12 of the best floating markets in and around Bangkok

Thailand has a long history of floating markets. Known in Thai as talat nam, many of the floating markets can be found in Central Thailand in the areas in and around Bangkok. These colourful market areas hark back to an era when Ayutthaya was the capital and the waterways were a hub of commerce. The tradition continued when the capital moved to Thonburi and Bangkok with the Chao Phraya River and adjoining khlongs (canals) important trading locations. 

Bangkok was once dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’ because of its extensive network of canals. The waterways played a key role in daily life and although some of these canals can still be seen in the Thai capital, many were paved over as roads replaced the khlongs as the main commercial thoroughfares. However, as you move out into the Bangkok suburbs and neighbouring provinces, the floating markets still offer a window to the past. 

Although it’s fair to say that some of these floating markets are touristy, they can still be a sanuk day out. You will see plenty of foreign tourists at the best-known markets, but there are others to choose from if you prefer a more authentic experience. Check out our suggestions (shown here in alphabetical order) for some of the best floating markets to visit in and around Bangkok. 

1) Amphawa Floating Market

Amphawa Floating Market is located around 50 miles (80 km) southwest of Bangkok in Samut Songkhram province. To discover the real charm of this area, try to stay at least one night in Amphawa. 

Amphawa Floating Market springs to life in the afternoon and evening. You can see vendors selling a variety of Thai food and drinks from their boats including grilled seafood, fresh coconuts, and traditional Thai desserts. The canals are lined with wooden houses that have been converted into cafes and shops and there’s an amiable, relaxed atmosphere here. 

Amphawa Floating Market can be combined with an evening boat trip to see the fireflies that light up the trees along the riverbanks. If you’re visiting on a day trip from Bangkok, you could also visit the nearby railway market. 

Opening times: Friday-Sunday 2PM-9PM
Location

2) Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market

Bang Nam Phueng is popular with Bangkok residents and this is a market with lots of character. Unlike some of the other markets in this list, you’re not going to see lots of vendors paddling boats along canals. Instead, most of the traders sell from stalls and houses on stilts along the waterways.  

Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market is located in Bang Krachao, the so-called ‘Green Lung’ of Bangkok on the southeast outskirts of the city. With so much greenery and a genteel pace of life, it seems a world away from Bangkok. You’ll find an abundance of fresh produce, local snacks, and handicrafts and it’s a great place to try some old-style Thai dishes that are harder to find in the city. Visit in the morning to enjoy the market at its best. While you’re there, rent a bicycle to explore the surrounding area which is known for its scenic cycling routes.

Opening times: Saturday-Sunday 7AM-4PM
Location

3) Bang Phli Floating Market

Located in Samut Prakan province to the southeast of Bangkok, Bang Phli Floating Market (Bang Phli Old Market) is one of the oldest surviving traditional markets in Thailand. A century ago, this was a sleepy, rural backwater. Today, it’s now part of the Bangkok suburbs and just a short distance from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The market is set along a canal and features wooden houses on stilts, where vendors sell a variety of goods directly from their boats. Visitors can find fresh produce, Thai snacks, traditional handicrafts and clothing. The market is particularly famous among Thai visitors for its tasty street food including grilled meats, noodles, and sweet treats like coconut pancakes. Bang Phli is also known for the annual Rab Bua, Lotus Throwing Festival that is held here for Awk Phansa.

Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday 10AM-7PM
Location

4) Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Probably the most famous of all the floating markets in Thailand, Damnoen Saduak is also the busiest. Often marketed as the ‘Bangkok Floating Market’, it’s actually in Ratchaburi province around 60 miles (95km) southwest of Bangkok. 

With its narrow canals and wooden boats piled high with colourful produce, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of the most photogenic of all the markets on this list. It’s also one of the most touristy. There is a mark-up on many of the souvenirs for sale, but polite haggling can be part of the enjoyment here.

There are plenty of choices for food at Damnoen Saduak so just follow your nose and look where the Thai people are eating and you won’t go far wrong. If you visit with a large tour group you’ll probably arrive later in the morning when the market is at its busiest. Travelling independently or with a private tour gives you a better chance to beat the crowds (and the heat) by arriving early. 

