Famous Bangkok Floating Markets
Located in Ratchaburi Province of the Damnoen Saduak District, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the largest and oldest floating market in Bangkok. Rated as the best floating market in Bangkok Thailand, this is the best place to gain insights into the local life of Thai people.
You can shop for all kinds of farm produce, fruits, souvenirs, apparel, and freshly prepared local foods and desserts. You can spot many friendly women shopkeepers dressed in traditional mo hom apparel and broad-brimmed straw hats selling their wares actively in their long tail boats.
Timings - 7 AM to 12 PM (Saturday-Sunday)
The Amphawa market has a more relaxed vibe and is famous for shopping for fresh seafood, souvenirs like wooden handicraft items, handmade watercolour paintings, and local delicacies. The Amphawa market is rated as the best-floating market in Bangkok Thailand as it looks delightfully beautiful after sunset; during which you can witness the spectacular view of fireflies along the Amphawa Canal.
The best way to explore this floating market is by taking a motorised long-tail boat ride which includes visits to canal-front temples like Wat Bang Kung and Wat Bangkae Noi along with the market tour.
Timings - 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Friday - Sunday
This is one of the unique floating markets in Bangkok where only the sellers are on the boat and not the visitors. This offbeat market is located 14.5 km from Bangkok city centre along the Chao Phraya River. The market has a calm and peaceful environment for you to explore them thoroughly. The boat shops here sell sweet and savoury Thai delicacies, wooden handicrafts, souvenirs, and even potted plants.
Timings: 8 AM to 2 PM on weekends
This floating market is the best one-stop destination for all shopping essentials such as groceries, toys, candy, seafood, fruits, and frozen foods. The market is located along the Khlong Chak Phra canal and has interesting shops selling all gardening-related things including live plants at the entrance.
Taling Chan Floating Market is not heavily commercialised and hence you can stroll through the shops and go on a restaurant hop tour at a leisurely pace. If you are a gardening enthusiast, then this is the best-floating market in Bangkok, Thailand for you to visit.
Timings - 8 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays and Sundays
Situated along the Khlong Lat Mayom Canal, this market has a down-to-earth atmosphere in a peaceful setting without maddening crowds. The Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market has six zones selling boutique handicrafts, wooden antiques, home improvement items, ornamental plants, and fresh produce.
There are also a few shops selling kids' stationeries and shops offering fish-spa therapy. The best time to visit the best floating market in Bangkok, Thailand is during summer and winter from November to April.
Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM Saturday-Sunday
Located in the north of Bangkok, Visitors can explore this exciting market on foot and enjoy the riverside setting. This is considered one of the top floating markets in Bangkok as the region is home to the ethnic Mon people. Along with the traditional Thai food sold in the stalls here, one can find the local Mon cuisine here.
The market reflects the island's artistic flair with shops selling the traditional Mon pottery. The Koh Kret Island Floating Market is a cultural gem as it showcases the island's rich heritage and artistic traditions.
Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM Saturday-Sunday
After being shut for renovation and expansion, the Wat Sai Floating Market is now open for public visits. The market is famous for its food stalls selling both native and exotic fresh fruits and vegetables and Thai handicrafts. Along with shopping and food tasting, you can also visit many Buddhist temples that are located in and around the market.
Timings: Tuesday – Saturday at 8 am - 6 pm and Sunday at 3 pm – 6 pm
The Red Lotus Floating Market in Nakhon Pathom, which is the best-floating market in Bangkok, is located about 60 km from Bangkok. Here, you can enjoy both the beauty of nature and the culture of Thailand. At this market, you can be amazed at the mesmerising sight of hundreds of red lotus flowers blooming in their fullest glory.
You can rent a boat, explore the pond, marvel at the vibrant lotus flowers glistening in the sun, take pictures with the lotus backdrop, and try some local snacks and drinks.
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm Mon-Sun
Located between Soi Seri Thai and Soi Ramkhamhaeng in the Min Buri District of eastern Bangkok, Khwam Riam Floating Market is one of the newest floating markets in Bangkok. The temples, Wat Bamphen Nuea and Wat Bang Phong Tai divided the market into parts. The two parts are connected by a truss bridge, a landmark symbol of the market. At this market, you can also enjoy a boat ride along the Khlong Saen Saep canal, see the traditional Thai houses and temples along the way and relish delicious Thai street foods.
Timings: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m Sat-Sun and public holidays
The Maeklong Railway Market is a top floating market in Bangkok that fascinates every visitor with its unique functioning. The market is located amidst an active railway track and trains pass through the centre of the market several times a day.
The shopkeepers quickly fold their umbrellas and move their goods away from the tracks when the train approaches and place them back in position after the train departs. The market is one of the largest fresh seafood markets in Thailand and also sells fruits, vegetables, flowers, clothes, and souvenirs.
Timings: 6.00 AM - 6.00 PM Mon-Sun
Located about an hour’s drive from Bangkok in Samut Songkhram province, Tha Kha Floating Market is a small yet top floating market in Bangkok with a serene atmosphere. Enjoy a boat ride along the canal in this market and see the surrounding coconut plantations, traditional houses, fields, and temples.
