Top 5 floating markets near Bangkok

Bangkok’s floating markets are a great way to experience a slice of the city’s culture. As many travellers come to the capital to take in the scenery of ancient temples, missing out on a floating market experience will surely leave visitors feeling incomplete. Kids can also enjoy glimpse’s of Thailand’s old culture by taking a boat ride through the river, experiencing how people used to commute.

With beautiful flowers, food, and products, taking a trip to one of these markets is highly recommended. Additionally, some of the markets cater only to locals, giving visitors the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the culture. Thus, if you’re interested in giving one a visit, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 floating markets near the capital city.

5 Top floating markets near Bangkok

1. Wat Sai

Known for its shopping, this is perhaps the best floating market to find some awesome products. Located in the Chom Song district, Chinese traders established Wat Sai more than 150 years ago. Therefore, its Thai and Chinese influence is apparent. Here, you can learn how the vendors rely on canals as their primary means of trade.

Visitors can sample the fruits and vegetables offered at Wat Sai while taking in the surrounding views. The relaxing atmosphere makes it a great place to take time off from Bangkok’s busy streets while absorbing a bit of culture. Just a 10-minute drive from the city centre, make sure to book your visit ahead of time as it can get busy. Beside, to find your ideal choice if you’re also searching for a hotel in the heart of the city, head to our partner’s website, “Agoda – Bangkok.”

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 8:00 – 18:00. On Sunday the market is open from 15:00 – 18:00.

Address: 58/229 Soi Ekkachai 24, Bang Khun Thian, Khet Chom Thong, Bangkok 10150.

2. Amphawa

Amphawa floating market is the second most popular in Bangkok as it sits along the Mae Klong River. Just 50 kilometres from the city centre, the market’s community was once quite small as it dates back to the 17th century. Back then, it clearly was successful in trade and agriculture.

Now, visitors can see the small houses lining the riverbank, where locals still have access to the water. Inside some of these houses, visitors can stop for a bite of fresh seafood from the morning’s catch. Moreover, noodle dishes and Thai desserts can be consumed as well. The floating market is great for socialising along with taking in the surrounding scenery.

Opening hours: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 – 22:00.

Address: Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram 75110.

3. Bang Phli

Bang Phli floating market is the best to visit if you love food and culture. As it is one of the oldest in Bangkok, its history and tradition stand out. Here, visitors can learn a bit about Thai culture as well as sampling fresh fruit, seafood, Thai noodles and more.

Moreover, if you are sick of the tourist scene, this market actually caters to the locals so you can spend some time in true, Thai communities. Asking the vendors about their lives and how they operate in a modern world is sure to get an interesting answer. To access Bang Phli, you can hop on the BTS Sky Train to the Bearing Station. Then, get a short ride to the floating market.

Opening hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 to 17:30.

Address: 10 20 Sukhaphiban 1 Alley, Bang Phli Yai, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540.

4. Damnoen Saduak

Damnoen Saduak is the most popular floating market in Thailand. However, it is a bit further outside of Bangkok as the trip is 90 minutes on the 511 bus from the Southern Bus Terminal. Despite the long commute, it is easy to get there and you won’t be disappointed once arriving.

Once there, you can work your way through vendors as you shop and snack. The market offers local handicrafts, agricultural products, and boat noodles, all made directly from local vendors. With photo ops galore, visitors can boast about visiting the best floating market in Thailand.

Opening hours: Daily from 7:00 – 17:00.

Address: Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi 70130.

5. Bang Nampheung

Bang Nampheung floating market is definitely the smallest of all, but also the best in terms of cuisine as its food is to die for. Located on the city’s outskirts, the market is much quieter, making your time there more serene. Here, you can bargain for better deals compared to other markets as its customer base is smaller.

Additionally, check out the ‘green lung’, which is one of the market’s highlight. Located on the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River in Bang Krachao, visitors can rent a bike and ride through the beautiful flora. To end the day, try some spicy mango salad and sticky rice that will leave you feeling happy and content.

Opening hours: Saturdays from 7:00 – 16:00, and Sundays from 7:30 – 17:30.

Address: Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan 10130.

Your trip to Bangkok definitely is not complete without visiting one of these floating markets. Clearly just seeing the boats along the water, moving produce and other materials, is quite telling of how people survived before modernisation hit the city.

Stopping at these markets is quite the experience as visitors can see a much calmer way of life inside the country’s capital, where Thais almost prefer such a peaceful ambience. Before you leave, however, make sure you try out some of the vendors’ food, as some of these markets are known for delicious Thai cusine. Finally, if you want to support such a way of life, stop by the shops inside and buy a souvenir.

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