The Best Guide to Navigating the Bustling Floating Market Bangkok

Bangkok floating market is one of Thailand’s most precious treasures. Located on a series of chaotic canals (aka khlongs), these vibrant markets charm visitors with a dazzling array of stalls and boats selling colorful fruits and vegetables, handcrafted souvenirs, and all sorts of knick-knacks.

The floating markets in Bangkok are also a bucket list destination for foodies. Offering an array of local dishes—from pad thai to coconut ice cream—they are a must for foodies.

So whether you’re seeking retail therapy, sampling Thai delicacies, or simply navigating through scenic waterways, Bangkok’s canals are a must-visit.

Read on to discover what are the nine most popular floating markets in Bangkok and its surroundings — the ones that are not located in the city are easily accessible in the least possible time.

Best Floating Market Bangkok

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

KEY INFO

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the most famous floating market in Thailand. Located in the Ratchaburi province, about 62 miles southwest of Bangkok, it was built on the royal initiative as King Rama IV of Thailand wanted to link the Mae Klong River with Chinese riverways to support transportation and trade.

This market consists of a 19-mile-long canal dotted with female traders selling colorful fruits and vegetables on their boats. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is also framed by busy stalls selling all sorts of souvenirs, such as small toy elephants, tiger balm, and clothing.

Amphawa Floating Market Bangkok

KEY INFO

Amphawa Floating Market is the second most popular floating market in Bangkok. The market lies just along the Mae Klong river, in the Amphawa District of Samut Songkhram Province, about 31 miles away from Bangkok.

The market dates far back to the 17th century when it prospered in trade and agriculture. A magnet for Bangkokians during weekends, the Amphawa Floating Market grew from the riverbanks and stretched far into the surrounding streets.

Smaller and more authentic compared to the touristy Damnoen Saduak, the Amphawa Floating Market is famous for its grilled seafood grilled on wooden boats moored around the canal’s famous central bridge.

Along each side of the market, old wooden shops sell a wealth of local souvenirs.

Bang Phli Floating Market in Thailand Bangkok

KEY INFO

Nestled on the banks of the Samrong canal, the Bang Phli Yai Market is one of the oldest in Bangkok. This 140-year-old market is the only one at Samrong canal that survived the conflagration, and one of the few to maintain its authentic local vibe.

Located only an hour’s drive from Bangkok, the market features a canal thronged with boats selling sweets and seasonal fruits. There, you’ll also find vendors selling seafood, noodles, and other delicious treats, making it a great place to sample some authentic Thai food.

Taling Chan Floating Market

KEY INFO

Located less than 7 miles west of central Bangkok, Taling Chan is one of the most easily accessible markets around Bangkok. This 4-mile-long market is built around a canal that connects Khlong Bangkok Noi to Khlong Phasi Charoe, and mainly sells local products from farmers close by.

Taling Chan, also known as Khlong Lad Mayom Floating Market, was founded in 1987 and is divided into stalls on land and an area on the water.

This weekend’s market, filled with vendors selling delicious local treats, offers visitors an amazing culinary experience. There, you’ll find an array of mouthwatering dishes, including baked bananas, pancakes, seafood, Pad Thai, and freshly grilled fish.

Wat Sai Bangkok Floating Market Thailand

KEY INFO

Established more than 150 years ago by Chinese traders, the Wat Sai Floating Market offers some of the best shopping in Bangkok. This traditional floating market is located in the Chom Song district and is famous for selling all kinds of local ornaments, clothing, and food.

While visiting the Wat Sai Floating Market, be sure to treat yourself to a delicious bowl of noodles, some dim sum, and their well-known coconut ice cream.

Tha Kha Floating Market

KEY INFO

Looking for a hidden-gem floating market? Then Tha Kha is the place to go. Located in the Samut Songkhram province, only an hour’s drive from Bangkok, the market boasts a dazzling amount of vendors selling spices, and fresh local produce such as chili, shallot, garlic, coconut sugar, guava, coconut, rose apple, and pomelo.

Be sure to visit Tha Kha Floating Market in the morning, since the vendors are probably all gone in the afternoon.

Lam Phaya Floating Market

KEY INFO

Lam Phaya is one of the best weekend floating markets in Bangkok. Situated on the Thajeen River, adjacent to its namesake temple, the market is a bustling center where locals sell fruits, vegetables, basketwork, clothes, dyed clothes, and cheap food.

The majority of vendors set up tables on the 15 floating docks with the 270-meter-long walkway and offer lip-smacking local treats such as boiled duck, deep-fried curried fish patties, fish curry in banana leaves, and fresh fruits.

Kwan-Riam Floating Market

KEY INFO

Khwan Riam Floating Market is one of Bangkok’s newest floating markets. This lively market is beautifully located on the banks of the Saen Saeb Canal, about 18 km from the city center, between two ancient Buddhist temples, Wat Bang Peng Nuea (northern) and Wat Bang Peng Tai (southern).

The canal is lined with floating shops selling a vibrant mix of souvenirs, decorative items, and delicious Thai food.

Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market

KEY INFO

Khlong Lat Mayom is a medium-sized floating market hidden in Bangkok’s outer district of Taling Chan. Rarely visited by travelers, this authentic market is especially famous for its mouthwatering offer of local dishes. So, while exploring Khlong Lat Mayom, be sure to feast on typical foods such as pad thai, fried rice, and barbecued prawns and scallops. Feeling bold? Then try the snakehead fish – a delicious local delicacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most famous floating market Thailand?

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the most popular floating market in Bangkok.

What is the most popular market in Bangkok for tourists?

Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the most popular markets for tourists due to its vast size and diverse offerings.

Are there Bangkok markets open at night?

Yes, many night markets operate in Bangkok, such as Asiatique The Riverfront and Rot Fai Market.

What is the difference between a floating market and a water market?

Both terms are often used interchangeably to describe markets on waterways, where vendors sell goods from boats.

When is the best time to visit floating markets in Bangkok?

The best time to visit floating markets in Bangkok is in the morning when the markets are most active and vendors have the most goods for sale. The markets tend to close in the afternoon, and it can get crowded the earlier you go, so be aware of your belongings.

Where to stay in Bangkok?

This city offers a wide range of accommodation options to cater to various tastes and preferences. Here are some inviting suggestions:

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo trip, we’ve got you covered. Our inviting platform is designed to make your booking process a breeze, ensuring that your travel planning is as enjoyable as the trip itself!

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