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Bangkok Floating Market Tours

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Amphawa Floating Market, Bangkok
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Immerse yourself in Thai culture on a Bangkok floating market tour

One of the most picturesque experiences in Bangkok, these famous floating markets are an economic hub of the city, teeming with cultural elements of its people. From sea food delicacies to desserts, and a marketplace for both fresh produce and souvenirs, a floating market tour is the perfect way to savor a slice of Thai culture.

Why go on a Bangkok floating market tour?

View of Amphawa Floating Market
Boats in Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
View of the floating market of Amphawa
Tourists on a boat navigating Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Bangkok.
Boat vendor selling food at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bangkok.
A fruit vendor at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
View of the Amphawa Floating Market
A busy Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bangkok, Thailand
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Experience Thai culture firsthand

You can observe and interact with the vendors on the boats, who are often dressed in traditional Thai clothing, listen to the sounds of the Thai language, and witness the age-old practice of trading goods from boat to boat.

Explore the “Venice of the East"

The floating markets of Bangkok are a testament to the city's historical reliance on its waterways for transport and trade. Before the advent of modern roads, these canals were the primary means of communication and commerce here!

Learn about this unique economic system

The direct selling approach of these floating markets helps sustain the local economy by ensuring that the profits go straight to the producers! Additionally, the variety of goods sold demonstrates the diversity of the local economy and the way it has adapted to meet both local and tourist demands.

Enjoy sailing in a decorated longtail boat

Glide through the lively canals on a beautifully adorned longtail boat, snaking past vendors paddling their wooden boats filled with colorful goods. Feel the charm of old-world Thailand as you take in the sights of traditional stilt houses, bustling market life, and the aroma of sizzling street food.

Sample fresh seafood

Savor the freshest catch of the day, from smoky grilled river prawns to succulent crab, all prepared right in the markets and sometimes on the boats. Don’t miss the signature Thai-style seafood bursting with bold flavors of lemongrass, chili, and lime.

Indulge the foodie in you

From fresh fruits like mangosteen and rambutan to savory snacks like grilled seafood and spicy papaya salad (Som Tam), the options are plentiful and tantalizing. You can also enjoy unique Thai sweets like Khanom Krok (coconut pancakes) and sticky rice with mango.

Buy yourself some exquisite souvenirs

From traditional Thai crafts, such as silk fabrics, bamboo baskets, and pottery, to exotic fruits and vegetables not commonly found in conventional markets, there’ll be an array of items for you to take home!

A view like never before

Boats laden with colorful goods navigating through narrow waterways are a sight to behold! This setting, where commerce and daily life unfold on the water, provides a stark contrast to the urban sprawl of nearby cities. If nothing, do it for the ‘gram; a photo with the floating market as a backdrop will assuredly become a cherished backdrop.

Things to know before booking your Bangkok floating market tour

  • Morning vs evening tours: If you are all set to explore the floating markets in the morning, Damnoen Saduak is the perfect choice. Alternatively, if you wish to watch the sunset over the market, opt for Amphawa. 
  • If you want to cover multiple attractions: Combine your floating market tour with the exciting Maeklong Railway Market or visit UNESCO heritage sites in Ayutthaya.
  • Skip the crowd vs be a part of the buzz: If you wish for a quieter, more unique floating market experience, Amphawa is the place to be. Or, if the thought of marketplace chaos and crowds of the floating markets, opt for Damnoen Saduak.
  • Hotel transfers: Some tours come with hotel transfers, while others have pick-ups and drop-offs from a common point.

Your Bangkok floating markets tour options

Vendors in straw hats sell bananas and other fruits from their boats at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Full-day tours

Best for: First-time visitors, adventure seekers, photographers, and culture lovers

Duration: Approximately 7 to 8.5 hours

Price: Starting from ฿1,049

Includes: Guided tour with transfers

Highlights: Visit both the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the unique Maeklong Railway Market, where trains pass through market stalls.

Recommended tours

Full Day: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Guided TourAmphawa Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Full-Day Guided TourBangkok Floating Markets Full-Day Guided Tour
Traditional floating market, Bangkok, Thailand

Combo tickets

Best for: Travelers looking for a diverse experience, history enthusiasts, or wildlife lovers.

Duration: 8 to 10 hours

Price: Starting from ฿1,399

Includes: Guided tours with transfers.

Highlights: Combine your Damnoen Saduak floating market visit with the historic UNESCO site Ayutthaya or the Bangkok Elephant Camp.

Recommended tours

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & World Heritage UNESCO Site Ayutthaya Full-Day Guided TourDamnoen Saduak Floating Market & Bangkok Elephant Camp Full-Day Guided Tour

Experience a visual treat with a Bangkok floating market tour

Vendors at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Waterways dotted with boats offering fresh produce and souvenirs to buy!

