During the first trip to Bangkok, almost every traveller will want to visit a floating market! There are actually more than five floating markets around Bangkok, opened all day. The boats are piled high with tropical fruits and vegetables, fresh, ready-to-drink coconut juice and local food cooked from floating kitchens located right on the boat.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Visit this famous Floating Market located in Samut Sakhon province for traditional food with local ingredients, fresh fruits and orchids sent here directly from the agriculturist.

The way to the market is lined on both sides with coconut and palm trees. Stay on the ground, and talk a walk while soaking in the atmosphere of the local produce and sample Thai food; or hop on a floating boat and see how coconut palm juice is made while enjoying the scenery and the peaceful way of life on both sides of the river bank.

Amphawa Floating Market 

Amphawa is the second most popular floating market near Bangkok, though not as large as Damnoen Saduak, it is more authentic. The Market opens during the weekends and public holidays. In the early mornings, monks receive food offerings travelling by the canal, travellers can buy a set of food offering from a food market which is located in the same area as the Amphawa Floating Market and sells all kind of Thai food especially fresh seafood. Try eating these treats on the wooden boat if you like! After you are done with your meal, don’t forget to take a boat trip to visit the historic temples, some established since the late Ayutthaya period over 200 years ago. Complete your trip with a firefly boat tour to end your day on an ethereal note. 

Talin Chan Floating Market

Just few kilometers from Bangkok, charming Taling Chan Floating Market is one where you get to sit on the floor to enjoy your seafood and other varieties of food. Stretch out and to take a canel tour by long tail boat to see the local agriculture; orchid farm and Thonburi Snake Farm. Enjoy this while the area still has its old-school charm as parts of it has started to evolve to keep up with the modern times.       

Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market

Khlong Lat Mayom is another one of the floating markets located close to Bangkok, no more than twenty kilometres from town and accessible by taxi from Wongwian Yai (the last BTS station on the Silom Line). Khlong Lat Mayom is nothing like the huge touristy Damnoen Saduak or the crowded Amphawa but it really has its own identity. For only 20 Baht and 30 minutes, hop on a row boat and the boat driver will bring you to around the area to see nature and Thai daily life.  

Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market 

Here you can buy a health products from the locals and have a massage surrounded by nature. A prominent point of Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market beside its local produce or food are the bicycle rides. The rides are an interesting change from the boat rides at the other floating markets. Rent a bicycle for 20 Bath for 1 hour or 90 Baht for flat rate to see where Bangkokians recharge and chill out after a day of shopping.