Best Floating Markets in Bangkok: Iconic Spots & Hidden Gems
Discover the traditional charm of Bangkok at its famous floating markets. These watery wonders offer a delightful contrast to the city's modern image. Picture this: vendors cruising in boats along winding waterways, selling everything from fresh produce to mouthwatering local grub and cool souvenirs. These markets are like a floating celebration of Thailand's rich culture and heritage. So, if you're curious about where to soak up this unique experience, here's a list of the best floating markets in Bangkok!
1. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Located in Ratchaburi, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Bangkok is one of the city's largest, busiest, and most popular river markets.
Admittedly, it is one of the more touristy options on this list. But it's still worth a visit if you have the time. Here, you’ll find vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, noodles, artwork, souvenirs, toys, clothes, and more.
The market is especially known for stalls with beautiful orchids, mini coconut pancakes, and boat noodles. Carry your camera because this 19th-century canal market in Bangkok is a photographer’s paradise.
Opening hours:Open daily, 8am to 4pm
How to Reach:Take a shuttle bus or hire a private car. You can also take a bus to Damnoen Saduak from Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok
2. Amphawa Floating Market
Located along the Mae Klong River, the iconic Amphawa Floating Market in Bangkok dates back to the 17th century and is the city's second most popular riverine market after the ultra-popular Damnoen Saduak.
The riverbank has quaint houses, beautiful cafes, and waterfront eateries serving fresh seafood, classic noodle dishes, and sinful Thai desserts.
The market features shophouses selling local handicrafts, soaps, souvenirs, clothes, and much more. You can go for massages and even visit a memorial park. Take a boat ride at night if you want to watch fireflies!
Opening hours: Fri to Sun: 2pm to 8pm. Closed from Mon to Thurs.
How to Reach: Take a bus or train to Maeklong from where Amphawa is a 10-minute ride. You can also hire a private car.
3. Bang Nam Pheung
If you’re a foodie, the Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market is the place to be. Also known as the Bang Krachao Floating Market, this lush green river market boasts traditional Thai restaurants serving a delectable selection of seafood, dishes like chicken satay, and desserts like coconut pudding. Besides the food, the place offers many Thai products like clothes, home decor, kitchenware, and tableware.
Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 2pm
How to Reach: Take a taxi from Downtown Bangkok or a ferry from Sukhumvit to the market.
4. Taling Chan Floating Market
Taling Chan in Bangkok is one of the most renowned floating markets known for traditional Thai massages and local food. This warm and welcoming river market offers a full feast ranging from noodles and barbeque-grilled fish to baked bananas, pancakes, and seafood.
You’ll also find vendors selling homemade decor, fresh fruits, and nursery plants. Again, be sure to pack your camera – Taling Chan is a photographer's dream in Bangkok.
Opening hours: Saturday & Sunday, 7:30am to 6pm
How to reach: Take a taxi to Taling Chan or a Blue Line MRT to Bang Khun Non Station, from where you’ll get a shuttle bus to the market.
5. Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market in Bangkok is a must-visit for its vibrant and intimate atmosphere and incredible shopping and culinary experience. This place perfectly represents Thai food and culture.
Try the local food here - som tum, grilled squid eggs, snakehead fish, pad thai, barbecued prawns, scallops, salt-grilled fish, fried rice, and more. They also sell mouthwatering seafood and pork dishes, making this famous floating market in Bangkok a true foodie’s paradise!
Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 5pm
How to Reach: Take a BTS Skytrain to Bang Wa station and then a taxi to the market
6. Wat Sai Floating Market
The Wat Sai Floating Market in Bangkok was set up by Chinese traders over 150 years ago and has, since then, been influenced by both Thai and Chinese cultures.
Vendors sell fresh fruits and vegetables, scrumptious Thai delicacies, tourist souvenirs, clothes, and local ornaments. A boat ride along the floating market will give you a glimpse into the lifestyle of Thai people residing on the canal side. Don’t miss out on a hot bowl of noodles, tasty dim sum, and coconut ice cream!
