‌
Bangkok Floating Market ToursCrafted by Headout, a global experiences brand offering curated tours, tickets & experiences. Discover with ease, book with peace.
4.6/5
1k+ travellers from around the world love this
Amphawa Floating Market, Bangkok
Fruit seller in a long tail boat at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand.
Train passing through Maeklong Railway Market, Thailand.
Asian tourists in a boat at a floating market with tropical fruits in Thailand.
Visitors posing with a train cutout at Maeklong Railway Market station.
Tourists exploring food stalls at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand.
Train passing through Umbrella Fresh Market on the railroad track, Mae Klong Train Station, Bangkok.
Tour guide speaking to passengers on a bus for Damnoen Saduak Floating Market tour.
Boats selling goods at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand, with vendors and tourists.
Visitors on a boat tour at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand.
Spring rolls on a boat at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand.
‌
City Tours

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Full-Day Guided Tour

Tick off a bucket-list experience with a visit to the city’s top floating market and a one-of-a-kind railway market on this guided tour.

  • Why go on this tour? Start your morning at the floating market when it's less crowded, with easy transfers from Bangkok and a hassle-free boat ride with a guide by your side.
  • Your guide: A local bilingual guide will provide historical details on Bangkok, as well as insights into Thai food and culture, and help you snag the best deals on goods.
  • Tour timings and transfers: Choose between 2 tours: either a join-in from Central World or a private tour with hotel pick-up. Option to select among multiple start times.
  • You’ll do: Take a 40-minute longtail boat ride and shop for fresh seafood and Thai treats from a fleet of boats around. At Maeklong, buy spices and souvenirs set inches from the tracks.
‌
‌
Check availability
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
7 hr. - 8 hr. 30 min.
Guided tour
Transfers available
Pickup available

Tick off a bucket-list experience with a visit to the city’s top floating market and a one-of-a-kind railway market on this guided tour.

  • Why go on this tour? Start your morning at the floating market when it's less crowded, with easy transfers from Bangkok and a hassle-free boat ride with a guide by your side.
  • Your guide: A local bilingual guide will provide historical details on Bangkok, as well as insights into Thai food and culture, and help you snag the best deals on goods.
  • Tour timings and transfers: Choose between 2 tours: either a join-in from Central World or a private tour with hotel pick-up. Option to select among multiple start times.
  • You’ll do: Take a 40-minute longtail boat ride and shop for fresh seafood and Thai treats from a fleet of boats around. At Maeklong, buy spices and souvenirs set inches from the tracks.

Inclusions #

  • Full-day tour of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market

  • Private or shared tour (select during checkout)

  • Local bilingual guide: English + Chinese

  • Longtail boat ride at Damnoen for 40 minutes

  • Transfers in an AC vehicle from the meeting point or your hotel in Bangkok (as per option selected)

  • Bottled drinking water

  • Tip: Learn simple Thai phrases to say 'hello', 'thank you', and 'how much' to enhance your market experience.
  • This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
  • Meet at Central World (Hug Thai Zone), if you select transfers from the meeting point.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market vendors and Ayutthaya temple ruins on a guided tour.
Vendors selling fruits and vegetables on boats at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bangkok.
Train passing through Maeklong Railway Market with tourists and vendors nearby.
Aerial view of ancient temple ruins in Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand.
Seated Buddha statue at Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand, with ancient brick ruins.
Fruit seller in a long tail boat at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand.
Tour guide explaining Amphawa's history to tourists on a bus in Thailand.
Assorted Thai dishes on a boat at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
Train passing through Maeklong Railway Market, Thailand.
Buddha head entwined in Bodhi tree roots at Ayutthaya, Thailand.
‌
Day Trips

From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Temple, Railway Market & Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Full-Day Guided Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfers

Check off 3 must-do experiences in a day: a visit to a floating market, a railway market, and the historic city of Ayutthaya with hotel transfers.

  • Day out to: Visit Ayutthaya’s historic sites, then experience everyday Thai life at the bustling Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and watching the train pass through Maeklong Market.
  • You’ll get: An English-speaking guide to share insights, photo & shopping tips, a visit to Ayutthaya’s historic grounds, stops at Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market with a boat ride, plus transfers from the Bangkok meeting point or hotel transfers.
  • Damnoen Saduak: Explore Damnoen Saduak, shopping through a fleet of boats loaded with fresh seafood, veggies, and Thai treats while you absorb the lively atmosphere.
  • Maeklong Railway Market: Watch in awe as vendors swiftly clear goods for passing trains, creating a market spectacle you've got to see to believe!
  • Ayutthaya Temples: Explore Wat Phanan Choeng, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Lokaya Sutha, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, and Wat Maha That with guided walks and photo stops. Temple entry is included only in options with admission; otherwise, views are exterior only.
  • Upgrades: Opt for tickets that include lunch & entry to the temples so you can see the grandeur of the interiors from up close.
‌
‌
Check availability
Book now, pay later
10 hr. - 12 hr.
Guided tour
Transfers available
Pickup available
Meals included

Check off 3 must-do experiences in a day: a visit to a floating market, a railway market, and the historic city of Ayutthaya with hotel transfers.