A closeup of a firefly
Food on a boat at Damnoen Saduak floating market
Amphawa canal and village at twilight.
Vendor on boat in Damnoen Saduak floating market, Bangkok

Things to do while you’re on a Bangkok floating market tour

A Firefly night cruise

Take a firefly night cruise

Amphawa Floating Market is famous for its firefly night cruises. As the sun sets, hop on a small boat and meander through the canals. Watch in awe as fireflies illuminate the trees and create a magical starry ambiance. Book your Amphawa tour with a firefly boat ride ​here.

Local seller making the Thai dish Kanom Bueang

Try out street food

Try some Khanom Bueang, a crispy coconut pancake drizzled with palm sugar sauce, or Mee Kaeng, a savory noodle dish with pork and vegetables.

Sellers selling Thai noodles on boats, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Bear witness to cooking demonstrations

Cooking demonstrations at floating markets like ​Damnoen Saduak are a vibrant showcase of Thai culinary traditions! Watch as local vendors skillfully prepare traditional Thai dishes such as pad thai or mango sticky rice.

Food on a boat at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Indulge in seafood dining by the water

​Amphawa is home to some of the finest seafood restaurants, and a trip to the floating market is remiss without indulging in river prawns and squid!

Thai style traditional wooden house

Visit a traditional Thai house

Gain a deeper understanding of the Thai way of life with a visit a traditional Thai house. These wooden houses stand on the waterways of the klongs, set amids lush coconut plantations.

Sugar Making Process

Take a tour of the palm sugar factory!

An age-old natural sweetener prevalent in South-East Asia, palm sugar is deemed a healthier option than your usual sugar. Quite popular in Thailand, you can visit a factory to learn more about how palm sugar is made from the sap that comes from the buds of coconut palms!

Plan your visit to the floating market in Bangkok

Timings - Bangkok Floating Market Tours
  • Best time to go during the day: Early morning is generally the best time to visit floating markets like Damnoen Saduak, as the markets are most lively and less crowded. Amphawa, on the other hand, is more vibrant in the late afternoon and evening. 
  • When to go in the year: The markets are best visited during the dry season, between November and March! It’ll be warm and pleasant at the time, compared to the heat and humidity of the wet season.
  • Recommended duration: 2-3 hours
  • Opening and closing hours: Damnoen Saduak is usually open from 7 am and closes by midday, while Amphawa opens only at 2 am and is usually closed by 8 pm.

​Read more

Getting there - Bangkok Floating Market Tours

Returns and transfers: Many tour companies offer this! You’ll be picked up and dropped off from a common boarding point or right at your hotel's doorstep! Want a hassle-free trip to the floating markets? Book an experience that includes pick-ups and drop-offs in the ticket.

Getting to Damnoen Saduak: From Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal, take (or a car) a bus to the market! This can take up to 1.5 to 2 hours. The bus will drop you off at the Damnoen Saduak Bus station, which is about 1.4 km away from the center, but it’ll still be next to a canal.

Getting to Amphawa: The journey can take 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic, if you’ve hired a minivan, a cab or rental. The most convenient route on public transport would be to catch a train from Thon Buri station to Bo Takhro Railway Station and take a taxi from there (3 hours in all!)

Tips - bangkok floating market tours
  • Carry cash: Many vendors do not accept credit cards, so having cash is essential for purchases and small expenses.
  • Make sure to bargain: Bargaining is common, so don’t accept the first price offered, especially in more tourist-centric markets like Damnoen Saduak.
  • Dress code: As you might visit temples or religious sites nearby, it is best to dress modestly.
  • Carry umbrellas: Light drizzles are frequent, so it is best to be prepared with an umbrella or a light jacket.
  • Book tours online: The best way to avoid tourist traps is to book a floating market tour online. They might be slightly more expensive, but better safe than sorry!
  • Research prices beforehand: If you’re feeling like you’re being overcharged, haggle away! It helps if you look up the prices beforehand or make a note of the same when you’re shopping in Bangkok to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
Accessibility - Bangkok Floating Market Tours

Floating markets in Bangkok are not very friendly to wheelchair users; the wheelchairs can be tricky to get on to the boat. However, it could do you good to talk to your tour operator about this, because there are instances where their boat might carry a ramp of its own to allow for a steady boardwalk to wheel the chair onboard.

Must eat - Book Bangkok Floating Market Tours
  • Tom Yum Goong: A spicy and sour soup with shrimp, lemongrass, lime leaves, and chili.
  • Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet sticky rice served with ripe mango slices and coconut milk.
  • Khanom Buang: Crispy Thai crepes with a filling of coconut cream, meringue, and toppings like shredded coconut or minced shrimp.
  • Thai Coconut Ice Cream: Creamy and refreshing, often served in a coconut shell with toppings.
  • Som Tam (Papaya Salad): A spicy salad made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, and peanuts.
  • Pork Dumplings: Steamed or fried dumplings filled with ground pork and spices.
Closeup of Palm sugar
  • Palm sugar
  • Mini stuffed elephants
  • Elephant pants
  • Magnets (obviously)
  • Wicker and jute bags
  • Mini tuk-tuk
  • Wooden cone-shaped hat

What else can you do around the Damnoen and Amphawa floating markets?

