Sunset over Amphawa - one of many famous floating markets to be found in Bangkok
Bangkok is famed for its floating markets. Throughout the city's network of waterways, vendors gather in boats to sell their wares - everything from fruit and vegetables to souvenirs, clothing, and cuisine. These vibrant and bustling riverine markets are a great way to explore the more traditional side of Bangkok and generally just go with the flow.
Here are 10 of the best riverine markets in Bangkok that are sure to float your boat.
Amphawa Floating Market
Located on the Mae Klong River, this charming floating market is one of the oldest in Bangkok. Take a seat in one of the many shophouses lining the river, where you can indulge in some of the delicious seafood dishes for which Amphawa is famous. Looking for something a little extra? Combine river and rails on this Amphawa Floating & Maeklong Railway Market Day Tour.
How to get there: Take the 509 bus from Bangkok Nochit New Van Terminal
Nearest hotel: Thanicha Resort Amphawa
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Located in Ratchaburi, around 90 minutes' drive from downtown Bangkok, this amazing floating market is well worth the trip. Here you'll discover bustling waterways, where vendors sell everything from noodles and fruit to artworks and exotic pets. Combine shopping in the market with a longtail boat ride and a visit to the Grand Palace, on this half-day tour.
How to get there: Take the 511 bus from Southern Bus Terminal
Nearest hotel: Khum Damnoen Resort
Damnoen Saduak is one of the most popular floating markets in Bangkok.
Taling Chan Floating Market
Located on Bangkok's Chim Phli Road in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Taling Chan floating market is a colorful and photogenic stop just off the beaten track, which is famous for its plants, food, and traditional Thai massages. A great place to relax and watch the world float by.
How to get there: Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat from S6 station to Phra Pinklao Bridge Pier, then take a 79 bus to the floating market.
Nearest hotel: Prince Palace Hotel (SHA Plus+)
Wat Sai Floating Market
Founded over 150 years ago by Chinese merchant traders, this fantastic floating market in Bangkok continues to be heavily influenced by Chinese culture - especially in terms of its cuisine. Pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables, or stay for a delicious bowl of noodles and some dim sum.
How to get there: Take bus no. 43 or 120 via the Ekkachai Road to Wat Sai, or hop on a ferry from Tha Chang on the Chao Phraya River.
Nearest hotel: W Station
Floating markets in Bangkok are a vibrant place to explore.
Bang Khla Floating Market
Located at Thetsaban Phatthana 1 Alley in Bang Khla District, this quaint and culturally diverse floating market offers a glimpse of a more rural Thailand from years gone by. The colorful array of produce, combined with the welcoming local vendors, make this market well worth a road trip. Don't forget, you can book a car with Trip.com.
How to get there: Rent a car and drive (90 minutes from Bangkok)
Nearest hotel: Nida Rooms Bang Khla Floating Market at Dheva Resort
Bang Nampheung Floating Market
One of the smallest floating markets in Bangkok, Bang Nampheung is among the city's best kept secrets. Rent a bicycle and explore a nearby oasis in Bang Krachao on the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River that's known as ‘the green lung'. After that, settle down to a delicious bowl of spicy mango salad and soft sticky rice. Yum!
How to get there: Take the ferry from Sukhumvit or a taxi from downtown Bangkok
Nearest hotel: Lilliput Riverside Bangkachao
Floating markets in Bangkok are some of Thailand's most photogenic attractions.
Tha Kha Floating Market
Known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere, Tha Kha floating market is a bustling trading hub where vendors paddle canoes packed with produce. Among the many culinary delights on offer, the fried oyster omelet costs just 20 Baht (US$0.60) and is the perfect breakfast treat to get your day started.
How to get there: Rent a car and drive 1 hour from Bangkok
Nearest hotel: Baan Suan Nuanta Amphawa
Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
Less famous than the likes of Damnoen Saduak, Khlong Lat Mayom floating market is just over 12 miles (20 km) from Bangkok and is a great place to sample local food at low prices. Try the snakehead fish - a delicious local delicacy. If you're traveling on a budget and have an interest in Thai martial arts, combine your visit to Khlong Lat Mayom with a stay in the nearby Sor Vorapin Muay Thai Homestay - a thrilling way to combine exploration with exercise.
How to get there: Ride the BTS Skytrain to Bang Wa and then take a taxi / tuk tuk
Nearest hotel: Ruan Plaisol Apartment
Bang Phli and Bang Khu Wiang floating markets offer a true taste of Thailand (source: Jack Hunter / Unsplash)
Bang Phli Floating Market
This traditional market is a famed for its food and is especially popular among locals, so it's a great place to sample some authentic Thai food at low prices. Try out some Thai vocabulary when ordering your food and you're sure to be met with big smiles and a welcome as warm as the weather!
How to get there: Take the SkyTrain to BTS Bearing, then grab a taxi or tuk tuk to Bang Phli floating market.
Nearest hotel: Letana Hotel
Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market
For traveling foodies in search of Thai cuisine, the floating market at Bang Khu Wiang is a must. Located on the banks of the Noi-Khlong Om River and home to a more traditional way of life, this is an authentic taste of Thailand.
How to get there: Catch a water taxi at Wat Chalo Pier in Bangkok
Nearest hotel: OBLIQUE Apartment BangYai
If you're planning on traveling to Bangkok, you can book your flights with Trip.com. Remember, whatever you hope to do during your stay, Trip.com is with you every step of the way.
FAQ About Floating Market in Bangkok
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Which is the best floating market to visit in Bangkok?
There are many floating markets to choose from, each with their own unique appeal. The most popular among tourists are probably Amphawa, Damnoen and Tling Chan.
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How much is the floating market in Bangkok?
You can usually enter and explore for free, while products will be reasonably priced (and most can be bartered down a little). The price of touring floating markets around Bangkok is usually around 50 THB for a joint tour and 500 THB for a private tour.
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What can you buy at a Bangkok floating market?
You can buy souvenirs, art and local handicrafts, ornaments, clothes, fabrics, and spices at most Bangkok floating markets. Some of them - such as Pak Khlong Talad, which is one of the world's biggest flower markets - specialize in certain products.
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Is the floating market Bangkok worth it?
Bangkok floating markets are free to enter, fun to explore and a cheap place to do some shopping. Overall, the experience is very rewarding and excellent value for money. Definitely worth the trip.