Exploring floating markets in Thailand

You can’t go to Thailand without visiting a market. It is probably one of the best ways to get in touch with the culture and interact with locals. Thailand is known for their floating markets, which is just like a regular market, except that it is centered around canals. The common mode of transportation for goods and people is by boat.

The markets are full of noise and movement and you’ll find great street food, souvenirs and groceries. You will see items for sale that you’d never see at your local grocery store, and return home with plenty of exciting memories. Make sure to bring cash and your best haggling techniques!

Choosing which market to visit

If you’re coming from Bangkok, you will have seen a few markets already. They are everywhere. The floating ones are, however a different story. You’ll get to see what Thailand looks like outside of Bangkok, and you’ll explore plenty of beautiful nature as well. Which Floating market you choose, is determined by what you want to get out of your visit.

We visited Damnoen Saduak Floating market, which is known to be one of the largest but most touristy markets near Bangkok. A few other options near Bangkok are Amphawa Floating Market and Khlong Lat Mayom. Amphawa is a favourite among both tourists and locals as it is knownto offer a wide variety of goods for tourists and locals alike. They are also known for their great seafood. Khlong Lat Mayom is known as the most authentic of the three, and you might be one of very few tourists if choosing this one.

Approaching the market by boat

At Damnoen Saduak Market

Desserts at the market

Although there is plenty of food at the market (I’ve read that the boat noodles are supposed to be really good), I was more into the desserts. The desserts above are locally produced and tasted really good. The fruit in Thailand is amazing!

Practical information

We booked this as a half day trip from our hotel in Bangkok (Grand Hotel Eastin). The trip was arranged by Amazing Asia tours, and you can read all about it here. It was priced at 3200 THB per person, but with that came plenty of conveniences such as a knowledgeable private English-speaking tour guide, private vehicle (both car and boat), and lunch at a beautiful thai restaurant outside Bangkok which we wouldn’t have found on our own. You can also customize the day tour and add/remove locations at no extra charge. I can highly recommend Amazing Asia tours and we had plenty of great experiences with them.

Since the market is only open until noon and busiest between 9-11 AM, it is crucial to be early. Do check the opening hours for the market you’re interested in visiting. If you go with a tour company, they will pick you up at your hotel. Our pickup time was at 7:30 AM and we came back to the hotel by 2 PM. I can highly recommend this as a day trip outside Bangkok, as there was plenty of interesting sights and good souvenir shopping.

Have you been to any markets in Thailand? Which one was your favourite?