Bangkok, the most populous and capital city in Thailand, attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. Most come to Bangkok to see the beautiful temple, bustling nightlife; it’s culinary heritage and most of all the floating markets. Well, no other city in the world boasts of floating markets apart from Bangkok! The narrow canals are filled with small boats that are filled with all kinds of stuff from already cooked food, vegetables to souvenirs.
This has been the culture of the people of Bangkok for a long time. People have been using rivers and canals to move around the city, and its environs as they traded even before Bangkok was the city it is today. And the culture has not stopped and doesn’t look like it’s going away any time soon.
In this article, we are going to review the top five floating markets in Bangkok. Here they are.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak floating market is one of the oldest and the most popular floating market in Thailand and Bangkok for that matter. It is located 100 km away from the Bangkok central business district, but that does not stop tourists from flocking the market. The market is large, and the canals are filled with boats filled with all sorts of things from food to vegetables.
The market is open every day from 7 am to 11 pm. Because the market is always filled it is advisable to always arrive early so that you can enjoy the tour. While at the market, you have the opportunity to sample the local Thai cuisine, which includes seafood, vegetables, and fresh fruits.
Amphawa Floating Market
Located 90 km away from the Bangkok central business district, Amphawa floating market is open to the public three days a week only from Friday to Sunday from 11 AM to 11 PM. It is one of the most popular floating markets in Bangkok even though it does not get a lot of tourists like the Damnoen Saduak floating market.
It is popular for its seafood, sweets, snacks and also a good market to buy souvenirs. Apart from the food, you can enjoy a tour through the market on a boat where you can get the opportunity to see magnificent temples.
Taling Chan Floating Market
Taling Chan floating market is one of the closest floating markets to the Bangkok central business district. It is a perfect location for those near Bangkok city center to get a taste of a floating market though it doesn’t have a lot of traffic from tourists, Taling Chan floating market still a favorite place for a lot of locals and tourists.
Taling Chan is famous for its wooden restaurants that serve indigenous Thai food and seafood. If you are lucky, you will find local musicians who sing local songs in the market who serenade guests with soft traditional Thai music. Apart from enjoying local food, you can also enjoy a foot massage at an affordable price.
Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
Khlong Lat Mayom is another floating market located near Bangkok central business district. It is open only during the weekends from 9 am to 4 pm and is accessible by taxi. Khlong Lat Mayom is close to Talin Chan, allowing you to enjoy both markets easily.
There are a lot of different types of food on sale here you may be spoiled for a choice since all of them are excellent and very affordable. If you have had enough of the food, you can take a boat ride along the river as you enjoy the lovely scenes of part of Bangkok.
Bang Krachao Floating Market
Even though it is the smallest and the oldest floating market on this list, Bang Kachao is one of the most beloved floating markets in Bangkok. Most residents of Bangkok refer to it as the lung of Bangkok. The market has managed to maintain a vintage look. It is located 29 kilometers from Bangkok’s central business district.
It can only be accessed on foot or a bicycle since most of the roads leading to the market are footpaths. Here you can enjoy local food like noodles, seafood. You can also buy organic vegetable and fruits.
Floating markets are a popular tourist attraction in Bangkok. If you want to enjoy them well you have to wake up early in order enjoy to the fullest.
PS: If you enjoy visiting markets in Bangkok, be sure to read our experience at Maeklong Railway Market
