Erin Hunter
A fixture in Bangkok's retail landscape since time immemorial floating markets are one of the most intriguing shopping venues in Asia. The city's must-experience floating markets are as follows.
Known among seasoned travellers as one of the more traditional floating markets in the Thai capital the Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market is a cultural and a retail highlight that is worthy of exploration. Open daily from 4 in the morning to 7pm this bustling market along the Chao Praya River is the best venue to witness local monks engaging in the daily alms collection route. Known as Tak Baat in the local tongue monks gather around the long tail boats of Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market to get their daily offerings. Renowned for fresh produce the hot pick items available in this marketplace are of course farm grown fruits and vegetables.
Perhaps the most well-known floating market in the country the always congested Amphawa Floating Market is a one of a kind thoroughfare along Bangkok's scenic canals. Known as a food lover's dream come true many restaurants and bars line the river banks near this market. Long tail boats with little old ladies selling Pad Thai and horse shoe crab salads and ice cream sandwiches are a common sight here. Visitors staying in luxury hotel resorts such as establishments under the Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas group will be within close proximity of this market and others in Bangkok.
Featured in more than one James Bond movie, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of the most photographed thoroughfares in Thailand. Small and consistently chaotic the venue is littered with long tail boats manned by grand old dames selling everything conceivable. Haggling and a friendly atmosphere are part and parcel of the atmosphere in the market which also contains small boats in addition to long tailed ones. Open from 7am to 11pm daily.
Better known as a riverside thoroughfare the Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market is a more tranquil alternative to Bangkok's famed floating commercial centres. With only a handful of boats occupying its confines and most of the stalls occupying the river banks this engaging floating market is the perfect way to discover pastoral Bangkok and the charms of life in a typical Thai village.
As one of the floating markets that are located near the heart of the Thai capital the Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is a lesser known marketplace that is frequented by fewer tourists. It is possible to spend hours exploring the vast variety of goods on offer here without brushing shoulders with fellow shoppers. Located near the Taling Chan floating market this engaging retail haven on the water is a traditional floating market in every sense of the term.
As one of the few floating markets that are not operational all year long the Tha Kha Floating Market is open for business a mere 6 days each month. Surrounded by natural foliage this quaint marketplace in Samut Sangkhram is a must-visit highlight for visitors.
Perfect for a weekend excursions the Taling Chan Floating Market is a weekends only floating market open from 9am to 5pm.
