Bangkok city is often called the Venice of the East. The canals along the Chao Phraya River have always been very important for city trade since the Middle Ages. Nowadays, floating markets around Bangkok are a well-known tourist attraction.
There are many different floating markets—Taling Chan Floating Market, Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market, Amphawa Floating Market, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bang Phli Floating Market, and others.
Taling Chan market is situated very close to Bangkok; the market is still fairly traditional with a vast choice of sea snacks—crab legs, roasted shrimps and roasted snakehead fish.
Khlong Lat Mayom Market is famous for its local organic produce. This is where you can find goods on both land and water and where you can even extend your experience by taking a boat trip to explore rural Thai life.
Amphawa is one of the most popular markets with Thai natives. This is where you can find traditional clothing, arts and crafts, and enjoy delicious meals that are served directly from the boats.
Bang Nam Phueng is probably the best place to communicate with locals and experience their folk dishes.
Damnoen Saduak is a very touristy market with plenty of souvenirs. It may be extremely crowded with foreigners, and sometimes the traffic on the river can be quite exhausting.
Floating markets are open through all seasons, but it's better to avoid the rainy season which runs from June until October as it can be very tough to get around when it rains. The dry season (November-May) is the most suitable for visiting floating markets with pleasantly warm weather (November-February), while the warmer period (March-May) can be exhausting.
Practical info
What is the optimal time to visit floating markets in Bangkok?
While floating markets at Bangkok operate throughout the year, November to May is considered the peak season due to the dry and pleasant weather. Cooler weather, which runs from November to February, attracts more tourists. However, when the temperature rises from March, it could be tiring. From June to October, the rainy season could cause travel difficulties, so it's best to avoid this period. Show more
What are the recommended floating markets in Bangkok?
Bangkok has several floating markets, including Amphawa, Bang Nam Phueng, Damnoen Saduak, Taling Chan, and Khlong Lat Mayom markets. Seafood is a specialty of Taling Chan; Khlong Lat Mayom is known for selling fresh and organic produces. Amphawa is famous among the locals, particularly for traditional clothing and handicrafts. You can experience local Thai culture in Bang Nam Phueng, while Damnoen Saduak is famous but heavily crowded with tourists. Show more
What food items are sold at Taling Chan Floating Market?
Taling Chan Floating Market is one of the oldest markets in Bangkok where vendors traditionally sell their products by boat. While visiting, you can find a vast selection of seafood ranging from roasted shrimps, crab legs, to snakehead fish. It is a great place to explore and experience authentic Thai street food. Show more
What is the time of the rainy season in Bangkok, and what are the impacts of visiting floating markets during this time?
Rainy season in Bangkok lasts from June through October, with heavy rainfall and a higher chance of flooding. Since floating markets rely on boat transportation, visiting during this period is challenging. Reachability to desired locations is compromised. As a result, it is better to avoid visiting floating markets during rainy season(s). Show more
How is Bang Nam Phueng an ideal place for understanding local Thai culture?
Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market is a hidden gem located on the outskirts of the city center and is renowned among the locals. You can experience the traditional riverside lifestyle and authentic Thai dishes such as Pad Thai and Tom Yum Soup. The locals are more than happy to share their culture and socialise with tourists, making it a must-visit destination for those who enjoy learning about the local way of living. Show more
