5 Best Floating Markets to Visit in Bangkok

A trip to Bangkok is not complete without a visit to one of the famous floating markets.

Immerse yourself in a whole new shopping experience, and taste some of the best local food around! Take a beautifully decorated long-tail boat down the winding waterways to the market. Once you hop off, you’ll find yourself surrounded by market stalls, selling everything from souvenirs to locally harvested tropical fruit.

Not sure which one to visit? We’ve listed the top 5 picks for you, to guide you into the adventure of a lifetime.

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Highlights

• Locally produced handicrafts, fashion and art: Browse the canal dotted with wooden-built boutiques, selling everything from exclusive handmade products, to T-shirts and handmade watercolor paintings. Their locally produced products like sweets and toys are things you can't find at other floating markets.
• Scrumptiously fresh and affordable seafood: Famous for its seafood, Amphawa does not disappoint any foodie! Nibble on fresh river prawns, or feast on some grilled fish on the bank. Squid is also a popular delicacy that should not be missed (100 baht).
• Beautiful tours to hidden temples: After your meal, take a boat ride for just 50 baht per person to continue your adventure. Sit back, relax and enjoy the splendid views of the banks. The boat will stop at multiple temples on the way. Don’t miss the Wat Bang Koong temple, that looks like it has been swallowed by a tree! This splendid discovery is an absolute must-visit, where you can pay a visit to the golden buddha inside.
• Long opening hours for a full evening of heritage: Unlike most floating markets, Amphawa is open until 8:00 pm, allowing you to sleep-in in the morning and have enough energy to enjoy the activities.

Highlights

• Largest and among the oldest floating markets in Bangkok: Established in 1866, Damnoen Saduak is exploding with antiquity and history. Make a visit to the infectiously chaotic canal, filled with hundreds of vendors in their small rowing boats, selling a plethora of Thai products.
• Delicious local delicacies from the seller’s boat to yours: Watch as smiling ladies in large straw hats arrange fruit on their boats, or prepare traditional dishes. Kanom Krok, (Grilled Coconut-Rice Hot Cakes), mango sticky rice and pork satay are the must-tries.

Highlights

• Conveniently close to Bangkok: Unlike other floating markets, Taling Chan is just a short trip away from Bangkok (12 km). It is also small enough to venture the markets without a tour, making it an affordable option.
• Exotic Thai cuisine enhanced by ethnic melodies of traditional Thai musicians: Besides the all time favorite Thai dishes like pad thai and som tum, there is an abundance of exotic food to go adventurous such as salt-crusted grilled fish with femongrass and durian. Enjoy food by the river, and peep into the lives of locals across the water. Tune into local Thai musicians as they play their instruments in the center of the market for an added authentic touch.
• Intriguing mix of bargain products and fresh food produce: Shop around for some of the wackiest fruit you will ever see! Stroll through the busy little stalls offering homemade decorations, flowers, snacks and much more. After you’ve tired out your feet, stop by for a Thai foot massage for 100 baht (3 dollars).

Highlights

• Splendid boat tours with panoramic views of the canal: Take a trip back in time, and whizz through the canals that overlook homes, businesses and gardens, just like locals travelled a long time ago. Feed your eyes with the lush greenery overflowing into the water. Get off the boat and wander through the many tiny villages along the canals.
• Serene, relaxing aura with heaps of drool-worthy local delicacies: A perfect spot for the ultimate foodie, you will be spoilt for choice with the abundance of Thai food at Khlong Lat Mayom. Enjoy a finger-licking-good skewer of gai galae (bbq grilled chicken) for only 25 baht. Feeling hungrier? Try the flavorsome mungbean noodles, or pla pao (popular salt-crusted fish). Buy some take-home snacks to remember the day - munch on the tasty khao lam (sticky rice with sugar and coconut) for a sweet finish.

Highlights

• One of the oldest floating markets in Bangkok: Dating back to more than 150 years ago, Bang Phli is one of the oldest markets in Bangkok. The historical, native atmosphere of this market adds to its charm, making it worth the visit.
• Cultural ambience filled with locals: Bang Phli is known as one of the most traditional floating markets in Bangkok. Here is another opportunity to mingle with Thais, where the market is more targeted towards serving locals rather than selling sought-after touristic goods.
• Food, food and more food: Indulge in all the food you can eat, while strolling through the traditional wooden-row houses lining the canals. Stop by in the morning to watch the Buddhist monks paddle by to collect alms from local residents, and enjoy a breakfast at Sanawan Place. Bang Phli offers thai noodles, fresh fruit, seafood and much more to satisfy your hunger!