Opening times: Daily 8AM-4PM
Location

5) Don Manora Floating Market

Don Manora Floating Market might not be the biggest or best market on this list and it’s also one which isn’t open that often. Despite this, it’s worth a visit if your trip coincides with one of the days the market is open or if you are in the area and planning to see some of the other nearby attractions. Vendors sell their goods from boats along the canal, offering a variety of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and Thai street food. 

Opening times: Only open a few days a month from 6AM-8:30AM. Check locally with your hotel or guest-house for more details.
Location

6) Don Wai Floating Market

You could combine a trip to Don Wai with a visit to the Red Lotus Floating Market (number 12 on our list) with the market near Wat Don Wai. They are both located in Nakhon Pathom province and less than an hour’s drive from each other. Wat Don Wai and the nearby market is another location better known to Thai tourists. Take a leisurely round-trip boat cruise along the Tha Chin River and visit another temple popular with Thai visitors, Wat Rai Khing.

Opening times: Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM | Saturday-Sunday 7AM-6:30PM
Location

7) Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market

Another lesser-known market, Khlong Lat Mayom, offers an authentic and relaxed experience just a short drive from central Bangkok. Located in the Taling Chan district, this market is popular with locals but still relatively undiscovered by tourists.

The main reason this market is popular with Bangkok residents is because of the food rather than the shopping. The market is divided into sections, with one area dedicated to fresh produce and another to cooked food. You’ll find everything from grilled meats and seafood to traditional Thai curries and noodles. There’s also a section where you can buy plants, handicrafts, and souvenirs. 

Opening times: Saturday-Sunday 8AM-5PM
Location

8) Kwan Riam Floating Market

Kwan Riam Floating Market is located on the Saen Saep Canal to the northeast of central Bangkok. Despite being one of the closest markets to the centre of the Thai capital it tends to get overlooked by overseas tourists. That’s a pity in one way but also gives the market more of a local feel. Food is an important feature of this market which also features a variety of OTOP products for sale. Visitors to this market can offer alms to monks at weekends from around 7-7.30AM.

Opening times: Saturday-Sunday 7AM-6PM
Location

9) Lao Tuk Luck Floating Market

Lao Tuk Luck Floating Market describes itself as the ‘original floating market’. Combine a visit here with a trip to the nearby Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and you can enjoy the best of both worlds while sampling classic dishes like pad Thai and moo ping being prepared by vendors.

Opening times: Daily 7AM-3PM
Location

10) Taling Chan Floating Market

Only six miles from the centre of the Thai capital, Taling Chan Floating Market is another location that is convenient for Bangkok residents and tourists.  

Taling Chan has a wide selection of food on offer but is particularly renowned for its seafood. The laid-back atmosphere of the market is enhanced by traditional Thai music performances and proximity to Bangkok is a bonus. 

Opening times: Saturday-Sunday 8AM-5PM
Location

11) Tha Kha Floating Market

This small market in Samut Songkhram province has managed to retain its traditional atmosphere. The proximity to bigger and better-known floating markets has allowed Tha Kha to remain delightfully low-key.

Vendors arrive early and although you won’t see the same number of boats you do at other markets, it’s still a colourful scene. Surrounded by coconut plantations and orchards, it’s an attractive location too and if your itinerary allows this is an area worth spending a few days.

Opening times: Saturday-Sunday 6AM-2PM | Monday 6AM-midday
Location

12) Thung Bua Daeng Floating Market

We were unsure whether to include Thung Bua Daeng (aka the Red Lotus Floating Market) on our list or not because it isn’t a traditional floating market. However, it can be an enjoyable place to spend a morning with an attractive lake, a small selection of restaurants, and souvenirs for sale.

For a small fee you can take a boat ride on the lake which is filled with red lotus flowers. There is also the option to rent out traditional Thai costumes and have a drone photo (for another fee) if you want to get that perfect Insta-worthy shot. It’s all very commercial, but is popular with Thai visitors and if you are in the area worth considering for a quick detour. The lake is more attractive in the morning and the blooms are at their best in the cool season months (November to February).

Opening times: Daily 8AM-5PM
Location

Opening times
Opening dates and times may be subject to change. Before visiting, check locally with your hotel or guest-house to get the latest updates on opening times.

Map of locations

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