Listly by Joanna James
There would be several captivating floating markets that you could experience during your visit to Bangkok, such as the Amphawa, Damnoen Saduak, Bang Nam Pheung, Khlong Lat Mayom, Taling Chan and Tha Kha floating markets; these sites each have something different to offer as described below.
An attractive choice with which to commence your tour of the floating marketplaces near the Thai capital would be the appealing Amphawa Floating Market. This popular attraction situated 90 km from the city would be both authentic and enjoyable to experience. At this market, you would notice an array of small wooden buildings bordering the canal from which vendors sell souvenirs, sweets and snacks. To avoid the crowds, you could take the opportunity to visit this floating market in the morning hours, enjoy a lunch of seafood and take a cruise, all before midday.
The popular Damnoen Saduak has over the years gained a reputation as Thailand’s most renowned floating market. This would be partly because it was used in a James Bond film released in 1974. You would find that this marketplace is vast, vibrant and lively, with an array of boats from which vendors sell fruits and other foods. Damnoen Saduak would appear just as you would imagine a Thai floating market; due to this reason, many visitors would take the chance to snap numerous photos at this site.
Whilst Bang Nam Pheung would be counted amongst the smallest floating markets, it would also be relatively close to Bangkok. Although modest in size, it features an appealing selection of foods. It would also be noteworthy for its picturesque location, being situated amidst an attractive area of greenery. However, you should keep in mind that there would only be a relatively small number of boats here, meaning that you wouldn’t be able to capture images of lively activity on the waters.
The interesting Khlong Lat Mayom would be a floating market of moderate size situated in proximity to the Thai capital as well. Since this floating market would be an authentic one rather than a tourist-oriented attraction, there would typically be few foreign sightseers here; thus, for a genuine local experience, this market would be an appealing choice. When at this site, you could sample a selection of tasty fruits and sweets too.
A popular choice for visitors to the capital of Thailand would be the Taling Chan Floating Market which would present an attractive sight too. This floating market would be one of the closest to Bangkok, meaning that you could conveniently visit it during your stay in the city. You could also tour the canals near this site on a longtail boat which adds to the sense of adventure. A choice of accommodation to consider from which you could easily visit this market and also experience the things to do in Sukhumvit would be the pleasingly located Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel.
This interesting floating market happens to be surrounded by a natural canopy that safeguards it from the hand of overdevelopment, which has caused it to retain its small size and authentic ambience. At this site, you would notice elderly locals seated in their boats selling goods like vegetables, fruits, tasty sweets and other locally made foods. The major customers here would be people from the nearby areas and this makes it a place for an authentic cultural experience.