Ultimate Guide to Visiting Floating Markets in Bangkok 

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, make sure you check out the floating market in Bangkok. There are plenty to discover, and has hundreds of boats that serve as market stalls.

In this article, we’ll look at the best floating market in Bangkok, along with covering some tips to make the most of your trip.

Exploring the Charm of Floating Markets

The idea of a floating market in Bangkok is a fairly simple one. It consists of sellers floating around in boats, selling everything from food and drink to clothing and souvenirs.

Floating markets are a big part of Thai culture due to the proximity of settlements to rivers. Despite their decreasing in popularity as rail travel took off in the country, floating markets have remained a major tourist attraction in Bangkok and are well supported by the government because of the revenue they bring in.

Must-Visit Floating Markets in Bangkok

There are loads of floating markets in Bangkok, many of which sell different things. Some of the best options for tourists include:

1. Damnoen Saduak, known for its vibrant atmosphere. It also featured in the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun from 1974.
2. Taling Chan features a good mix of everything you could want from the best floating market in Bangkok. Plus, it’s only a short distance from downtown.
3. Amphawa is a busy and authentic floating market located around 50 miles from Bangkok.
4. Bang Nam Pheung is a fairly small floating market, but this makes it a great experience. It doesn’t have the same kind of buzz as some other floating markets, but this is part of its charm.
5. Khlong Lat Mayom is mostly an on-land market, but it does have several boats too. It’s more focused on locals than tourists, meaning you can get a fairly authentic experience.
6. Tha Kha is near to Damnoen Saduak, and it’s smaller and more hidden among nature. It has fewer tourists than larger markets, but you’ll still find plenty of sellers.

Experiencing Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Arguably the best floating market in Bangkok for the true tourist experience is Damnoen Saduak. It’s a massive and very colorful market, although its focus on tourism can draw away from its appeal to locals. However, if you’re after a taste of everything a floating market can offer, it’s the one to go with.

One thing worth noting is that, while it’s only 52 miles from Bangkok, you might be best staying in the area the night before. The market closes at midday, and it’ll take a minimum of an hour and a half to make the journey. So, unless you’re willing to get up at 5am, staying there the night before is a good idea!

Also, it gets busier later in the morning, so you’ll want to start as early as possible. This also helps you get the best food on offer before it sells out.

Maeklong Railway Market: A Unique Sight

As the name suggests, Maeklong Railway Market isn’t a floating market in Bangkok. Instead, it’s a market built along the side of the Maeklong Railway. Nicknamed the Umbrella Pulldown Market in Thai, stalls have to move their awnings out the way as trains pass by before putting them back again.

It’s actually one of the biggest seafood markets in the country due to the area’s abundance of fishing. The railway was built in 1905 to move the seafood around the country, but the market decided to stay where it was!

The Maeklong Railway Market is certainly worth a visit just to experience the novelty. Of course, it’s totally up to you whether you want to buy any food that’s had a train pass over it, but the experience is worth it nonetheless.

Bangkok Floating Markets FAQs

Which Floating Market is Best in Bangkok?

The best floating market in Bangkok is perhaps Taling Chan. While Daemnoen Saduak is more famous, it’s quite large and farther away from Bangkok itself. Taling Chan, however, is smaller and quieter and only around 15 miles from Bangkok. While it’s only open on weekends, it’s arguably a better experience if you want something authentic.

When Should I Go to the Floating Market in Bangkok?

The short answer to when you should visit a floating market is as early as possible. Traffic in the city picks up around mid-morning and can become very busy. Plus, you need to think about the heat and humidity, which only increase throughout the day. Finally, a lot of markets close at midday, meaning they carry limited produce and won’t restock once they’re sold out.

Planning Your Visit to Bangkok Floating Markets

If you’re planning to check out the floating markets in Bangkok, there are a few things you should know.

First, there’s getting to the floating markets. For ones farther out, consider a shuttle bus. But for ones closer to Bangkok, a taxi will be a perfectly suitable option. Luckily, floating markets are a big tourist experience, so there are plenty of options for getting there.

You should also think about things to do after visiting the floating market. In Damnoen Suduak, for example, there’s Tiger World, an elephant village, museums, and a coconut sugar farm. This is why it might be best to stay there for a few nights as part of your trip – there are loads to do.

Enhance Your Trip with Textr eSIM

One way to make your trip to Bangkok easier is by taking advantage of the Textr eSIM Thailand Data Plan. Starting from only $4.99, it covers you with local networks and mobile data from local carrier Real Future (Truemove), saving you money on your domestic carrier’s roaming plans.

The plan lets you use your phone like a local, keeping the cost down and allowing you to upload all your great pics of the floating markets.

Conclusion

If you’re visiting Bangkok, make sure you immerse yourself in the amazing world of the floating markets. There are so many to visit, each offering different experiences. Make sure you eat some local food and buy some great souvenirs.

And don’t forget to set up the Textr eSIM Thailand Data Plan for network coverage that saves you money. You can get 5GB of data for only $13, making it a smart choice for your trip.

Better yet, refer a friend through the Textr eSIM Referral Program to get $3 off your order. Your friend will also get $3 off theirs, making it a great deal for everyone!

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