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Floating markets to see in Thailand

Floating markets to discover in Thailand

Floating markets were an important part of Thailand's history and traditions, as they were a major trading centre only a century ago. Especially in and around Bangkok and in the neighbouring provinces, where the network of canals and rivers is vast. Few of them remain today, and they are inevitably very different from the original floating markets, but visiting them is still very interesting. For their atmosphere and for their incredible choice of Thai food. Thai floating markets are, with night markets, the best places to discover Thai gastronomy and street food. And they are still very popular with locals, who come with their families at weekends to eat there and take boat trips on Bangkok's klongs (canals). There are a few floating markets (talad nam in Thai) on the outskirts of Bangkok. But the most interesting, in my opinion, are in the Samut Songkhram and Ratchaburi provinces.

Alongside these, shall we say, more traditional floating markets, new ones have opened in several of Thailand's most popular destinations. They are a little more modern or mainly desing for foreign tourists... sometimes with an entrance fee.

The klongs

Bangkok

These small canals going through Bangkok take you rto a completly different setting : very quiet, rural, almost out of time. You really have the the impression of having left the city.

Klong Lat Mayom Floating Market

Bangkok

This small floating market on the immediate outskirts of Bangkok is open on weekends only and is a nice place to visit to discover the life on the canals of the Thai capital city. Collective or private boat tours leave. I advise you to combine your visit with a tour on the klongs (canals).

Sam Pan Nam Floating Market

Hua Hin

this is certainly the most friendly and the busiest of the two floating markets in Hua Hin. It is located only 2 km after the first one

Amphawa Floating Market

Amphawa

It is the main reason why visitors here come from Bangkok. It takes place from Friday to Sunday at noon and is particularly interesting to see at night. At night is also the famous fireflies visit.

Amphawa Floating Market

Amphawa

Amphawa is 9 km away from Samut Songkhram. It is really easy to go discover its floating market. It takes place from Friday to Sunday at noon and is particularly interesting to see at night. At night is also the famous fireflies visit.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Amphawa

Probably the most famous and visited floating markets, it is still nice to see ,early in the morning especially

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Amphawa

<p>This is the best-known and most touristic floating market in Thailand. Located a 1.5-hour drive from Bangkok, it is still pleasant to visit, especially early in the morning. It is open every day.</p>

Tha Kha Floating Market

Amphawa

This small floating market 5 km from the very famous Damnoen Saduak floating market is much smaller and less visited. It takes place ona few hundred meters long canal but is more traditional and quiet.

Taling Chan Floating Market

Bangkok

small market held on weekends. The floating portion is quite small but is a nice place and still quite unknown among tourists. It is also a good starting point to visit the klongs, the small canals running through Bangkok. Prices are lower and tours offered interesting.

Pattaya Floating Market

Pattaya

built from scratch, this floating market is certainly artificial, but still a nice place to shop, stroll and eat especially if you have not yet had the opportunity to see this type of market. The choice of wooden and bamboo houses and boardwalks gives it an appreciable semblance of authenticity even if the place is still far from a real traditional Thai floating market.

Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market

Bangkok

This small floating market is held on Saturdays and Sundays near Bang Krachao, just on the outskirts of Bangkok. This is one of the best floating markets in close proximity to Bangkok even if it is not actually ''floating''. It is interesting to add it to your tour in Bang Krachao the green lung of Bangkok.

Khlong Bang Luang Floating Market

Bangkok

This is not a floating market but a small part of a sympathetic canal (klong in Thai language) sometimes on the programme of in tours on the klongs of Bangkok especially for the show at the Artist House. Exotic and only a few metro stops from the Grand Palais.

Yon Yuk Floating Market

Trang

This small floating market is not really worth it for its floating market side but for its access to the river with an interesting swimming area for children. It's a good place to eat Thai food, relax and cool off while wading in the water.

Lampam Floating market

Phatthalung

If is is called a floating market, Lampam Floating market is mostly a land market. Far from the images of traditional floating markets that you can have in mind, it remains an interesting and friendly place. It is only held on the weekends.

Ayutthaya Floating Market

Ayutthaya

brand new, this market is not a traditional floating market at all but remains a nice place for shopping and eating that welcomes you every day

Bang Noi floating market

Amphawa

Another floating market, about 5 kilometers from Amphawa, it is quieter and in my opinion less interesting but maybe nice in the morning when Amphawa really comes alive in the evening. Even though in the morning, I would rather advice you to go to Tha Kha little floating market.