Floating markets, a unique spectacle found in the land of smiles, Thailand! In 2023 we were very excited to visit one of the most popular floating markets near Bangkok. The Bangkok floating market is a vibrant and chaotic scene on the canals, offering a variety of stalls and boats selling colorful fruits, vegetables, and handcrafted souvenirs. The markets are a true heritage of the Thai culture, and some of them are even still being used until this day.

So with that in mind, I wanted to tell you more about our experience and tips for visiting the floating markets. Visiting the markets is one thing that will definitely be recommended when visiting Thailand, but, is it really worth it? Let me tell know!

Floating Through the Markets:

First things first, which floating market in Bangkok will you be visiting? As said, the floating markets are a cultural heritage for Thailand. So you can imagine that there are way more markets than just one market. For this blog, we will be focusing on floating markets in and around the capital city Bangkok and also the one that I have personally visited in August 2023.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Starting off with the market me and my boyfriend visited in 2023. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, known as the most famous floating market, is located around 100 kilometers from Bangkok, being one of the most popular and touristic floating markets currently in Thailand. This floating market is also perfect to visit if you want to go with a guided tour, mostly combined with other activities. We stepped on a boat and were brought to the middle of the floating market. We even saw some coconut plantations. Really cool!

Yes, the floating market gives you, in my opinion, great vibes and a picture of the Thai culture. But I still need to say that this specific place was very and mostly touristic focused, resulting in that you were missing that authentic feeling. Most shops were also souvenir shops and not so much food or other groceries anymore.

In the end, I’m happy that we did the tour, but next time if someone would ask me for advice, I would say, visit another location if you are able to and want less tourism.

Amphawa Floating Market

Amphawa Floating Market Bangkok is located around 50 kilometers from Bangkok. Highly visited by tourists but also by many locals, it offers a different experience than Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. This specific market is also only open on weekends, from Friday till Sunday. Something that may be important to keep in mind if you would like to visit and plan your itinerary. Visit the colorful Amphawa Floating Market to buy many different goods like delicious food or some beautiful souvenirs.

Taling Chan Floating Market

Taling Chan Floating Market is a medium-sized floating market, perfect for those who want to stay in Bangkok itself. You can easily grab a taxi or even the BTS system to get to the floating market. Score some fresh fruit or even special plants from the farmers themselves. Enjoy the Thai heritage along the Khlong river. Taling Chan is also only opened on the weekend or on public holidays, so keep that in mind before visiting.

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Immersing Yourself in the Floating Market Experience:

The floating markets, Thailands history. Last summer vacation we decided that we also wanted to visit at least one of these bustling markets. Personally I come from The Netherlands, and of course there they also have markets, like the Saturday market in the big city center. But it doesn’t even comes close to being the same experience as those is Thailand. It was a must thing to do for our three week Thailand trip! Visit floating markets in the morning for the most active experience and consider hiring a private driver or joining a tour for convenience.

We booked a tour via our hotel staff, which was great and easy. We were picked up by the tour guide early in the morning, around 7 AM. You might know that those markets open early, and with a 100 km on the route it was important that we left early. We first visited the train track that goes through the houses and city center and after that we finally went to Damnoen Saduak floating market. At arrival we first enjoyed an easy snack with some fresh fruits like delicious watermelon and mangosteen. After a refreshing water it was time to sail to the center of the floating market.

With just 5 minutes on the traditional long tail boat we already saw the first stalls with stuff. Mostly focussed on tourists so we were happy to drive further to the main area of the market. During our trip we even saw a coconut plantation. They were even in the midst of getting the coconuts of the threes. Amazing to see!

After arrival in the center we got some free time to explore the markets by foot. We explored the whole area and were surprised how touristic it was. However we still had a great time! We enjoyed some lunch, bought some souvenirs and got delicious ice-cream. When visiting the main area you will be able to even pay for a shorter and smaller boat tour through the main area itself. That was something we decided we didn’t want to do, but it is super easy to arrange if you would like to.

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A Floating Feast Awaits:

A floating market wouldn’t be a market without some amazing Thai food! Luckily, the best floating markets offer more than enough food to try. Around the khlong (canal) but also of course on the water itself. That’s what you are visiting the floating markets for!

Firstly, we enjoyed some typical Thai lunch at a small spot. We both chose the Pad Thai with chicken. Delicious! It was also such a great spot as we had an overview over the boats. Although we already had some lunch, there was still one thing that I really wanted to try. Let me tell you, I am and was so happy that I did because it tasted amazing.

At the floating markets, you will not only find boats with fruit or souvenirs but also boats with prepared food. There was one thing that kept calling for my attention, a traditional Thai food: Coconut ice-cream. Not only does it look beautiful, or is refreshing, it also tasted amazing. The ice cream was only meant for me but in the end, me and my partner ate it together because it was just so wonderful. Definitely recommend!

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Beyond the Tourist Trail:

With so many tourists around you would almost forget that the floating markets are actually not completely meant for being a tourist attraction. Ofcourse nowadays you see many souvenirs shops or tour operators. But back in the days the floating markets were (and still are) a real way of getting groceries or other necessities. The Bang Phli Floating Market, one of the oldest floating markets in Bangkok, is known for its historical aura and is a must-visit for food lovers and culture admirers.

The Khlongs have always been important transport routes for Thai people. With making use of the khlongs Thai people were being able to transport there products on the water, making the khlongs also very important for the Thai economy. The floating markets were created as a center for all trading or selling products of locals. Personally I think it’s so cool to see that they are using the khlongs to their advantage.

The Wat Sai Floating Market, established by Chinese traders over 150 years ago, offers local ornaments, clothing, and food, showcasing the cultural significance and influence of Chinese culture on the market’s attractions and lifestyle.

Due to more popularity for big cities due to many different reasons, the floating markets lost their value. Luckily nowadays the markets are getting more alive every day also due to tourist. So keep in mind when you are visiting a floating market during your vacation, that is once was a real way of trading for the Thai locals. The floating markets are a memory of Thailand many years back. Some even say that the first floating markets were created in the 13th century. Can you even imagine?

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