Water was the primary mode of transportation long before roads connected destinations. It was a way of life in Thailand, Vietnam, and several other countries, primarily in South and Southeast Asia. In such countries, floating markets emerged where merchants could trade ordinary commodities. Many waterside towns sprung up around these floating markets. While they thrived until the early 18th century, many closed for business or were forced to relocate to land in the latter half. Many floating markets were sacrificed as building rail tracks and roadways took precedence, but several markets are still thriving. Here are five floating markets in and around Bangkok that you must add to your travel bucket list.
Damnoen Saduak
Damnoen Saduak, about 100 kilometres outside Bangkok, has long been Thailand's most well-known floating market. Its fame stems in large part from its appearance as a setting in the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. It's enormous, bustling, full of boats selling food and fruits, and very colourful—just what people imagine a floating market would look like.
Where: Damnoen Saduak, Ratchaburi, Thailand 70130
Timings: Daily from 7 am to 5 pm
Taling Chan Floating Market
Taling Chan is one of the favourite floating markets near Bangkok, as it has just the right amount of everything you could ask for from an iconic Bangkok attraction. Located only 12 km from downtown Bangkok, Taling Chan is open all day and has just enough boats to be called a floating market and a large local market. There are small longtail boat cruises to take you around the nearby khlongs (canals) and get a relaxing glimpse of the surrounding area. It perhaps lacks the old-world charm of other markets, but it has a more genuine feel.
Where: Village No 15, 30/1 Bang Ramat Rd, Bang Ramat, Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170, Thailand
Timings: Saturday–Sunday, from 8 am to 5 pm
Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
Khlong Lat Mayom is a medium-sized floating market located close to Bangkok. It's a really local market and gives an authentic Thai feel. The primary market is on solid ground, but it's fascinating to sample all kinds of fun sweets and fruits. As it's located just near Taling Chan Floating Market, combining both markets on the same morning is better.
Where: 15-30/1 Bang Ramat Rd, Bang Ramat, Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170, Thailand
Timings: Saturday–Sunday, from 8 am to 5 pm
Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market
Bang Nam Pheung floating market is one of the smallest and closest to central Bangkok—only about 20 km away. You will need a hired cab to get there. Despite its modest size, the market has a fascinating choice of food to sample and a lovely location in 'The Lung of Bangkok': a relatively untouched sanctuary of nature protected by a curve in the river.
Where: Bang Nam Phueng, Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan 10130, Thailand
Timings: Friday–Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm (closed Monday–Thursday)
Amphawa Floating Market
Amphawa is a popular floating market in Thailand, located 90 km southwest of Bangkok and about 50 kilometres long. It has many little wooden houses neatly lined up along the canal, selling souvenirs, snacks, and sweets. Don't miss the little temple swallowed by a giant tree located across the river.
Where: Amphawa, Samut Songkhram 75110, Thailand
Timings: Friday–Sunday from 11 am to 9.30 pm (closed Monday–Thursday)
