Floating markets in & around Bangkok
Unique temples and old-timey buildings bursting with history are only a few examples of Thailand’s tourist attractions that make many vacationers’ checklists.
While Thailand’s temples showcase the grandeur of the pagodas and gigantic Buddha statues, floating markets offer a unique ambiance of rural localities that cannot be found elsewhere.
If you’re curious about what floating markets look like, read on to see why such attractions are worth a visit.
Here’s a list of Thailand’s 6 floating markets in & around Bangkok that will make your feed look like National Geographic.
More attractions to check out in Thailand:
- Baan Hom Muen Lee in Chiang Rai has private outdoor jacuzzis that overlook forests
- Komegura is a Japanese-esque cafe
- Lacol Khaoyai has bubble glass domes for private dinners
1. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – James Bond-certified market
Our first recommendation is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which has been open for more than 100 years.
Its development traces back to the reign of King Rama IV. Having a clear vision for future economic growth, the king had the canal built in 1866 to provide water resources for agriculture. The waterway also serves as a transport route where three provinces, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, and Samutsakorn meet.
Image credit: ท่องเที่ยวไทย
Besides its rich historic background, this market is also one of the primary locations for the chase scene in James Bond 007: The Man with the Golden Gun (1974).
Image credit: @Nuuzii
Recently, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration together with the province’s authorities launched a tourism campaign “Green Destination”.
The project focuses on implementing and promoting eco-friendly practices at the market. For example, they’ve developed solar-powered boats to reduce emissions and loud noise of operating boat’s machinery.
Image credit: MGR Online
In addition to shopping for local products, making coconut sugar is one of the highlight activities tourists shouldn’t miss here. There’s a zone where locals demonstrate how to make coconut sugar. Visitors are also allowed to join the activity and experience the lifestyle of locals at Damnoen Saduak Market.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Address: 9 51 Damnoen Saduak, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi 70130
Opening hours: 7AM – 3PM, Daily
Contact: +66 8 5222 7470 | Damnoen Saduak Floating Market’s Facebook | Google Maps
If you’re into floating markets, but want some more activities to engage in, our next recommendation is worth visiting for adventurers.
2. Khlong Lat Mayom Market – sustainable agriculture & riverside gardens
When it comes to a market with a soothing ambience and several activities, Khlong Lat Mayom Market is hands-down this writer’s favourite.
Image credit: Reviewer24
The attraction was founded in 2004 and has both a floating market and an on-the-ground market. It was when Chuan Chujan, community leader at Khlong Lat Mayom, came up with an idea of creating a trading market to help locals generate income from their crops.
Now, the market is divided into eight shopping zones with various shops selling hand-made products, seafood, and traditional Thai desserts that are rarely found in mainstream shopping centres.
Image credit: @Thailande_asie
Since more than 95% of locals here are farmers, visitors can expect to come across a variety of boat vendors selling vegetables and seasonal fruits freshly picked from their gardens.
Image credit: Pantip
Khlong Lat Mayom Market also features an animal farm at the entrance where tourists can stop by to feed cute sheep and other creatures.
Image credit: TripTH
There’s also a riverside orchid garden to which vacationers can pay a visit via boat. The boat service provides a one-hour cruise around the attraction and is available at ฿60 (~USD2) for Thai people and ฿100 (~USD3) for foreigners.
Address: 30/1, Moo 15, Bang Ramat Rd, Bang Ramat, Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170
Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM, Saturday – Sunday
Contact: +66 8 7053 4438
Khlong Lat Mayom Market Facebook | Google Maps
While visiting a floating market is a great vacation idea, getting the chance to stay overnight at one can elevate your escapade experience even further.
3. Amphawa Floating Market – paddle by fireflies & enjoy an overnight
Amphawa Floating Market is a perfect destination for those seeking a day-trip or overnight staycation.
Image credit: ตลาดต้องชม
Don’t worry if you’re not a morning person. Unlike other markets that exclusively operate during the daytime, Amphawa is Thailand’s first floating market that’s open from the morning until the night.
Image credit: LIFE STYLE THAILAND
At this market, visitors can enjoy shopping for miscellaneous items and eating a variety of cuisines.
They can also hire a boat available from ฿60 (~USD2) to ฿80 (~USD2.40) per person cruise along the canal and appreciate the fireflies at night.
Image credit: ท่องเที่ยว
Image credit: Wongnai
There are a variety of noodle stalls at the market, but the one we suggest heading over to is “Teaw Tok Kala” which serves boat noodles in coconut shells starting from ฿30 (~USD1).
Image credit: TrueID
To take your experience to the next level, there are riverside accommodations available. Here, tourists can try experiencing the locals’ daily lives, like making merit with a monk by the canal early in the morning.