Tha Kha Floating Market is a great option for those looking for a cleaner and calmer floating market experience in Bangkok.
Timings: 7.00 AM - 1.00 PM Friday; 6.00 AM - 2.00 PM Sat & Sun
Earlier known as "Sirisophon Market", the Old Bang Phli Floating Market is a 140-year-old floating market in Bangkok that is located by the Samrong Canal. The market has a 500-metre wooden floor for tourists and visitors to stroll by and shop. The market has several shops selling Thai foods, seasonal fruits, home decoration items, and souvenirs.
At the centre of the market is an exhibition called “Old Photos Tell Stories' ' which houses several old photographs of the markets collected since its establishment.
Timings: 8.00 AM - 5.00 PM Mon-Sun
FAQ's
What are the operating hours for Bangkok's floating markets?
Most of the floating markets in Bangkok are open only on weekends and their timings also vary. They usually open early in the morning and closed during afternoons, and again open in evenings and some stay open till 8 PM in the night. The largest floating market, Damnoen Saduak is open all days from 7 AM to 12 PM.
What types of goods and food can be found at the floating markets?
Ideally, the floating markets were introduced in Thailand to sell fresh produce from the nearby farms and orchards. To date, they are mostly famous for selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and local delicacies. However, they have also started selling local handicrafts, utensils, and other products.
Are the floating markets in Bangkok open every day?
No, Floating Markets Bangkok is a weekend thing. They are usually open on weekends except for a few big markets which are open daily like Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Is it possible to take a guided tour of the floating markets?
Yes, guided tours to Bangkok's floating markets are available and popular. They often include transportation, a local guide, and additional activities like boat rides or nearby attractions. Tours can be booked online, through hotels, or at travel agencies in Bangkok, providing a convenient and informative way to explore these vibrant markets. It is a recommended way to explore the markets, as you get the best knowledge and shopping experience with the help of the guides.
What is the famous floating market in Bangkok?
The Damnoen Saduak is considered as the best floating market in Bangkok. Another famous option is Amphawa Floating Market which is known for its local collections of food and crafts. If you are looking for a quieter experience, Bang Noi Floating Market offers a more relaxed atmosphere.
Is the floating market worth it in Bangkok?
Yes, the floating markets in Bangkok are worth it as you can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with small wooden boats and the traditional Thai culture. You can navigate through narrow canals lined with vendors selling fresh produce, souvenirs, and delicious local foods.
How long do you need at the floating market Bangkok?
You will need about 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the floating markets Bangkok. This duration will allow you to take a boat ride through the bustling canals, browse the various stalls for fresh produce, street food, and souvenirs. Consider arriving early to avoid crowds to experience the market peaceully.
What is special about the floating market in Bangkok?
What makes floating markets Bangkok special is the vibrant display of traditional Thai culture. You will see longtail boats filled with tropical fruits, fragrant foods, and local goods which create a colorful and lively atmosphere. The markets offer a unique shopping experience where you can buy fresh produce, handmade crafts, and souvenirs too.
What should I wear to the floating market in Bangkok?
When visiting the floating markets Bangkok, wear comfortable and light clothing to stay cool in the heat. Shorts and trainers are ideal for climbing in and out of boats. Sunglasses, hats, and suncreens are a must for sun protection, and a raincoat is handy for sudden showers.
What should we buy in Bangkok Floating Markets?
You will find a wide array of items worth buying at the floating markets Bangkok. You can try traditional Thai foods like Pad Thai, mango sticky rice and fresh tropical fruits. Find a variety of souvenirs and handicrafts, including Thai silk products and wooden carvings. You can also pick up traditional Thai clothing, hats, and scarves.
What days of the week are Bangkok floating markets open?
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is open from Monday to Friday, usually from morning until the afternoon. However, many other floating markets in Bangkok, including the popular Amphawa Floating Market, are only open from Friday through Sunday. You can plan your visit to these markets over the weekend when most of them are lively.
Which of Bangkok’s floating markets is a popular tourist attraction?
The most famous and best floating market Bangkok is Damnoen Saduak, located about 100 kilometers southwest of the city. It is a top tourist attraction that offers you a glimpse into traditional Thai culture. This makes it an iconic spot for both shopping and experiencing local cuisine.
Is it free to enter a Bangkok floating market?
Yes, it is free to enter and explore most floating markets around Bangkok, including the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. However, if you want to experience a boat ride through the market, there is a fee. At Damnoen Saduak, the floating market Bangkok price is around 2500 INR for a paddle boat ride that can accommodate up to 6 people for one hour.
Can I find vegan or vegetarian food at the floating markets?
Yes, you can find vegetarian and vegan food at most floating markets in Bangkok. Many stalls offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat-free dishes, catering various dietary preferences. Taling Chan and Kwan-Riam Floating Market is known for its vegetarian-friendly dishes that are often based on rice and coconut.
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