Discover the Best Floating Markets in Bangkok

While there are lots of malls in Bangkok, floating markets in and around the city offer a more colorful cultural experience, and here are such sites you should add to your itinerary.

Taling Chan Floating Market

The easiest to reach from the city, the Taling Chan Floating Market is only around 12 km from the Thai capital and within a short drive from properties like Pathumwan Princess Hotel. Open from around 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, it features a charming area beside the river where vendors on boats sell flavourful dishes and fresh produce; don’t forget to try seafood such as blue crabs and prawns cooked on the boats! You can explore this market and the surrounding canals on a longtail boat tour too.

Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market

After you visit Taling Chan, head to the nearby Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market which is open on weekends. An ideal addition to your list of must-visit Bangkok tourist attractions, this site features boat vendors as well as shops by the riverside. Look to savor pad Thai, seafood, and other culinary creations made on the boats which become makeshift kitchens! At the market area on land, you will find fruits and veggies, sweets, snacks, clothing, toys, and more. Pony rides are on offer at a close by ranch, ideal if you are traveling with kids.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Located in the Ratchaburi Province, Damnoen Saduak is one of the most well-known floating markets in Thailand and is open daily from around 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. This market is also one of the busiest (especially early morning) and you will find plenty of boats amidst the narrow canals selling fresh fruit and delectable dishes which make it very ‘photogenic’ too! There are lots of eateries and stalls along the waterways as well while taking a longtail boat trip around the market is not to be missed either.

Amphawa Floating Market

Around 80 km outside of the city, one will find the Amphawa Floating Market which is open from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm from Friday to Sunday. A relatively authentic floating market experience is what you will find at this site, home to lots of boats on which seafood is grilled and served fresh to the delight of foodies. There are various wooden shops selling souvenirs and food stalls on land as well, while you can go exploring on longtail boats too; consider a visit to Wat Bang Kung, a temple cocooned amidst the roots of an ancient tree!