A colorful train passes through Maeklong Railway Market

Maeklong Railway Market

Visit the famous ​Maeklong Railway Market, where vendors set up and dismantle their wares to accommodate the active trains that brush within inches of them!

Middle age woman selling coconuts at Tha Kha floating market

Tha Kha Floating Market

Explore the small Tha Kha Floating Market, only 5 KM from the Damnoen Floating Market, and buy some coconut sugar!

Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram, Bangkok

Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram

Head to the Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram, a temple associated with the royal family, aand admire beautifully preserved traditional Thai architecture, including intricate wood carvings and mural paintings.

Bangnoi Floating Market

Bangnoi Floating Market

Float down the canals of the Bangnoi Floating Market, a hidden gem known for fresh produce and cheap Thai food (and if you’re lucky, Thai karaoke!)

Exterior view of the Wat Bang Kung Temple

Wat Bang Kung

Pay respects at the Wat Bang Kung, an ancient Buddhist temple tucked into the roots of the different plants that have come to envelope it.

Other floating markets in Bangkok

Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market, Bangkok
Traditional merchant in Taling Chan floating market, Thailand
Bang nam phueng floating market
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Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market 

Distance from Bangkok: 14 km

A local haven in Thonburi, Bangkok, offering traditional Thai foods in a serene, non-touristy setting, perfect for an authentic market day.

Taling Chan Floating Market

Distance from Bangkok: 9 km

Located in western Bangkok, this market specializes in fresh seafood and provides a quaint experience with floating restaurant dining and canal tours.

Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market

Distance from Bangkok: 23 km

Nestled in the green 'lung' of Bangkok, Bang Kachao, it's an eco-friendly retreat with organic produce and local crafts, ideal for a peaceful day out.

Frequently asked questions about Bangkok floating market tours

What are the most famous floating markets in Bangkok?

Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa are among the most famous, with others like Khlong Lat Mayom and Taling Chan also popular for their authentic local experiences!

What would a Bangkok floating market tour include?

A typical Bangkok floating market tour would include free time to explore the market, shop, try street food, and go on a boat ride. Some tours also include round-trip pick-ups and drop-offs from a common location or your hotel.

Which floating market is the best?

Each floating market has something unique to offer, so there is no single market that can be considered the best floating market. Note that the Damnoen Saduak floating market is the biggest, and quite popular with tourists. Note that the Damnoen Saduak floating market is the biggest, and quite popular with tourists.

What would a Bangkok floating market tour include?

Normally, it would include transfers of course, and also something a little extra of your choice - the Maeklong Railway Market or a Thai house. This would also depend on whether you’re booking a tour of the Damnoen Floating Market or the Amphawa Floating Market. Make sure to check before you book!

How do I get from Bangkok to the floating market?

You can cab it or get on a bus of course, but if you opt for a floating market tour, you’ll have hotel transfers at your disposal.

Are floating market tours wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, they’re not. Given that the tour happens over the water in boats, mobility can become a bit of an issue for wheelchair users.

How far are the floating markets from Bangkok city center?

Damnoen Saduak is around 100 km away, while Amphawa is about 50 km from the city center, typically a 1.5 to 2-hour drive depending on traffic.

How long does a floating market tour take?

It would depend on the tour you’ve decided to book, and the extras you’ve picked, it could be anything between 5 to 10 hours. The floating markets alone might take half a day - Damnoen Floating market the first half, given that it closes by noon, and the Amphawa Floating market will take up the evening hours.

Where can I see the famous fireflies spectacle?

The fireflies are visible in the evening along the waterways of the Amphawa floating market.

What is the best time to visit these floating markets?

Early morning is best for Damnoen Saduak, the largest floating market in Bangkok, to avoid crowds and heat. Amphawa is unique for its evening market, especially lively on weekends.

What is the weather like at the floating markets in Bangkok?

From November to March is the dry season, the weather is warm and pleasant. However, if you’re visiting during Bangkok's wet season, from May to October, expect hot, humid weather with frequent rainfall.

Can I take a boat tour in the floating markets?

Yes, boat tours are available at most floating markets, offering a close-up view of market activities and the surrounding community.

Are the floating markets open every day?

Not all of them. Damnoen Saduak operates daily, but many others like Amphawa are open primarily on weekends and public holidays.

Is bargaining acceptable at floating markets?

Yes, bargaining is common in Thai markets, including the floating markets, especially for non-food items like souvenirs and crafts.

What are the entry fees for these markets?

Most floating markets do not charge an entry fee, but there will be charges for boat tours or other activities within the market. Book a tour online for a seamless experience!

Should I take a floating market tour?

Yes! A tour will help you see these floating markets as more than just a shopping experience. Additionally, you’ll be able to overcome the language barrier with ease thanks to the tour guides frequenting these markets.

Floating Market Bangkok
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