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Bangkok Floating Market Tours
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Full-Day Guided Tour
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION7 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERCar
TOTAL DURATION9 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
START POINT
Hotel Pick-up
Guests will be picked up from their hotel lobby if chosen: Private Full Day Tour with Hotel Transfers
1
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: 9am
1 activities
Tickets included
Take a long-tail boat ride through the canals, shop for souvenirs from floating vendors, and soak in the lively market atmosphere. Try local street food like mango sticky rice, boat noodles, and coconut pancakes while exploring the bustling market. Visit a coconut farm to see how coconut sugar is made, taste fresh coconut juice, and capture vibrant photos of the market.
Highlights
Long-tail boat ride
Included in price
A long-tail boat ride through Damnoen Saduak Floating Market offers an immersive experience of the market’s vibrant atmosphere from the water. Glide past colorful boats brimming with fresh produce and local snacks while enjoying a unique perspective of traditional Thai commerce. This ride provides a picturesque view of the market’s lively scene and bustling activity.
30 minutes
2
Maeklong Railway Market: 10:40am
Tickets included
Maeklong Railway Market is a unique blend of market and train station, where vendors swiftly retract their stalls as trains approach. This dynamic setting provides an unusual yet fascinating look at how commerce and transportation intersect in daily Thai life. The market is a must-see for its lively atmosphere and the rare experience of seeing a train weave through the bustling market stalls.
3
END POINT
Drop-off at your hotel: 2:30pm
Guests will be dropped off at their respective hotels.
START POINT
Central World: Hug Thai Zone: 7:30am
Pick-up point for guests choosing: Shared Full Day Tour with Transfers from Meeting Point
2 hours
1
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: 9:30am
90 min
1 activities
Tickets included
Take a long-tail boat ride through the canals, shop for souvenirs from floating vendors, and soak in the lively market atmosphere. Try local street food like mango sticky rice, boat noodles, and coconut pancakes while exploring the bustling market. Visit a coconut farm to see how coconut sugar is made, taste fresh coconut juice, and capture vibrant photos of the market.
Highlights
Long-tail boat ride
Included in price
A long-tail boat ride through Damnoen Saduak Floating Market offers an immersive experience of the market’s vibrant atmosphere from the water. Glide past colorful boats brimming with fresh produce and local snacks while enjoying a unique perspective of traditional Thai commerce. This ride provides a picturesque view of the market’s lively scene and bustling activity.
17.9 km
18 minutes
2
The Buffalo Amphawa: 11:30am
Free Admission
Lunch is optional and at your own expense.
5 km
90 minutes
3
Maeklong Railway Market: 1:30pm
90 min
Tickets included
Maeklong Railway Market is a unique blend of market and train station, where vendors swiftly retract their stalls as trains approach. This dynamic setting provides an unusual yet fascinating look at how commerce and transportation intersect in daily Thai life. The market is a must-see for its lively atmosphere and the rare experience of seeing a train weave through the bustling market stalls.
4
END POINT
Drop-off at Central World: Hug Thai Zone: 5pm
Guests will be dropped off at their hotels in Bangkok.
Tick off a bucket-list experience with a visit to the city’s top floating market and a one-of-a-kind railway market on this guided tour.
- Why go on this tour? Start your morning at the floating market when it's less crowded, with easy transfers from Bangkok and a hassle-free boat ride with a guide by your side.
- Your guide: A local bilingual guide will provide historical details on Bangkok, as well as insights into Thai food and culture, and help you snag the best deals on goods.
- Tour timings and transfers: Choose between 2 tours: either a join-in from Central World or a private tour with hotel pick-up. Option to select among multiple start times.
- You’ll do: Take a 40-minute longtail boat ride and shop for fresh seafood and Thai treats from a fleet of boats around. At Maeklong, buy spices and souvenirs set inches from the tracks.
Tick off a bucket-list experience with a visit to the city’s top floating market and a one-of-a-kind railway market on this guided tour.
- Why go on this tour? Start your morning at the floating market when it's less crowded, with easy transfers from Bangkok and a hassle-free boat ride with a guide by your side.
- Your guide: A local bilingual guide will provide historical details on Bangkok, as well as insights into Thai food and culture, and help you snag the best deals on goods.
- Tour timings and transfers: Choose between 2 tours: either a join-in from Central World or a private tour with hotel pick-up. Option to select among multiple start times.
- You’ll do: Take a 40-minute longtail boat ride and shop for fresh seafood and Thai treats from a fleet of boats around. At Maeklong, buy spices and souvenirs set inches from the tracks.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market
- Private or shared tour (select during checkout)
- Local bilingual guide: English + Chinese
- Longtail boat ride at Damnoen for 40 minutes
- Transfers in an AC vehicle from
- Bottled drinking water
- Tip: Learn simple Thai phrases to say 'hello', 'thank you', and 'how much' to enhance your market experience.