Opening hours: Open daily, 4am to 1pm
How to Reach: Board a bus or take a ferry from Tha Chang to Wat Sai.
7. Red Lotus
Red Lotus Floating Market in Bangkok is one place that you must visit - you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views of lotus flowers and leaves floating on a huge pond that will light up your Instagram feed!
It isn't one of those typical floating markets where you can shop for stuff, but you can fill your stomach with delectable food at the restaurant by the pond.
Pro tip: go to the pond's centre for gorgeous photos.
Opening hours: Open daily, 8am to 5pm
How to reach: Take a taxi or car to Bang Len District where you’ll spot signs that will lead you to the market.
8. Kwan Riam Floating Market
A busy and famous floating market in Bangkok, Kwan Riam features many traditional colourful boats selling delicious noodles, rice, Isan cuisine, and Thai desserts. It’s divided into two parts by the Wat Bamphen Nuea and Banpheng Tai temples and has speed boats carrying visitors up and down the canal. The bridge connecting both sides of the canal and the cherry blossom tree makes it one of the best floating markets in Bangkok. You’ll also find shops selling souvenirs and decorative items along the canal. If you do decide to pay a visit, check out a Thai dance show or go horseback riding.
Opening hours: Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 7am to 5pm
How to reach: Take a taxi or car to reach the main gate of Kwan Riam and then bike to the market.
9. Tha Kha Floating Market
Known as the more minor or understated version of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Tha Kha is a serene and beautiful trading hub featuring vendors on canal boats selling farm fresh fruits and vegetables and flavourful food that will take your tastebuds on a heavenly gastronomical ride.
Mostly frequented by locals, the floating market features a canopy of coconut trees, lush greenery, a pleasant climate, and rustic wooden homes giving it a very relaxed vibe. Try the famous fried oyster omelette, prawn dishes, fried rice, and homemade Thai sweets.
Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday, 6am to 2pm
How to reach: You can either take a bus or a car to reach the market.
10. Bang Phli Floating Market
Get a glimpse of how the people of Bangkok lived back in the day at the Bang Phli Floating Market located along the Samrong Canal. The market is characterised by old-school wooden walls, boats, and shophouses located along the wooden walkways on either side of the canal. The shops here sell mouthwatering Thai food, toys, home decor, clothes, seafood, and local produce. It is also home to a beautiful local temple. If you’re in Bangkok in October, attend Rab Bua, a lotus-throwing festival where locals gather along the canal to throw fresh lotus flowers at the image of Luang Pho To, which is placed on a boat and paraded up and down the water. Learn some basic Thai words because the vendors here are not fluent in English.
Opening hours: Closed on Mon. Tues & Weds, Fri to Sun: 10am to 7pm. Thurs: 10am to 1:30am
How to reach: Take the Skytrain to BTS Bearing and then a taxi to Bang Phli.
Brace Yourself for an Experience of a Lifetime
At each of these vibrant floating markets, you're guaranteed a unique shopping and dining experience amid the picturesque waterways of Bangkok - not to mention a glimpse into Thailand's rich cultural heritage that you won't soon forget! Oh, and make sure you stay connected while you explore Bangkok by buying the 15/30 GB Daily eSIM.
Commonly Asked Questions
Are the floating markets in Bangkok worth visiting?
Yes. A trip to Bangkok is incomplete without a visit to the floating markets because they represent the rich history and culture of the city and how its people lived back in the day.
Do I have to pay a fee to enter the floating markets?
No. You don't have to pay a fee to enter the floating markets. However, boat tours of the markets are chargeable.
Are the floating markets open on weekdays?
It depends on the floating market you want to visit. Some are open on weekdays, while others remain closed.
How expensive are the products available at the floating markets?
The products are cheap and reasonable. You can try bargaining too.
What is the best time to visit the floating markets in Bangkok?
The best time to visit the floating markets in Bangkok would be early in the morning, or just before closing time to avoid crowds.