Paul Wagnor
The famous floating markets are not to be missed by any first time visitor to Bangkok. Here are a few that are open all day and are easy to access.
Thailand's most popular floating market is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. It is a close, if not exact, match to what you would imagine when you think of a typical Thai floating market. There is also no shortage of tourists here. There are a number of tours that will take you to Damnoen Saduak; one should be easy enough to book through any of the luxury hotels. Bangkok is about an hour's ride away from the market so you may need to set out early to get the most out of the experience. Damnoen Saduak is open daily and it is worth the loss of sleep, if this is your first visit to a floating market. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by boats upon boats piled high with brightly coloured fruits and delectable snacks. Be sure to snap plenty of photos of the vendors enthusiastically peddling their wares. Given that the market targets mostly tourists, you can also expect steep prices and a few scam artists.
Ninety kilometres south west of Bangkok you will find Amphawa Floating Market, which is almost as popular as Damnoen Saduak but has the added charm of a little old town. The market is made up of rows of compact wooden shop fronts that face the canal. Hop on board a longtail boat cruise and admire the trinkets, souvenirs, snacks and sweet treats being sold to passing boats. The midday crowds are large and intimidating, an early start will help you avoid the worst of it. Lunch on the river is an experience not to be missed and neither is the quaint little temple that has a tree growing around it.
Taling Chan Floating Market is conveniently located close to downtown Bangkok but there is less going on than at Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa. If you are staying at a property by Chatrium Hotels & Residences, Taling Chan is within easy reach. There are small longtail boat cruises that allow you take in the sights and attached to Taling Chan is a large local market, if you are looking to go on a full blown shopping spree. The demand for boats is high and there may be a wait involved. However, this is a much more authentic experience than the more touristy markets and the seafood lunches, that include giant barbequed prawns, come highly recommended.
Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market, not far from Taling Chan Floating Market, is where the locals shop. Again you will find a vast selection of tropical fruits and snack foods. There are very few boats to get around in and no sightseeing cruises because the floating section of the market is only a very small area. The main market area needs to be explored on foot.
