What are the must-see floating markets in Bangkok, Thailand?
--Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
--Amphawa Floating Market
--Pattaya Floating Market (day tour from Bangkok)
What is a floating market?
The floating market is a long-established cultural attraction in Thailand. In traditional floating markets, tourists and vendors usually sit on boats and trade directly on the boats as the two boats meet.
Some of the floating markets that are commonly seen nowadays are the ones that have been inherited from the past, while others are set up for sightseeing purposes, each presenting a different landscape and atmosphere.
Is it all by boat to visit the water market?
Because of the difference in size between the river and the river hinterland, some of the water markets are actually "riverside markets", with the main vendors on the shore and only token boats on the canal.
Where is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market?
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of the famous markets in Bangkok. It is located in the southwest of Bangkok, about 80 km from the city.
What time is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market open?
07:00-11:00 (Jan. 1-Dec. 31, Mon.-Sun.)
What time is Amphawa Floating Market open?
Amphawa Floating Market, the most popular tourist attraction in Nakhon Province, is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and is open from the afternoon until late at night, and it gets very busy from late afternoon onwards.
What is the difference between Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Amphawa Floating Market?
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is open in the morning. Tourists and vendors usually sit on the boats and trade directly on the boats as the two boats meet.
Amphawa Floating Market opens in the afternoon and the main vendors are on the shore, so you can walk along the shore.
In Amphawa Floating Market, You can also see fireflies at night, especially during the rainy season from May to October, when they are most abundant. The area is still dominated by native Thais, and a boat tour will give you a taste of the strong Thai market culture.
What are the niche and less crowded water markets?
Bang Noi Floating Market
Not far from Amphawa Floating Market, Bang Noi Floating Market is a floating market with a history of more than 100 years. It is relatively niche and quiet.
It is not as lively as Amphawa Floating Market, but has many interesting souvenirs and food. Whether it is the great taste of kuey teow, rice noodles, or the rare Chaozhou cakes, you can get them here, as well as sweet and tasty traditional snacks. You can take nice pictures on the wooden arch bridge across the river, or stand on the bridge and enjoy the old sea sang trees of the rowing river.
This water market is only open on weekends. If you want to experience a more traditional experience without crowding with other travelers, this is definitely the best choice for you!
Opening hours: Open every Saturday and Sunday from 8:00-15:00
Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
One of the closest floating markets to downtown Bangkok, Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is not as big as Amphawa or Dannen Sado, but it is a fairly "authentic" traditional floating market.
The food here is one of its hallmarks, with grilled fish, fried noodles, iced drinks, and sweet and tangy seasonal fruits, all in the true Thai style.
Opening hours: Saturday, Sunday and holidays 9:30-16:00