Joanna James
Once dubbed the Venice of Asia, it was only a matter of time till Bangkok combined their well known shopping environment with one of their most defining features.
Considered the most popular of floating markets among the locals, Amphawa has a strong following. Amphawa is known for its more authentic vibe and is located approximately fifty kilometres from Bangkok. A 17th century village, the size of the floating market has grown over the last few years and stalls have spilt from the riverbanks to the streets. A major highlight is the tantalizing grilled seafood that is served atop these wooden boats.
Encompassing an area of one hundred thousand square meters, it is of little surprise that most tourists rank this floating market high up on their list of things to do in Pattaya. It is divided into four sections which represent the four areas of the country. You can find the usual street food and souvenir stalls but what makes the Pattaya floating market stand apart is the fact that it displays the cultural aspect of the seaside town. A cultural show takes place on afternoons while the art galleries located at the market showcase the best of the country's local talent. Easy to access from most hotels such as AVANI Pattaya Resort & Spa, it is also an excellent location for some wonderful pictures.
Roughly, ninety minutes from Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak is the most popular floating market among tourists. It gets especially crowded during weekends and if you are looking for a tourist free attraction, this bustling floating market is not the one for you. Once you are at the market, you can hire a long tail boat and let the driver snake you past the multitude of boats that sell everything from vegetables to souvenirs.
Situated towards the south of Bangkok, this is one of the more laid back options. It retains the charm of a rural market and tourists are usually non existent here. It is also in close proximity to the city at a distance of just fourteen kilometres from the city centre. However, it does not have many floating shops and inclines more towards a riverside market unlike the others. A unique feature at the Khlong Lat Mayom is that there are boats that serve food along the riverside along with a table and stool so you can enjoy your dish a few centimetres from the edge of the water. There is even a ranch a little away from where you can indulge your kids in a pony ride.
A charming floating market that is just a bit away from Bangkok, you can easily lose yourself here for half a day. It is well known for its great food stalls and you can even enjoy a foot massage for affordable prices. Twelve kilometres away from Bangkok, it is quite easy to access and there is a dining area for those who want to eat while musicians play traditional music that further adds to the Thai experience.
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