Most Popular Floating Markets of Bangkok – A Unique Experience

The Amphawa floating market consists mostly of houses along the canal, serving a dual purpose as residential shops and restaurants. You will find food sellers offering delicious pastries and other snacks along the canal; mind you by evening it is quite impossible to find a seat close to the scenic bridge and around the canal. On weekends the market takes on a festive air with many vendors lined up along the canals; there you can purchase the typical Pad Thai or ice cream sandwiches and horseshoe crab egg salad. There are also wooden long tail boats that take tourists on excursions along the klongs-canals.

If you want to avoid the touristy rush and wish to savour a more traditional floating market, head over to the Bang Khu Wiang floating market. It is quite a culture dose to see monks arrive in the early hours of the day by boat to collect their daily alms – tak baat. You can take the scenic route by renting a boat from Chang Pier in the city; ask to be taken the Bang Khu Wiang floating market. You can also catch a water taxi from Wat Chalo Pier which is more economical. The market which starts by 4 am is well known for fresh farm produce and is a lovely place to experience local culture and maybe get yourself some authentic souvenirs from one of the canoes floating along the canal.

This is more of a riverside market than a floating market; nevertheless the same idyllic atmosphere prevails. There are more riverside shops than actual boats selling goods. Located a few kilometres from Bangkok city, the market is a great place to savour Thai village life. The verdant tree lined river is lovely to explore on a sunny day while the smiling locals selling delicious pad Thai and other goodies will soon have you enjoying the day in the country.

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This is one of Bangkok's most popular floating markets. Very touristy and consisting of many intertwining canals that are chock full of boats and peddlers selling just about anything. Prepare yourself for loads of fun as the seller boats jostle their way towards you, bargain from your own boat and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Damnoen Saduak.

This is one of the three markets that are found closest to the city. It is a laid back rather tranquil market where one can enjoy the scenery far from the maddening crowd. The river is wide and boats are sparse so you have enough leverage to paddle about and browse the goods and delicious food on offer. Just a few kilometres away is the Taling Chan floating market; another great market to explore.