What are the best floating markets to visit in Bangkok?

Some of the most popular floating markets include Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa, and Taling Chan. Each market has its own unique character and atmosphere, so be sure to check them out and see which one you like best.

How do I get to the floating markets?

The easiest way to get to the floating markets is by taking a taxi or tuk-tuk from your hotel. You can also take the BTS or MRT to the nearest station and then take a short walk to the market.

What should I wear to the floating markets?

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that can get wet, as you'll be walking on the canals and possibly getting splashed by the water.

Can I haggle at the floating markets?

Yes, haggling is a big part of the floating market experience. Don't be afraid to negotiate the price of the items you want to buy.

Are the floating markets safe?

Generally, the floating markets are very safe, but be sure to take the usual precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Can I take photos at the floating markets?

Yes, taking photos is encouraged, but be sure to respect the vendors and locals who are working and living in the markets.

What kind of souvenirs can I find at the floating markets?

You can find a wide range of souvenirs at the floating markets, from traditional Thai crafts to modern reproductions.

Can I eat at the floating markets?

Yes, there are plenty of food stalls and restaurants at the floating markets, serving up a wide range of traditional Thai dishes.

Are the floating markets open year-round?

Yes, the floating markets are open year-round, but be sure to check the opening hours and dates before you go.

Bangkok's Floating Markets: A Guide to Shopping on Water

Bangkok, the lifeblood of Thailand, is a network of canals that weave through the Chao Phraya River. For centuries, it's had its own unique rhythm, with a traditional way of life that's been passed down through the ages. It all started here, with the numerous canals (khlongs) and banks of the main river, the Chao Phraya.

Floating Market, ThailandPeople have lived along these banks for generations, and traders would paddle up to each house in their boats, selling fresh produce and fruits.

Floating Market, Thailand

The rivers and canals in Bangkok are used by locals as roads, a means of earning a living, and even as a sewer system: they bathe, wash clothes, and fish in the water. It's been this way for centuries, thanks to the clay soil and frequent floods that make building roads impossible. The river is the heart of their lives.

Floating Market, Thailand

Floating Markets in Thailand – a must-see attraction for any first-time tourist: it's a spectacle, a landmark, and a great way to experience the country from the inside.

Floating Market, Thailand

All markets, including the floating ones, start operating very early, long before sunrise. They bring in the goods, and by the time the sun rises, the narrow canal is packed with hundreds of boats, each loaded with an incredible variety of goods that'll leave you speechless.

Floating Market, Thailand

Those who sell food on the streets and at the moving stalls in Bangkok come here every day to buy their products, so tourists in Thailand shouldn't worry about getting food poisoning from eating freshly prepared street food – it's always fresh, and they'll cook it right in front of you.

Floating Market, Thailand

So, what exactly is a floating market in Thailand?

Floating markets in Thailand Floating markets in Thailand are wooden platforms on stilts, sometimes multi-level and always under a canopy, which these long-tail boats pull up to. This boat is called a 'rua paa' - a paddle boat that's super valuable in Thai families, used for transportation and as a sales counter, and some even have a tiny kitchen and serve hot food. These boats are usually the sole source of income for families in Thailand and are even passed down through generations.

Ampawa Floating Market

Tourists in Thailand usually take a 'longtail' boat - a long-tailed boat that's a symbol of the country. They've been around for ages and are still super popular today. They come in all shapes and sizes - from simple motorboats like this one to fancy, intricately carved ones used for special occasions.

Motorboat for cruises in Thailand

There aren't any floating markets in the center of Bangkok, but they're all located in its outskirts.

I've been to three floating markets: Ampawa (Ampawa Floating Market) on my way north to the Kwai River, Taling Chan (Taling Chan Floating Market) on my way to the Tiger Monastery, and Damnoen Saduak (Damnoen Saduak Floating Market) on my way to the ancient city of Ayutthaya.

Here, I'll try to share my experiences from visiting floating markets and taking a cruise along the Chao Phraya canals, and also tell you about the other floating markets in the Bangkok area.

Along the Chao Phraya canals

The most interesting way to get to floating markets by water. As we cruise along the narrow canals, we can see how the Thai people live, settled by the water for generations.

Along the Chao Phraya canals to the floating marketsIt's pretty easy to turn off the Chao Phraya River and enter one of the canals by boat, and the scenery changes instantly: a variety of slums floating in the water on rotten wooden stilts.

Along the canals of Bangkok to the floating market. Chao Phraya canals The wealthier ones are on concrete stilts. Here, they dry their laundry, wash it in the river. Life goes on, just in a really different way.

Canals of Chao Phraya. On the way to the floating marketI've noticed a quirky tradition in Thailand - people try to match their outfits to the day of the week. Tuesdays are all about pink.

Floating market. Thailand.The scenic views along the way are pretty amazing - coconut plantations, tiny but tidy houses amidst the tropical forest.

On the way to the floating market. Through the canals of Bangkok

On the way to the floating market. Canals of BangkokHere, on the canals of Chao Phraya in Bangkok, you'll even find temples on water:

Temple on water. Through the canals of Bangkok

Through the canals of BangkokIt's wild to see how people have started building multi-story houses on stilts:

Canals of Chao Phraya. Bangkok, floating marketThey're using anything they can find - car parts, tires, wooden planks, boat scraps, metal sheets... you name it.

