Thailand is famous for its beaches, temples, and nightlife but there are also river markets also known as the floating markets. You have seen them on Instagram or in visiting Thailand advertisements. The river markets can give you a good feel for the local Thai culture but which river markets in Bangkok should you visit?
Granted some river markets have become touristy. If you are planning to visit the river markets in Bangkok, it is a good idea to book a tour especially as some of the floating markets are outside Bangkok and it makes life easier. Plus you are less likely to be scammed.
In this post, we will go through the best floating markets to visit in Bangkok Thailand. Let’s get started!
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The Best River Markets In Bangkok Thailand
Most of the river markets that I have listed are not located in Bangkok. Some are within Bangkok and others are outside of Bangkok.
This is our list of the best river markets in and around Bangkok.
Amphawa Floating Market
Address: Amphawa, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram 75110, Thailand.
Opening Times: Friday to Sunday from 10 pm to 9.30 pm.
Amphawa Floating Market is less crowded than the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. It’s mostly a food market and it only opens from mid-morning to the evening. You will see people buy local fresh seafood, meat, veg, and fruit.
The market is 90 km from Bangkok City Centre. Do plan ahead as it can take up to 2 hours to reach Amphawa Floating Market via private taxi. Booking a tour makes life easier.
When you are finished eating and shopping, you can get a longtail boat, and explore the river.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Address: Damnoun Saduak, Ratchaburi, Damnoen Saduak 70130 Thailand.
Opening Times: Daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Damnoen Saduak is Bangkok’s best-known floating market. Especially on Instagram but that also makes it one of the most touristy ones.
The market is around 100 km from the center of Bangkok. Damnoen Saduak itself is a village. The market has hundreds of boats that sell fruit and vegetables but because of tourism, this has changed into a floating souvenir market. There are also stalls and shops along the river bank.
There are half-day tours from Bangkok that include your own car there and back, plus your own private boat on the floating market for one hour. If you just turn up and book the trip there, you will more than likely get scammed.
Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market
Address: Bang Nam Phueng, Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan 10130, Thailand.
Opening Times: Saturday to Sunday from 7 am to 4 pm.
This market is located in Bangkok. It is more of a riverside market with boats parked along the Chao Phraya River. The market has the usual variety of boats and stalls selling fresh produce, plants, and opportunities to purchase fried and grilled food.
And it’s a good excuse to try a serving of spicy mango salad with steaming sticky rice.
Bang Nam Pheung’s floating market is not very big, but the market is a good excuse to venture to a more peaceful area of Bangkok away from the skyscrapers and concrete jungle.
Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
Address: 15 Bang Ramat Rd, Bang Ramat, Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170, Thailand.
Opening Times: Saturday to Sunday from 7 am to 5 pm.
This market is close to central Bangkok where you can get to Bang Wa, then get a taxi to the market. There are not as many tourists compared to other markets. There are still plenty of stalls to choose from and colorful boats.
Bang Phli Floating Market Shophouse
Address: 10 20 Sukhaphiban 1 Alley, Bang Phli Yai, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand.
Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
This one is a little different where the shops are built on the water so this is not the floating market you expect to see but it is truly authentic and local. And it is only just 30 min away from central Bangkok.
There are stalls in the floating shophouses, there are also stalls stretching out onto the cement pathway outside the market entrance. You can get amazing local food, especially local seafood and mangoes.
Bang Khla Floating Market
Address: Thetsaban Phatthana 1 Alley, Bang Khla, Bang Khla District, Chachoengsao 24110, Thailand.
Opening Times: Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm.
The market is 100 km from Bangkok City Centre but is less touristy therefore maintaining a far more authentic feel. At the market you authentic Thai food especially Local fish and seafood, and mangoes.
Floating Market Tips
The river markets may be a unique experience with their charming views and boats selling food at the dock.
Below are 5 floating market tips to help you enjoy your trip to the river market.
- Food and souvenirs are sold in and along the floating markets and are usually priced higher than they should be. Always haggle first before purchasing.
- Visiting the floating market can be very hot in the hot season. Don’t forget to bring and drink plenty of water.
- You can actually ride a non-motorized boat, with the use of a paddle. If you use the paddled boats, remember some don’t normally have any sun cover. Bring sun cream.
- Make sure you plan and start your travel on time when visiting a floating market that is outside Bangkok.
USEFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
Book Accommodation
Booking.com has a large range of properties from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and resorts where you will find the best deals. Airbnb and Hostelworld also have a good range of places to stay at good prices.
Booking Flight
Skyscanner is a flight search comparison website that searches millions of flights all at once. Ultimately it is the best flight comparison website online at the moment.
Booking Transportation & Things To Do
Rome2rio and 12Go are useful to plan how to get anywhere by searching train, bus, car, and ferry routes. Especially useful in countries like Vietnam or Thailand. While Klook is great for exploring things to do in each place.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is cheap and more than likely you will never need to use it but you will have peace of mind if something does happen, you are covered in case of an emergency. World Nomads have great customer service and competitive prices.
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use when you travel.
Wrapping Up
Finally, once you are at the river markets in Bangkok Thailand. You will experience a wonderful place to eat the local authentic Thai food which is nicely priced. As well as enjoying the local culture. At most river markets you can get a longtail boat tour around the river.
And that’s it for now! I’d love it if this post on where the best river markets in Bangkok Thailand were helpful. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.