  • Day out to: Visit Ayutthaya’s historic sites, then experience everyday Thai life at the bustling Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and watching the train pass through Maeklong Market.
  • You’ll get: An English-speaking guide to share insights, photo & shopping tips, a visit to Ayutthaya’s historic grounds, stops at Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market with a boat ride, plus transfers from the Bangkok meeting point or hotel transfers.
  • Damnoen Saduak: Explore Damnoen Saduak, shopping through a fleet of boats loaded with fresh seafood, veggies, and Thai treats while you absorb the lively atmosphere.
  • Maeklong Railway Market: Watch in awe as vendors swiftly clear goods for passing trains, creating a market spectacle you've got to see to believe!
  • Ayutthaya Temples: Explore Wat Phanan Choeng, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Lokaya Sutha, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, and Wat Maha That with guided walks and photo stops. Temple entry is included only in options with admission; otherwise, views are exterior only.
  • Upgrades: Opt for tickets that include lunch & entry to the temples so you can see the grandeur of the interiors from up close.

Inclusions #

  • Half-day tour of Ayutthaya temples

  • English-speaking guide

  • Entry to Phanan Choeng, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Lokaya Sutha, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, and Wat Maha That (as per option selected)

  • Maeklong Railway Market visit

  • Damnoen Saduak Floating Market visit

  • Boat ride at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

  • One-way transfers from Bangkok (hotel pickup/meeting point pickup as per option selected)

  • Drop-off at MBK Mall – 444 Phaya Thai Rd, Wang Mai, Subdistrict, Bangkok 10330, Thailand (as per option selected)

  • Lunch (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

  • Temple entry (pay on-site)

What's not allowed

  • Shorts, sleeveless shirts, open-toed shoes.
  • Heavy luggage or large bags.

Accessibility

  • The place has limited wheelchair accessibility due to its uneven terrain.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Floating market vendor with fruit in Damnoen Saduak and tourists riding an elephant in Bangkok.
Asian tourists in boats at a floating market selling fresh produce in Thailand.
Elephants near a wooden structure at Maetaman Elephant Camp, Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand.
Train passing through Umbrella Fresh Market on the railroad track, Mae Klong Train Station, Bangkok.
Mother and baby elephant bathing in a river surrounded by lush greenery.
Tour guide speaking to passengers on a bus for Damnoen Saduak Floating Market tour.
Tour bus parked at a station, ready for the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market tour.
Asian tourists in a boat at a floating market with tropical fruits in Thailand.
Boats selling goods at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand, with vendors and tourists.
Train passing through Maeklong Railway Market with tourists and vendors nearby.
‌
Day Trips

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Bangkok Elephant Camp Full-Day Guided Tour

Tick off 3 of Bangkok's unskippable attractions at an unbeatable price. Visit a floating market, a railway market, and a visit to Elephant Camp.

  • Why go on this tour? No need to worry about transfers—this tour takes you to Thai markets and an elephant camp with a guide and easy transfers.
  • Your guide: Your super-friendly guide will be helpful and attentive to whatever you need. They will take you to picturesque routes and share details you wont be expecting.
  • You’ll do: On a longtail boat ride, witness vendors skillfully navigating their boats and feast on local treats like coconut pancakes, fried bananas, and more.
  • What’s more?: Have lunch at Lao Tuk Luck floating market at your own expense. Next, head to the Railway Market, where vendors transform a bustling market into a clear railway track within beats.
  • Upgrade: Opt for an extra burst of adventure with an elephant ride at the Elephant Camp, or simply enjoy observing these magnificent creatures up close.
‌
‌
Check availability
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
8 hr.
Guided tour
Transfers available

Tick off 3 of Bangkok's unskippable attractions at an unbeatable price. Visit a floating market, a railway market, and a visit to Elephant Camp.

  • Why go on this tour? No need to worry about transfers—this tour takes you to Thai markets and an elephant camp with a guide and easy transfers.
  • Your guide: Your super-friendly guide will be helpful and attentive to whatever you need. They will take you to picturesque routes and share details you wont be expecting.
  • You’ll do: On a longtail boat ride, witness vendors skillfully navigating their boats and feast on local treats like coconut pancakes, fried bananas, and more.
  • What’s more?: Have lunch at Lao Tuk Luck floating market at your own expense. Next, head to the Railway Market, where vendors transform a bustling market into a clear railway track within beats.
  • Upgrade: Opt for an extra burst of adventure with an elephant ride at the Elephant Camp, or simply enjoy observing these magnificent creatures up close.