Through the canals of Bangkok to the floating market

Through the canals of Bangkok.Despite the lack of sewage systems and the constant stench that chases tourists in Bangkok, there are fish farms everywhere - the Chao Phraya River and canals are literally teeming with catfish, carp, and shrimp. You can spot all sorts of seafood along the way.

Canals of Bangkok. Chao Phraya River. On the way to the floating market

But Bangkok is the most contrasting city in the world. Poverty and decay stretch for miles, right next to the world's most luxurious chain hotels.

Chao Phraya River Markets. On the way to the floating marketAs we paddle up to the floating market, you can see the local life in full swing.

Taling Chan Floating MarketBefore we even get there, a few boats zip up to us, offering their wares. The boat drivers are incredibly skilled at navigating the waterways and avoiding collisions – it's a sight to behold.

At the floating market

Floating Market. Thailand

To be honest, they all seem pretty similar, with the main difference being that some are more geared towards tourists and have become a bit of a tourist trap. As a result, the selection of goods can vary greatly.

Souvenirs at the floating market

You can buy anything here – from handmade goods to food. There are plenty of souvenirs, and even small restaurants serving local dishes at very reasonable prices.

There are five floating markets in Bangkok:

✔ Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

The market operates daily from 07:00 to 11:00, so it's best to plan your visit accordingly. This market is located about 80 kilometers from Bangkok and is the oldest in the city. It's famous for being featured in a James Bond movie – the canals here are known worldwide.

These days, the market has become more of a tourist attraction, with a focus on souvenirs that can be found in larger shopping centers like MBK. You're unlikely to find any local shoppers here, and the selection is mostly limited to generic touristy items.

You can get to the market by taking bus 78 or 996 from the Southern Railway Station.

Visiting this market is often part of an excursion package to Ayutthaya or the Kwai River.

✔ Ampawa Floating Market

The market operates only on saturdays and sundays from 08:00 to 19:00 and is more geared towards locals who come here to shop or relax. This is where you can experience the authentic Thai culture – delicious street food and affordable fruits and seafood are abundant here.

{"p":"The biggest plus of this market is its proximity to Bangkok. You can get here by yourself from the Victory Monument subway station on a mini-bus – they leave for the Ampawa market every hour on weekends.","p":" ","p":"✔ Tha Kha Floating Market","p":"The market operates from 08:00 to 11:30. This market is 100 kilometers from Bangkok and a 15-minute drive from the largest floating market, Damnoen Saduak.","p":"Locals are the only ones who visit this market, and there are no souvenir shops here. They mainly sell vegetables, fruits, and handmade goods. The prices are much lower than on the 'tourist' floating markets, and you can negotiate a one-hour boat tour along the canals for just a few hundred baht.","p":"Here, you might be interested in seeing local homes and palm sugar production, low prices, and the locals' way of life without the touristy touches.","p":" ","p":"✔ Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market","p":"This is the most national market, catering only to locals – it operates from 04:30 to 08:00. They mainly buy all the products for the street food stalls in Bangkok, known as 'makashnits', which I mentioned earlier. Honestly, I wouldn't recommend coming here: there are no souvenirs or particularly notable points of interest.","p":" ","p":"✔ Taling Chan Floating Market","p":"The market operates only on weekends from 08:00 to 16:00. You can get here by boat taxi in 1.5 hours (around 2000 baht) while taking a look at the coconut plantations, or by bus number 79 (20 baht) from the center of Bangkok, which would be much cheaper but longer. The pontoon where this market is located is small, smaller than the others.","p":"","div":" Floating Market in Thailand","p":" ","p":"One of the most important tips when planning a solo trip to the floating market is to leave as early as possible.","p":" ","p":"✔ Summary","p":"Floating markets in Thailand are my favorite, so I highly recommend them – both as a tourist attraction and as a way to immerse yourself in local culture and try unusual shopping on the water. Which of the floating markets will you like best is up to you, provided they are all essentially the same but still different in their orientation towards tourists or locals.","p":"It's better to take a tour that already includes a visit to any of the floating markets.","p":" ","p":"I would only recommend coming here specially if you have a lot of time in Thailand or if you're a huge fan of local culture, because there's more than enough of it here.","p":" ","p":"Essentially, this is one of the unique places in the world where food is cooked right in the boats and houses stand on the water, and locals live in completely different conditions, unlike ours.","p":"Thanks for reading and happy travels!","p":" ","p":""}P.S. Check out Lumpini Park in Bangkok - a one-of-a-kind spot where you can feed massive monitor lizards in the heart of the city.

Take a look at how people live on water in Cambodia, but trust me, it's not all sunshine and rainbows.

I highly recommend reading about swimming with elephants on Ko Chang - it's a real treat and a great way to experience the beauty of Thailand.

And if you're interested in Thai royalty, check out Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, the summer residence of the Thai king, and visit the stunning Wat Naphrameru temple, home to a 1500-year-old Buddha statue.