Getting to Bangkok’s floating markets

Getting to Bangkok‘s floating markets just got a whole lot easier thanks to new feeder bus services from the MRT Blue Line to Bangkok’s four top floating markets.

Bangkok’s floating markets might not be the capital’s biggest draw, but they are a must-see for almost every visitor to the city. Moreover, for those who live in the city, they are an essential source of daily necessities and seasonal luxuries. The markets are an essential link between city folks and local farmers.

Getting to Bangkok’s floating markets means taking one of four new electric buses that provide free rides to and from Bang Khun Non-Station to the markets at Wat Saphan, Taling Chan, Khlong Lat Mayom and Song Khlong.

WAT SAPHAN FLOATING MARKET

Beside the Noi Canal, this market surrounds the temple at Wat Saphan, a destination in its own right. Wat Saphan Floating Market is not merely a tourist attraction. It meets the needs of the local community for fresh ingredients. Thai sweets, crispy mussel omelette, and noodles make for a fantastic day out for hungry visitors. Location.

TALING CHAN FLOATING MARKET

In Bangkok’s farming area on the Chakphra Canal, Taling Chan Floating Market is a foodie’s paradise. Locals and visitors take a short ride from Bangkok to stuff themselves with local goodies. The market has hundreds of stalls on the boardwalk and boats loaded with fruits and veg from nearby orchards and gardens. Feed your face with dumplings, satay, oyster omelettes, giant freshwater prawns and pad Thai. Location.

SONG KHLONG FLOATING MARKET

At the corner of the Chak Phra and Taling Chan Temple canals in Bangkok’s northern district, Song Khlong is only 500 metres from Taling Chan. Song Khlong is much smaller and more tranquil with local vendors and shoppers. You won’t find much English spoken here. It’s a community market can find local and organic produce and local crafts. Location.

KHLONG LAT MAYOM FLOATING MARKET

On a small canal to the west side of Bangkok, Khlong Lat Mayom is a short ride from the Taling Chan. Like Song Khlong, Khlong Lat Mayom F is quite small and off the tourist map, but it offers a real taste of Bangkok’s outlying district. Look for Thai desserts, tropical fruit, seafood, pork sausage, and local herbs and spices. Order a bowl of “boat noodles” – “Kuay Tiaw Reau” – from any boat vendor. The spicy soup is a perfect match for a floating market. Location.

How to get there

The BMA Feeder is free on Saturday and Sunday (9am – 4.45pm). It departs from the MRT Bang Khun Non Station every 15 minutes. The electric buses seat 20 people with a ramp for wheelchairs, though a wheelchair could be problematic in the markets themselves. Buses have free wi-fi and phone chargers. Passengers can check the route and timetable through the ViaBus app.