Address: Amphawa, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram 75110
Opening hours: 10 AM – 9.30 PM, Friday – Sunday
Contact: +66 8 3433 5613
Amphawa Floating Market’s Facebook | Google Maps
After wandering around floating markets outside Bangkok, let’s move back to the capital city and make a beeline to this next spot that’s also worth a visit.
4. Taling Chan – floating market in Bangkok near Central Pinklao
A time-machine getaway in Bangkok to experience old-timey floating markets is none other than Taling Chan Floating Market.
Once visitors enter the attraction, this Bangkok floating market will disconnect them from the city’s chaos and introduce them to a simple lifestyle.
Image credit: Trip.com
Even though it’s located in Bangkok, this canal bazaar still retains the nostalgic vibe of local life in ancient times. So, visitors will get a chance to go back to an old era whose distinctive features are vegetable & fruit farms and floating cabins along the canal.
Image credit: TripTH ทริปไทยแลนด์
Another trademark of this market is a Thai classical music band spotted playing classical Thai songs. Visitors who are interested in playing Thai musical instruments can also apply to learn for free.
Image credit: @Munichwasmyfirstlove
After a long walk around the bazaar, visitors are also highly recommended to try seafood dishes they can buy from boat hawkers. The signature dish is Kru Tim’s smoked fish served with spicy sauce that’s available at ฿190 (~USD6).
Address: 333 Chak Phra Rd, Khlong Chak Phra, Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170
Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM, Saturday – Sunday
Contact: +66 8 7694 3219
Taling Chan Floating Market Facebook | Google Maps
In case you’re looking for more floating markets in Bangkok, we have another interesting spot in the city.
5. Bang Nam Phueng – Bangkok floating market near BTS Bangna
Whether it’s recharging your batteries with refreshing weather or retail therapy that you need, Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market in Bangkok allows you to do both.
The shopping centre is located on Bang Kachao island, an oasis that is considered the lung of Bangkok. Here, visitors will also get a chance to breathe in some fresh air while strolling along the market’s pathway which stretches two kilometres.
Image credit: การท่องเที่ยวแห่งประเทศไทย
The market was founded with the aim to encourage locals to generate income from their own products and to support ecotourism. So, if you are looking for local produce and handmade artifacts, you’ve come to the right place.
Image credit: ตลาดน้ำบางน้ำผึ้ง
Apart from browsing local craftsmanship, there are other activities like paddling along the canal or biking around the market.
Image credit: Pantip
There’s another piece of good news for all visitors to jot down. Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market isn’t too far from BTS Bangna station.
After stepping out of the BTS, take the minibus to the port at Wat Bang Na Nok and go on a ferry to arrive at the market.
Address: 5, 38 S. Petchahueng 28 Bang Kobua, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan 10130
Opening hours: 8AM – 4PM, Saturday – Sunday
Nearest train station: BTS Bangna
Contact: +66 2 4613 254
Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market Facebook | Google Maps
Now we know which outdoor markets to bookmark on the list. Let’s move on to an indoor market, where which we can head over via the skytrain.
6. ICONSIAM’s SOOK SIAM- Hub of cuisines from 77 districts
Located on the G Floor of ICONSIAM, a Bangkok’s luxurious department store, SOOK SIAM Zone is an indoor floating market that carries handicrafts, traditional artwork, and folk performances from 77 provinces of Thailand.
Image credit: ประชาชาติธุรกิจ
At this indoor floating market, visitors will get a chance to indulge in fine local cuisines from famous restaurants like Siam Namneung from the northern part or Phu Thai Grilled Chicken from Northeastern part of Thailand.
Image credit: ICONSIAM
SOOK SIAM is divided into four sections, each of which represents a significant feature of each region in Thailand.
Therefore, an extensive range of booths with hawkers in Thai-style costumes vending Thai desserts & snacks or handmade merchandise can be found throughout the market.
Image credit: ICONSIAM
It’s very easy to visit this Bangkok’s floating market at ICONSIAM. Tourists can take either BTS (Gold Line) or free shuttle boats at Sathorn Pier to arrive at ICONSIAM.
It takes only five minutes to walk to the mall from the BTS Charoen Nakhon station.
Address: 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600
Opening hours: 10AM – 8PM, Daily
Nearest train station: BTS Charoen Nakhon
Contact: +66 2 658 1000
SOOK SIAM @ICONSIAM Facebook | Google Maps
Floating markets in Bangkok to visit
If you find these six floating markets fascinating and can’t wait to head over to such places, set the date for your trip and start packing your camera.
However, make sure your camera is fully charged and your stomach is empty because there will be a lot of stunning views and delicious food to indulge in throughout the day.
Cover images adapted from (clockwise from top left): ตลาดต้องชม, ประชาชาติธุรกิจ, Trip.com, การท่องเที่ยวแห่งประเทศไทย