Floating Markets

Floating markets are one of the images most visitors have of Thailand, with boats full of fruit, flowers and food bumping gently on a canal. They were once the everyday way to shop in a land of waterways, and today a handful survive, mostly as tourist attractions. Some are very touristy, but a few are charming, and with a little planning you can choose the one that suits you best.

Damnoen Saduak

This is the most famous market, about a hundred kilometres south-west of Bangkok, and it is the one that appears on postcards. Hundreds of boats crowd narrow canals, and sellers offer souvenirs, snacks and fruit to boats full of visitors. It is colourful and photogenic, but it is also very crowded and touristy, with high prices and many tour groups. Go very early, before about nine, to enjoy it at its best.

Amphawa

Amphawa is a smaller canal town that is far more relaxed and popular with Thai families. Its market runs on weekend afternoons and evenings, when stalls along the banks sell seafood grilled on the spot, desserts and snacks, and boats serve noodles from the water. After dark, boat trips take you to see fireflies glowing in the trees along the river. The mood is lively and the food is excellent, and it is the best choice for most visitors.

The railway market

Close to Amphawa is a market that is known for its train. A railway line runs right through the stalls, and the vendors fold their awnings back and pull their goods aside just before the train rolls through, and then spread them out again. It is a surprising sight and a good photo, but it is also a real market selling fresh seafood and vegetables. Check the train times and stand where the staff direct you.

Markets in the city

If you do not have time to leave Bangkok, a couple of smaller floating markets operate on weekends on the west bank of the river. They are less picturesque than the famous ones, but they are friendly, local and cheap. Our canal guide explains how to combine a market visit with a boat ride through the neighbouring waterways.

What to eat

Local snacks include boat noodles, grilled river prawns, coconut pancakes, sticky rice with mango, fresh coconut ice cream and fruit. Many stalls cook on small stoves on their boats, and the smells are tempting. Pay in cash, keep notes small and agree on prices before you buy. For tips on eating at stalls, see our street food guide.

Boat rides

Many markets offer a boat ride through the canals, usually priced per boat for a set route. Agree the price and duration before you step on board, and avoid drivers who add extra stops at shops. A short ride is enough, and the best views are often from the bank, where you can watch the boats come and go.

Getting there

You can visit by organised tour, which is easy but costly and often rushed, or on your own by minivan or bus from the southern bus terminal. The trip takes between an hour and a half and two hours, depending on traffic. Booking a private driver is the most comfortable option for a group, and some tours combine the markets in a single day.

When to go

Go early for Damnoen Saduak and on a weekend evening for Amphawa. The cool season is the most comfortable, since the hot season can be exhausting on an open boat. Rain can cancel boat rides, so check the forecast.

Pairing it well

A floating market can be paired with an overnight stay at Amphawa, which is a lovely way to see the fireflies. For a more historic day trip, consider Ayutthaya, which lies in the other direction.

What to skip

You do not need to pay for every boat, and you can skip souvenir stalls that charge double. Our taxi, tuk-tuk and bus guide explains how to reach the bus stations and piers, and Sukhumvit is a convenient base for early starts.