Inclusions #

  • Full-day shared tour

  • Local bilingual guide: English + Chinese

  • Maeklong Railway Market visit

  • Damnoen Saduak Floating Market visit

  • Long-tail boat ride at Damnoen Saduak

  • Damnoen Saduak Elephant camp visit

  • Elephant ride (select during checkout)

  • Transfers in an AC vehicle from meeting point

  • Coconut dessert

  • Bottled water

  • Pick up from common point
  • Visit Maeklong Railway Station
  • Visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
  • Long-tail boat ride at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
  • Lunch at Lao Tuk Floating Market
  • Visit Damnoen Saduak Elephant Camp
  • Drop off at any one of the common points (ICONSIAM, Asiatique, or Central World)
  • Tip: Don't forget to try the famous boat noodles at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – it's a must-have culinary delight!
  • Luggage is not allowed on the tour as there is no storage space available in the minivan.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Tourists in a boat at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market surrounded by fruit-laden boats.
Boats with goods at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bangkok tour.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market entrance with boats on the canal, Thailand.
Boats navigating a bustling floating market canal with shops on both sides.
Train passing through Maeklong Railway Market with tourists taking photos, Bangkok tour.
Spring rolls on a boat at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bangkok tour.
Train passing through Maeklong Railway Market, Bangkok, with vendors and tourists nearby.
Tour guide speaking to passengers on a bus during Bangkok tour.
Tour bus parked at a station in Bangkok, Thailand, with passengers boarding.
Passenger enjoying private car transfer from Singapore Changi Airport.
‌
Guided Tours

Half Day: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Guided Tour

  • Short on time but craving authentic Thai culture? Explore Damnoen Saduak Floating Market's vibrant boats and diverse goods in just half a day.
  • Step into the history of this century-old market with an English or Chinese-speaking guide. Pick private or shared transfers for a seamless experience.
  • On a longtail or paddleboat ride, witness vendors skillfully maneuvering their vessels, selling diverse goods from tropical fruits to handmade crafts.
  • Feast on local treats, including coconut pancakes, fried bananas, and more from over 100 vendors. Grab souvenirs like handmade crafts and trinkets!
  • Top up your tour with a visit to Maeklong Railway Market. Witness a fascinating blend of daily life and commerce around an active railway track.
‌
‌
Check availability
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
5 hr. - 7 hr. 15 min.
Transfers available
Pickup available
  • Short on time but craving authentic Thai culture? Explore Damnoen Saduak Floating Market's vibrant boats and diverse goods in just half a day.
  • Step into the history of this century-old market with an English or Chinese-speaking guide. Pick private or shared transfers for a seamless experience.
  • On a longtail or paddleboat ride, witness vendors skillfully maneuvering their vessels, selling diverse goods from tropical fruits to handmade crafts.
  • Feast on local treats, including coconut pancakes, fried bananas, and more from over 100 vendors. Grab souvenirs like handmade crafts and trinkets!
  • Top up your tour with a visit to Maeklong Railway Market. Witness a fascinating blend of daily life and commerce around an active railway track.

Inclusions #

  • Half-day tour of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

  • English or Chinese-speaking guide

  • Shared/Private AC transfers (based on option selected)

  • Visit to Maeklong Railway Market (optional)

  • Longtail boat ride or paddleboat ride (based on option selected)

  • Bottled water (optional)

  • Insurance (optional)

  • Pick up from common point or hotel (as per option selected)
  • Visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
  • Long-tail or paddle boat ride
  • Visit Maeklong Railway Market (as per option selected)
  • Drop-off at common point or hotel
  • Tip: Look for vendors selling vintage postcards as they offer a glimpse into Thailand's rich cultural history and are a memorable keepsake.
  • This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
  • This experience is limited to 10 people at a time.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Boats with tourists and vendors selling fruit at Amphawa Floating Market, Thailand.
Train passing through Maeklong Railway Market with tourists and vendors nearby.
Local vendors selling colorful flowers on boats in Amphawa floating market, Thailand.
Tour guide explaining Amphawa's history to tourists on a bus in Thailand.
Tour buses parked outside Siam Paragon, Bangkok, for Amphawa Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market tour.
Boats lined up at Amphawa Floating Market, Thailand, with colorful awnings and riverside shops.
Barbecued seafood displayed on trays at Amphawa floating market in Thailand.
Boats and vendors at Amphawa Floating Market, Thailand.
Amphawa Sri Cafe lit up at night along the canal in Amphawa, Thailand.
‌
Day Trips

Amphawa Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Full-Day Guided Tour [Fri-Sun]

An authentic Thai experience with fewer crowds, a night market, a firefly boat ride, and guided tours of the markets.

