Bangkok Floating Market

In older times the Thai people didn’t go to markets like they do these days. The markets came floating to them. The reason being the majority of people often were living on canals or along the banks. The canals were the road system of the past and what you wanted would pass your own house.

Damnoen Saduak
(by Vernice Gutierrez)

These days there are quite few floating markets. The most famous and picturesque, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market has become pretty much entirely run for foreign visitors. If you prefer a more authentic experience check out one of the alternative Bangkok floating markets.

Taling Chan Floating Market

The Taling Chan floating market is one among three floating markets in Bangkok, all of these are in Taling Chan district on the Thonburi bank of the Chao Phraya River. The other two are Wat Saphan and Lat Layom. Located at Chak Phra, this floating market market is on a canal linking the Bangkok Noi  to Bangkok Yai.

The atmosphere at the Taling Chan floating market is very local and non-touristy. The street vendors are very pleasant and polite. Most of the stalls sell food. Visitors are mostly Thai. It is only open on weekends from 9-17.

Don Wai Floating Market

Don Wai Floating Market has existed for more than 100 years. Even so, it is just a short while ago that it has started being popular as a day trip from Bangkok. Lots of people visit during the weekend, mostly for the great food.

It is wise to visit this market as early as possible in the morning so that you can beat the heat and the crowds. It opens at 6 each morning.

Tha Kha Floating Market

The Floating Market river view
(by Nyoman Kusala)

Tha Kha has a much smaller amount of tourists compared to other floating markets around Bangkok. Situated in  Samut Songkhram in lush natural surroundings, it still sees mainly Thai tourists although this is changing.

It is open from about 8 until 11.30 on weekends and as it is a traditional market it is also open  on the 2nd, 7th and 12th days of the waxing and waning moon. You will need a special lunar calendar to work this out.

Amphawa Floating Market

Amphawa floating market doesn’t get started until the afternoon and although there are many people coming here it is still off the tourist trail so you won’t see many western faces. It is located about an hour’s drive outside the city and it is our favorite Bangkok floating market.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Damnoen Saduak is also known as Bangkok floating market. This Thai phrase means to “conveniently walk”. It is situated at Damnoen Saduak in Ratchaburi Province which is about 105 kilometers from  Bangkok.

This is by far the most popular floating market around Bangkok and also the most scenic. But it is also very touristy.

Take a look at our web site for more information about our Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Day Tours.