A unique shopping experience at iconic floating markets in Bangkok

More than the conventional shopping malls and famous night markets, the floating markets in Bangkok are also waiting for you to explore. Enjoy a trip to rural Bangkok and get immersed in the authentic local lifestyle and traditional way of trading to complete your Bangkok shopping experience highlighted with a culinary adventure. Visit at least one or two of these popular floating markets.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Hop on a wooden boat and enjoy the rural scenery as the boat goes through the narrow and winding waterways. Have a glimpse of the small wooden houses on stilts and watch the country life go by.

After about a 20-minute journey, you will reach Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, the biggest and most famous floating market near Bangkok.

Experience the local sellers’ traditional way of selling fruits, vegetables, and other local produce in small wooden boats. It is also a great place to try local food, such as noodles in a rich broth and freshly made mini coconut pancakes.

The best time to visit the place is early morning to avoid the heat. It is also during this time when the market is at its liveliest.

Amphawa Floating Market in Bangkok

Are you craving for some local food or maybe seafood galore in an authentic Thai setting? Head to Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram, about 90 minutes from Bangkok, for a guaranteed unique dining and shopping experience.

Watch the colorful, vibrant life on the water as the boat vendors offer grilled seafood, Thai staple dishes, fresh fruits, and many local goods, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

If you have more time, hop on the long-tail wooden boat for a tour and journey through the small canals around the floating market and then along the Mae Klong River, where you can also visit the iconic Wat Bang Kung. Gigantic roots and branches of banyan trees engulf this temple.

At the time of writing, the floating market is open during weekends only, and the best time to visit is after 2 PM.

Tha Kha Floating Market in Bangkok

What’s to love about Tha Kha Floating Market?

It is refreshing and less touristy, without the chaos of an enormous floating market. You won’t see locals trying to push you to get into restaurants. It’s a wholesome experience watching vendors offering fruits and vegetables, with some cooking authentic local dishes in floating kitchens.

It is one great place to experience traditional Thai culture and observe the old way of Thai living. While there, taste the local food such as tom yam soup, stir-fried noodles, and coconut pancakes.

Note that Tha Kha Floating Market is open only on weekends (although some sources show it’s also now open on Fridays) from 6 AM to 3 PM. We recommend verifying the opening times before visiting so you can plan your trip well. 

Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market

Around 10km east of downtown Bangkok, another traditional floating market, Khlong Lat Mayom, is breathing with local charm and authenticity.

It is an excellent place to experience Bangkok’s local market culture punctuated with a fantastic eating adventure. Imagine sitting at low tables along the waterfront while the cook prepares the food in their ‘floating kitchen’ aboard a small wooden boat anchored near your table.

Enjoy the sight of boats filled with tropical fruits and vegetables and then explore the large market built on the riverside ground. There, you can find clothes, accessories, home décor and toys.

Note that Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is open only on Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 5 PM.