5 Marvelous Floating Markets near Bangkok, Photo credit: Jason Goh
A Local’s Insight: 5 Marvelous Floating Markets near Bangkok
For most, Bangkok is the starting point for those looking to tour over Thailand or even Southeast Asia. There are a plethora of different things to see and do, and those who did some research would’ve found out that Bangkok’s neighboring cities are dotted with some of Thailand’s best floating markets. Exploring the local lifestyle and eating all the delicious local food at a floating market is surely one of the best ways to enjoy your getaway to Thailand. For a complete Thai floating market experience, here’s a list of the local floating markets you can discover on weekdays, all less than a couple of hours from Bangkok.
1. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, 5 Marvelous Floating Markets near Bangkok
A great place to start your Thai floating market tour, this world-famous floating market in Ratchaburi is just a couple of hours from Bangkok. Do get there early, as the market starts to close down at around 2-3 p.m. With an abundance of delicious food sold by local boat vendors, you’ll enjoy an atmosphere unlike any other. What’s more, you can also visit the famous Maeklong Railway Market in the neighboring province of Samut Songkhram along with Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in one day.
2. Amphawa Floating Market
Amphawa Floating Market, 5 Marvelous Floating Markets near Bangkok
If you’ve already been to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, perhaps Amphawa Floating Market should be the next place on your list. It is located in Samut Songkhram province near Maeklong Railway Market. There are various boat vendors waiting to sell you delicious food. There are also a lot of activities that you can do in this floating market. Besides the floating market, Amphawa district has numerous attractions that can be discovered just a couple of hours from the bustling capital. One such place is Don Hoi Lot, a mudflat dotted with the best razor clams in the country. Do note that it’s a good idea to visit those places during the day and return by dusk.
3. Don Wai Floating Market
Pomelo at Don Wai Floating Market, 5 Marvelous Floating Markets near Bangkok
Although some prefer to call it a riverside (rather than floating) market, Don Wai Market is still highly recommended for food scouting and local life observing. The shops selling all kinds of edibles are located up along the riverbank, and you can cruise along the river while having lunch like a local. Located in nearby Nakhon Pathom, it only takes less than a couple of hours from Bangkok’s city center. For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the frozen eggs ice-cream, a local’s favorite dessert that will leave you wanting more.
4. Kwan Riam Floating Market
Kwan Riam Floating Market, 5 Marvelous Floating Markets near Bangkok
One of the newest floating markets to be established in Bangkok, Kwan Riam Floating Market hosts a lot of locals from mostly around the area for a dine-out on their weekends. Its name “Kwan-Riam” is a name of the characters in “Plae Kao” (meaning – the scar), a Thai novel equivalent to Romeo & Juliet. There are vast selections of traditional Thai food such as Kuay Tiew Reua (Boat noodle), Thai desserts, Thai eastern food, clothes, souvenirs and more. Visitors can come to Kwan Riam Floating Market on Saturday and Sunday and on public holidays, from 7a.m – 9 a.m. The location is very unique, as it’s located right between 2 temples by the Saen Saeb canal.
5. Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market
5 Marvelous Floating Markets near Bangkok, Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market
Bang Nam Phueng is a rather small floating market comparing to most. But it is indispensable especially when you visit Bang Krachao, one of Bangkok’s very own lungs. Most visitors complete their bike tour with a stop to this market. Despite the size and the lack of familiar look of floating market, it does provide a special vibe and an alternative way to see Thai market. Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market offers a local vibe where most of the visitors are people from the local communities. It also offers art and music activities which make Bang Nam Phueng enjoyable for both tourists and family.
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Now you see that the best floating markets are not only limited to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. With local friends from Thailand’s largest marketplace of 1-day trips, TakeMeTour, will show you a good time with hassle-free day tours with local stories. We hopes our weekday floating markets guide by locals will inspire you to explore them. Don’t forget to bring your camera, wallet, and your empty stomach along as well!
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