Bangkok’s floating markets offer a vibrant escape into Thailand’s rich culture, where wooden boats overflow with fresh produce, sizzling street food, and handcrafted treasures. Here, you will find nearly everything – handmade souvenirs, dried fruits, grilled meat on skewers, desserts, and more. The air is alive with the aroma of grilled seafood, sweet coconut treats, and steaming boat noodles while vendors call out their offerings along scenic canals. Beyond the flavors, these markets exude a laid-back charm, inviting visitors to soak in the lively atmosphere, shop for local crafts, and experience a timeless riverside tradition that captures the essence of Thailand.
Bangkok's floating markets trace their origins to the 19th century, when an extensive network of canals (klongs) served as vital transportation routes, facilitating commerce and daily life. Communities flourished along these waterways, with boats being the primary means for trading goods, especially agricultural produce. Over time, as road infrastructure developed, many traditional floating markets disappeared. However, markets like Damnoen Saduak, established in the late 20th century, have been revitalized as tourist attractions, attracting guests from across the globe. Today, visitors can immerse themselves in bustling scenes of vendors paddling wooden boats laden with fresh fruits, local delicacies, and handcrafted items, providing a memorable Thai experience.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Full-Day Guided Tour
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Ayutthaya Temple Full-Day Guided Tour
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Bangkok Elephant Camp Full-Day Guided Tour
Amphawa Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Full-Day Guided Tour [Fri-Sun]
Half Day: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Guided Tour
Bangkok Floating Markets Full-Day Guided Tour
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Half-Day Guided Tour
Glide through winding canals as you pass boats brimming with fresh produce, sizzling street food, and vendors calling out their best deals. Soak in the lively and chaotic atmosphere on your relaxing boat ride.
Indulge in the famous ‘boat noodles’ – a spicy indulgent noodles with fish sauce and meat, grilled seafood and meats, and sweet mango sticky rice. Don’t forget to try fresh tropical fruits like mangosteen, rambutan, dragonfruit, and more!
Witness the thrilling moment when vendors at Maeklong Railway Market swiftly pull back their stalls as a train passes on the track—so close you can almost touch it!
Frame picture-perfect shots of colorful boats, colorful fruits piled high, and trains passing through a crowded market. Make sure to capture the golden skies as the sun sets over the floating markets.
As the sun sets, hop on a boat and ride through the canal near Amphawa market, where fireflies flicker like tiny lanterns in the trees. It’s a magical, dreamlike moment that you do not want to miss!
The most popular floating market near the city is Damnoen Saduak.
Damnoen Saduak is open daily from 7 am to 11 am, Maeklong Railway Market is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, and the Amphawa Floating Market is open on the weekend (Friday to Sunday) from 2 pm to 8 pm.
You can taste delicious Thai street food, shop for cost-effective and handmade souvenirs, take a boat ride and explore the Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa Floating Markets, and watch trains pass through the Maeklong Railway Market.
You can try a variety of grilled meats and seafood, including river prawns, fish, chicken, and pork. You can also try mango sticky rice, boat noodles, pad thai, coconut ice cream, and Khanom Bueang, a crispy pancake with sweet or savory fillings.
Vegetarian food options at Bangkok’s floating markets include Som Tam (green papaya salad without fish sauce), grilled corn on the cob, fried spring rolls, mango sticky rice, coconut ice cream, Khanom Krok (coconut rice pancakes), and fresh tropical fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and coconuts.
The most popular souvenirs in the floating markets are handmade wooden and bamboo handicrafts, pants with elephant patterns, keychains, fridge magnets, Thai spices and dried fruits, and herbal and spa aromatic products.
It is ideal for visiting the Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong Railway markets in the mornings shortly after they open as it is cooler and there are fewer crowds. You can visit the Amphawa Floating Market at around 4 pm for cooler weather and to see the sunset.
You can get to the markets by train, bus, or taxi from Bangkok. All the markets take about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach from Bangkok. Learn more about the best forms of transport to reach the markets here.
All three markets have narrow lanes and might not be able to accommodate wheelchairs. The walkways on Damnoen Saduak and the Amphawa Floating Markets are prone to being slippery because of their proximity to the canals, which might make it difficult for people with disabilities to walk on them.
Yes, children will enjoy visiting the floating markets! They can take a fun boat ride through the canals, try delicious treats like coconut ice cream and mango sticky rice, and shop for unique souvenirs like wooden toys and handicrafts.
Yes, bargaining is encouraged, but remember to be polite. Learn a few Thai phrases to give you an added advantage while bargaining!
Shopkeepers generally do not accept cards at these markets. It is safer to carry cash in denominations of THB 50 to 200 so it is easier to get change.
The Taling Chan Floating Market and the Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market are the closest to Bangkok.
