An Introduction To Thailand's Floating Markets

One might feel as though they are entering a different world upon visiting a Thai floating market. Slender canals are crammed with boats selling an abundance of food and goods, while friendly vendors talk amongst themselves in Thai. While some countries in Asia have their own floating markets, none compare to Thailand’s, and the surreal experience is one you cannot miss while visiting the country. Here, we tell you everything you need to know about Thailand’s famous floating markets.

History

Floating markets are mainly found in Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. Floating markets today are essentially tourist traps, with alluring food and souvenirs. They did not always use to be this way, however. The Chao Phraya River that weaves through Bangkok is often referred to as the artery of the city. The water was a way a life for people in Thailand, making it possible for them to travel and sell their goods. Before urban Bangkok was developed, the city was a jungle, making it almost impossible for vendors and sellers alike to make any money off their goods. These goods were sold both regionally and internationally on these waterways. Even when Thai people saw the creation of roads and different means of transportation throughout the city, the canals remained a popular means of trade. This is the case for waterways throughout Thailand.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Bang Kachao

Bang Kachao is often referred to as ‘Bangkok’s Green Lung.’ It is about six miles away from downtown Bangkok. Shaded by papaya groves and coconut trees, many visit this island-like oasis for its great cycling paths. This is also where you will find the Talad Nam Peung Floating Market, sometimes referred to as the honey market. It is significantly less touristy than Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and also much easier to get to. Here, you will find organic produce, delicious market food and more. Visitors can also rent a boat of their own to explore these canals solo.

Amphawa Floating Market

Amphawa Floating Market is Bangkok’s second most popular floating market, located about 50 kilometers outside of the city. While it does still see its fair share of tourists, it is not as crowded as Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Most people who visit this market are Thai, making it that much more authentic. This market is famous for its seafood, with wooden boats filled with everything from shellfish to squid.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market/Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

When To Go

Most floating markets are only open on the weekends. To beat the throngs of tourists, the best time to go is before lunchtime, when the majority of visitors show up. Ideally, head there early in the morning.
By Kelly Iverson

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.