  • Why go on this tour? Start in the afternoon to experience the evening floating market with easy transfers and hop on a boat ride along the Mae Klong River to see the fireflies.
  • Your guide: Don’t fall on tourist traps and let your guide in on the best deals on goods while you enjoy local delights like steamed fish, squid, and coconut ice cream; or opt to explore on your own.
  • Tour timings and transfers: Choose from 3 tours—join-in shared tour from Siam Paragon or a private tour with round-trip hotel transfers, with or without a guide.
  • You’ll do: A 1-hour boat ride through the mangroves, where fireflies light up the river. Catch the train passing through the market as vendors clear the tracks and then quickly resume business.
‌
‌
Check availability
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
7 hr. 30 min. - 10 hr. 30 min.
Guided tour
Transfers available
Pickup available

An authentic Thai experience with fewer crowds, a night market, a firefly boat ride, and guided tours of the markets.

  • Why go on this tour? Start in the afternoon to experience the evening floating market with easy transfers and hop on a boat ride along the Mae Klong River to see the fireflies.
  • Your guide: Don’t fall on tourist traps and let your guide in on the best deals on goods while you enjoy local delights like steamed fish, squid, and coconut ice cream; or opt to explore on your own.
  • Tour timings and transfers: Choose from 3 tours—join-in shared tour from Siam Paragon or a private tour with round-trip hotel transfers, with or without a guide.
  • You’ll do: A 1-hour boat ride through the mangroves, where fireflies light up the river. Catch the train passing through the market as vendors clear the tracks and then quickly resume business.

Inclusions #

  • Full-day tour of the Amphawa Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market

  • Private/shared tour (select during checkout)

  • Local bilingual guide: English + Chinese (select during checkout)

  • English-speaking guide (as per option selected)

  • Round-trip hotel transfers (Khao San Road or Siam Square only) as per option selected)

  • 1-hour Firefly boat ride at Amphawa

  • Transfers in an AC vehicle from meeting point/hotel transfers (select during checkout)

Exclusions #

  • Meals
  • Pick up from common point or hotel (as per option selected)
  • Visit Maeklong Railway Market
  • Visit Amphawa Floating Market
  • Firefly boat ride
  • Drop off at common point or hotel
  • Tip: Come hungry. Don't miss out on local favorites like coconut ice cream and grilled squid at Amphawa.
  • Note: The 'Private Day Tour with Hotel Transfers' option at checkout is not a guided tour. A professional English and Thai-speaking driver will accompany you.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
‌
‌

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.

  1. What to expect
  2. Booking guide
  3. Ticket options
  4. Visual guide
  5. Things to do
  6. Plan your visit
  7. Nearby
  8. Other floating markets
  9. FAQs

What to expect 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
1/8

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

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 Tour

​Amphawa Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Full-Day Guided Tour

​Bangkok Floating Markets Full-Day Guided Tour

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 Tour

​Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Bangkok Elephant Camp Full-Day Guided Tour

Which Bangkok Floating Market should you visit?

FeatureDamnoen SaduakAmphawaMaeklong

Best for

First-time visitors

Experiencing local culture

Experiencing a unique railway market experience

Why visit

Classic tourist-friendly floating market with boat vendors

Firefly boat tours at night, seafood

Market stalls are on the train track and are moved when trains pass through

Timings & best time to visit

7 am to 12 pm everyday; Early morning (before 9 am)

2 pm to 8 pm (Fri to Sun); Around 4 pm

6 am to 5 pm everyday; 30 mins before the train arrives

Accesibilidad

1.5–2 hours from Bangkok, best reached by tour or taxi

1.5–2 hours from Bangkok, accessible by van or taxi

About 1.5 hours from Bangkok, accessible by train, van, or taxi

Crowds

Very popular; expect heavy crowds

Moderate, visited mostly by locals

Crowded during train arrivals

Must-try foods

Mango sticky rice, coconut pancakes, boat noodles

Grilled seafood, Thai desserts, coconut ice cream

Fresh seafood, Thai street food, tropical fruits

Compras

Souvenirs, handicrafts, and Thai snacks

Local crafts, dried fruits, and clothes

Local crafts, herbal & spa products, dried fruits

Boat rides

Longtail boat tours are available

Limitado

No boat rides

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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?

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!

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

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

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!)

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
1/3

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

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!