Floating markets are an integral part of Thai culture and are a major tourist attraction in Bangkok. These markets are famous for their sellers who sell fresh and local products directly from their boats.
Here are some of Bangkok's best floating markets to have an authentic experience during your visit:
The Damnoen Saduak floating market is undoubtedly the most famous and popular among tourists. Located about 100 km southwest of Bangkok, it offers a traditional landscape with its channels bordered by palm trees and water sellers. There are mainly fruits, vegetables and spices, but also memories and craft articles. It is best to go there early in the morning to avoid the crowd.
The amphawa floating market is the second most popular in Bangkok. Less touristy than Damnoen Saduak, it offers a more authentic and friendly atmosphere. The sellers offer fresh and local products here, as well as cooked dishes to taste on site. Do not miss a boat trip to discover the surroundings and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the place.
To get to Amphawa from Bangkok, you can take a bus, a mini-van or rent a car with driver. The journey lasts approximately 1:30.
Close to the city center and accessible by boat-taxi, the Taling Chan floating market is an excellent option if you have a short time in Bangkok. It is less frequented by tourists and mainly offers food and craft products. One of the major attractions of this market is the possibility of enjoying fresh and grilled seafood directly on site.
Located near Taling Chan, the Khlong Lat Mayom floating market is much less touristy and more authentic. Visitors will be able to find fresh products, cooked dishes and memories at generally more affordable prices than in the city center. On weekends, a large terrestrial market is also installed around the canal, offering a complete experience to visitors.
If you are looking for a floating market with few tourists and an even more traditional atmosphere, the floating market of Bang Khu Wiang is the one you need. Located north of Bangkok, it is mainly frequented by premises that come to buy fruits, vegetables, spices and other fresh products from the surrounding farms. It is accessible by taxi boat from Nonthaburi Pier.
The floating market of Tha Kha, located in the province of Samut Songkhram, offers a peaceful atmosphere, far from the crowds found in other more tourist floating markets. Here, no craft products or memories, but only regional products. Its charm lies in its authenticity and the possibility of enjoying local specialties prepared on site.
Located south-east of the capital, the floating market in Bang Nam Pheung allows you to discover the daily life of the inhabitants of Bangkok through the sale of agricultural and regional products. Although it is not completely a floating market, it is located along a channel very frequented by transport boats and thus offers a surprising view of immobilier in Bangkok .
The Klong Lat Mayom floating market is not far from that of Taling Chan. Much less touristy and more local, you will discover a peaceful corner where you can taste Thai culinary specialties, buy fresh products or go on a taxi boat trip in the surrounding Khlongs.
Finally, on weekends, the famous Chatuchak market also offers a small floating space dedicated to catering. You will mainly find there typical dishes from the region, prepared directly on the boats. A passage to the Chatuchak floating market is perfectly part of a day devoted to the discovery of the legendary flea market in the Thai capital.
Each Bangkok floating market has its own identity, atmosphere and its original products that are worth seeing. Do not hesitate to visit them to discover the richness of Thai culture and local culinary specialties while enjoying an extraordinary experience.
