Welcome to Thailand’s most popular floating market, where time seems to stand still, and traditional culture comes alive on the water. These unique markets have been an integral part of Thailand’s cultural heritage for centuries, and they continue to captivate both locals and tourists alike with their vibrant colors, bustling atmosphere, and delicious culinary offerings.
The Allure of Floating Market
Floating markets are a quintessential Thai experience, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich history and a chance to witness the traditional ways of commerce that have endured through generations. These markets originated from the necessity of water transportation in the past when rivers and canals were the lifelines of many Thai communities. Today, they remain a cultural treasure, with vendors skillfully navigating their boats laden with goods, fresh produce, and mouthwatering street food.
Top Floating Market Tourist Attractions
1. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The market is located about 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok, in the Ratchaburi province. It is open every day from 6 a.m. to noon, but the best time to visit is in the early morning, when the market is most lively and colorful.
To get to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, you have several options. You can join a guided tour that includes transportation, entrance fees, and a boat ride around the market. You can also take a public bus from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal to Damnoen Saduak, and then hire a local boat or a tuk-tuk to take you to the market. Alternatively, you can rent a car or a taxi and drive yourself to the market, which will give you more flexibility and freedom.
Once you arrive at the market, you can explore it by walking along the canal banks or by hiring a boat. A boat ride will cost you about 150 baht per person for an hour, and you can bargain with the boat driver for a lower price. You can also buy goods from other boats or from stalls on the shore. Some of the things you can find at the market are fresh fruits like mangoes, bananas, pineapples, and coconuts; local snacks like pad thai, sticky rice with mango, and coconut ice cream; handicrafts like hats, bags, and wooden carvings; and souvenirs like postcards, magnets, and t-shirts.
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a great place to experience the traditional Thai culture and lifestyle. You can see how the locals live and work on the water, and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the market. You can also take some amazing photos of the colorful boats and vendors. The market is a must-see attraction for anyone who wants to witness a unique aspect of Thailand’s history and heritage.
2. Amphawa Floating Market
Amphawa Floating Market is located in Samut Songkhram province, about 90 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. It is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 to 20:00. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon or early evening, when the market is bustling with activity and the sunset creates a beautiful backdrop.
One of the main attractions of the Amphawa Floating Market is the food. You can find a wide range of delicious dishes and snacks on the boats, such as grilled seafood, noodles, coconut ice cream, fried bananas and more. You can also sample some local specialties, such as salted eggs, dried fish and palm sugar. The prices are reasonable and the portions are generous. You can either eat on the boat or on the wooden platforms along the canal.
Another attraction of the Amphawa Floating Market is the culture. You can witness the traditional way of life of the local people, who have been living and trading on the water for generations. You can also visit some of the historical temples and shrines nearby, such as Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram, Wat Bang Kung and King Rama II Memorial Park. These places offer a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the region.
One of the best ways to explore the Amphawa Floating Market is by boat. You can hire a long-tail boat for a tour along the canal and the Mae Klong River. You can see more of the market and its surroundings, as well as some wildlife, such as fireflies, monkeys and birds. The boat tour usually costs around 50 baht per person and lasts for about an hour.
The Amphawa Floating Market is a must-see destination for anyone who wants to experience a different side of Thailand. It is a place where you can enjoy delicious food, beautiful scenery and fascinating culture. It is also easy to get there from Bangkok by bus, train or car. If you have a chance, don’t miss this amazing opportunity to visit one of the most charming markets in Thailand.
3. Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
If you are looking for a unique and authentic experience in Bangkok, you might want to visit the Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market. This market is one of the less touristy and more local floating markets in the city, where you can enjoy delicious food, fresh fruits, handicrafts, and boat tours along the canal.
The Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is located in the Taling Chan district, about 20 kilometers from the city center. You can get there by taxi, bus, or BTS skytrain. Here are some of the options:
Taxi : The easiest and fastest way to get to the market is by taxi. It will cost you around 200 to 300 baht (6 to 10 USD) and take about 30 minutes from downtown Bangkok. You can ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance of the market, or at the nearby Wat Saphan temple.
Bus : If you want to save some money and don’t mind a longer ride, you can take a bus to the market. You can catch bus number 146 from Victory Monument or bus number 515 from Central World. The bus fare is 20 baht (0.6 USD) and the journey takes about an hour. You need to get off at Wat Saphan and walk for about 15 minutes to the market.
BTS : Another option is to take the BTS skytrain to Bang Wa station, which is the last stop on the Silom line. From there, you can take a taxi or a motorcycle taxi to the market for about 50 to 100 baht (1.5 to 3 USD) and 15 to 20 minutes.
The Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The best time to visit is in the morning, when the market is less crowded and more lively. You can spend a few hours exploring the market, sampling various dishes, shopping for souvenirs, and taking pictures.
One of the highlights of the market is the food. You can find a wide range of Thai delicacies, such as pad thai, som tam, grilled seafood, sticky rice with mango, coconut ice cream, and more. The prices are very reasonable, ranging from 20 to 100 baht (0.6 to 3 USD) per dish. You can also buy fresh fruits and vegetables from the vendors on boats or on land.
Another attraction of the market is the boat tour. You can hop on a long-tail boat and cruise along the canal, passing by local houses, temples, orchards, and farms. The boat tour costs 100 baht (3 USD) per person and lasts for about an hour. You can also rent a paddle boat for 20 baht (0.6 USD) per hour and explore the canal by yourself.
The Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is a great place to experience the traditional Thai culture and lifestyle. It is also a good alternative to the more crowded and commercialized floating markets in Bangkok. If you are looking for a relaxing and enjoyable weekend getaway, you should definitely check out this market.
Conclusion
traveling to the floating market in Thailand was a rewarding experience that offered a glimpse into the local culture, cuisine and commerce. The market was bustling with activity, color and aroma, and the vendors were friendly and helpful. The boat ride was relaxing and scenic, and the food was delicious and diverse. I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to explore a unique aspect of Thailand’s history and lifestyle.
