00 to avoid the crowds and
enjoy your experience.
• Beware of scammers. If someone offers you transport,
they will more than likely offer ridiculous prices! Negotiate the price
before you agree to anything.
HOW TO GET THERE
Take the BTS to Wongwian Yai Station,
Then take a taxi to Taling Chan for around 150 baht.
2. AMPHAWA FLOATING MARKET
• Distance From Central Bangkok
- 50 km
• Opening Hours
Fri, Sat and Sun from 12:00 until
20:00
• Location -
Amphawa 75110, Thailand
Amphawa is the second most popular floating markets. The vibe is mostly
authentic, with most visitors being exclusively Thai. This growing riverbank
offers an appetizing array of seafood, hidden scenic temples and exquisite
locally-produced art.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Locally produced handicrafts, fashion and art:
Their locally produced products like sweets and toys
are things you can't find at other floating markets. Browse the canal dotted
with wooden-built boutiques, selling everything from exclusive handmade
products, to T-shirts and handmade watercolor paintings.
• Scrumptiously fresh and affordable seafood:
Amphawa does not disappoint any foodie! Nibble on
fresh river prawns, or feast on some grilled fish on the bank. Squid is also a
popular delicacy that should not be missed (around 100 baht).
• Beautiful tours to hidden temples:
After your meal, take a boat ride for just 50 baht
per person to continue your adventure. Sit back, relax and enjoy the splendid
views of the banks. The boat will stop at multiple temples on the way. Don’t
miss the Wat Bang Koong temple, that looks like it has been swallowed by a
tree! This splendid discovery is an absolute must-visit, where you can pay a
visit to the golden buddha inside.
• Long opening hours for a full evening of heritage:
Unlike most floating markets, Amphawa is open until
8:00 pm, allowing you to sleep-in in the morning and have enough energy to enjoy
the activities.
SUPER TIPS
• Bargaining is a must!
• Ask around for different tours: you can participate
in a fire-fly watching tour at night for a unique activity. Best for couples.
HOW TO REACH
From Bangkok, take the train to Victoria Monument BTS Station.
Leave from exit 4 and walk towards the Minibus terminal.
From there, take a minibus
to Amphawa Floating Market.
3. DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET
• Distance From Central Bangkok -
110 km
• Opening Hours
- 07:00 - 11:00
• Location -
Damnoen Saduak 70130, Thailand
Every moment in Damnoen is picture-perfect, so be sure to bring your
camera! Known for its picturesque colorful canals and irresistible local food,
it is no surprise that it is the most-visited floating market in Bangkok!
HIGHLIGHTS
• Largest and among the oldest floating markets in
Bangkok:
Established in 1866, Damnoen Saduak is exploding with
antiquity and history. Make a visit to the infectiously chaotic canal, filled
with hundreds of vendors in their small rowing boats, selling a plethora of
Thai products.
• Delicious local delicacies from the seller’s boat to
yours:
Here smiling ladies in large straw hats arrange fruit
on their boats, or prepare traditional dishes. Kanom Krok, (Grilled
Coconut-Rice Hot Cakes), mango sticky rice and pork satay are the must-tries.
PRICES: Boat rentals range
from 200 – 800 Baht.
SUPER TIPS
• Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices. The locals
usually charge tourists double the regular prices, which are usually brought
down with a bit of haggling.
• Take a tour, but do your research beforehand for the
best deal – don’t fall into the trap and pay for overpriced tours!
• Keep your hands inside the boat at all times – you
don’t want to get your fingers crammed between a passing boat!
HOW TO GET THERE
Board a bus from South Bus Terminal, Bangkok for a 2 hour journey.
4. BANG PHLI FLOATING MARKET
• Distance From Central Bangkok -
45 km
• Opening Hours -
08:00 to 17:00
• Address
- Sukhaphiban 3 Rd. | Bang Phli Yai
Subdistrict, 10540, Thailand
Unlike other markets, Bang Phli has retained its authenticity as a Thai
market, remaining close to its roots. This makes Bang Phli a must-visit for the
food-lovers and culture-seekers.
HIGHLIGHTS
• One of the oldest floating markets in Bangkok:
Dating back to more than 150 years ago, Bang Phli is
one of the oldest markets in Bangkok. The historical, native atmosphere of this
market adds to its charm, making it worth the visit.
• Cultural ambience filled with locals:
Bang Phli is known as one of the most traditional
floating markets in Bangkok. Here is another opportunity to mingle with Thais,
where the market is more targeted towards serving locals rather than selling sought-after
touristic goods.
• Food, food and more food:
Indulge in all the food you can eat, while strolling
through the traditional wooden-row houses lining the canals. Stop by in the
morning to watch the Buddhist monks paddle by to collect alms from local
residents, and enjoy a breakfast at Sanawan Place. Bang Phli offers thai
noodles, fresh fruit, seafood and much more to satisfy your hunger!
WHAT ARE ON OFFER: Fresh
produce, local delicacies, snacks, decorations, clothes, and old style
kitchenware
HOW TO GET THERE:
Take the Skytrain to BTS Bearing,
Then take a taxi ride to Bang Phli.
5. KHLONG LAT MAYOM FLOATING MARKET 
• Distance From Central Bangkok
- 30 km
• Opening Hours
- Sat & Sun, 09:00 - 16:00
• Address
- Soi Bang Ramat, Bang Phrom, Khet Taling
Chan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10170, Thailand
Khlong Lat Mayom is a quaint floating market bursting with tradition and
heritage. Mostly filled with Thai people, this haven is a brilliant opportunity
to mingle with the locals and connect with their rich culture.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Splendid boat tours with panoramic views of the canal:
Take a trip back in time, and whizz through the
canals that overlook homes, businesses and gardens, just like locals travelled
a long time ago. Feed your eyes with the lush greenery overflowing into the
water. Get off the boat and wander through the many tiny villages along the
canals.
• Serene, relaxing aura with heaps of drool-worthy
local delicacies:
A perfect spot for the ultimate foodie, you will be spoilt
for choice with the abundance of Thai food at Khlong Lat Mayom. Enjoy a
finger-licking-good skewer of gai galae (bbq grilled chicken) for only 25 baht.
Feeling hungrier? Try the flavorsome mungbean noodles, or pla pao (popular
salt-crusted fish). Buy some take-home snacks to remember the day - munch on
the tasty khao lam (sticky rice with sugar and coconut) for a sweet finish.
SUPER TIP: Come early,
and come hungry (You will be surrounded by delicious food all day)
HOW TO GET THERE
Take the BTS Skytrain to Bang Wa station on the Thonburi side of
Bangkok.
From Bang Wa, take a taxi to Talad Nam Khlong Lat Mayom.
Think about sitting on a Long tailed boat and
coming across Thai women dressed in their traditional attire and hats, selling
their wares on the boat passing next to you. And because that is the
traditional way of buying things here, you will see a lot of these here. You
Must must and must visit one of these floatinf markets to see the best side of
Thailand culture. As we always say, Do
not Just Travel – EXPLORE!
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