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- Meet at Central World (Hug Thai Zone), if you select transfers from the meeting point.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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Guests from Australia, United States, Germany and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Lucia
May 2025Verified booking
Sahiba
May 2025Verified booking
Riad
Apr 2025Verified booking
Daniela
Apr 2025Verified booking
john
Apr 2025Verified booking
James
Apr 2025Verified booking
Sunil
Mar 2025Verified booking
David
Jan 2025Verified booking
Our guide, Ying, was friendly and knowledgeable, the boat ride to the floating markets was a lot of fun, and there were lots of great food and shopping options at both the floating market and railway market. Highly recommended!
Sanjay
Feb 2025Verified booking
Vanessa
Jan 2025Verified booking
Johannes
Jan 2025Verified booking
Carolina
Oct 2024Verified booking
The tour in general was good. Luckily we had read a little about the markets because the guide could understand little or no English. We were 5 people in a bus of 26 tourists who spoke English and the rest were Chinese, so the guide spoke mostly in Chinese and some stories in "English". This made us lose the thread. When we got to the floating market we were taken up with another guide who spoke less English but at least he was friendly. For the train market we followed him to the station and there he said that we had to wait for the train to arrive and took us to a juice shop (I guess of a relative), the idea was to see the train pass and the awnings close so we ignored it and went back to the market to live the experience. In the end the tour served as transportation and what could be improved is that if you select an English tour, it should be in English and not a sentence in another language.
View original review in Spanish
Roman
Oct 2024Verified booking
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Andrew
Aug 2024Verified booking
Our Tour guide, Sammy, was great. He made the experience one to remember
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Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION10 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
START POINT
Hotel Pick-up: 7am to 7:30am
Guests can choose to be picked up at their hotels at Khao San Road and Siam Square. Guests can also choose to go to a common meeting point, WanderSiam.
1
Maeklong Railway Market: 9am
30 min
Tickets included
Photo stop, Sightseeing
22 minutes
2
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: 10am
1 activities
Tickets included
This is the quintessential floating market experience, offering a colorful display of boats laden with fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies. It’s an ideal spot to sample authentic Thai street food and immerse yourself in the lively market culture! If time permits, do not miss an opportunity to ride on a boat to get up close to the vibrant market.
Highlights
Boat Ride
Included in price
A boat ride through Damnoen Saduak Floating Market offers an immersive experience of the market’s vibrant atmosphere from the water. Glide past colorful boats brimming with fresh produce and local snacks while enjoying a unique perspective of traditional Thai commerce. This ride provides a picturesque view of the market’s lively scene and bustling activity.
2 hours
3
Ayutthaya: 1:30pm
240 min
3 attractions
Tickets included
Photo stop, Sightseeing
Highlights
1. Wat Phanan Choeng
Tickets not included
The guide talks about historical significance & related stories.
2. Wat Mahathat
Tickets not included
The guide talks about historical significance & related stories.
3. Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
Tickets not included
The guide talks about historical significance & related stories.
Car
4
END POINT
Drop-off at Hotel: 7pm
Guests can choose to be dropped at their hotels at Khao San Road and Siam Square. Guests can also choose to get down at a common point, WanderSiam.
Check off 3 must-do experiences in a day: a visit to a floating market, a railway market, and the historic city of Ayutthaya.
- Why go on this tour? Short on time? Discover Thai culture in Ayutthaya, then shop at historic floating and railway markets with a guide and transfers.
- Your guide: The guide will point out the best photos spots at Ayutthaya temple. Also get tips on the local food, and breeze through the markets with a guide.
- You’ll do: Explore Damnoen Saduak, shopping through a fleet of boats loaded with fresh seafood, veggies, and Thai treats while you absorb the lively atmosphere.
- What’s more?: At Maeklong Railway Market, watch in awe as vendors swiftly clear goods for passing trains, creating a market spectacle you've got to see to believe!
Check off 3 must-do experiences in a day: a visit to a floating market, a railway market, and the historic city of Ayutthaya.
- Why go on this tour? Short on time? Discover Thai culture in Ayutthaya, then shop at historic floating and railway markets with a guide and transfers.
- Your guide: The guide will point out the best photos spots at Ayutthaya temple. Also get tips on the local food, and breeze through the markets with a guide.
- You’ll do: Explore Damnoen Saduak, shopping through a fleet of boats loaded with fresh seafood, veggies, and Thai treats while you absorb the lively atmosphere.
- What’s more?: At Maeklong Railway Market, watch in awe as vendors swiftly clear goods for passing trains, creating a market spectacle you've got to see to believe!
Inclusions
- Full-day tour
- Maeklong Railway Market visit
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market visit
- Boat ride at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Ayutthaya visit
- English-speaking tour guide
- Hotel transfers in an AC vehicle
- Bottled drinking water
- 07:00-7:30am: Pick up from (only from Khao San Road and Siam Square) or designated meeting point in Bangkok.
- 09:00am: Arrive at MaeKlong Railway Market (Hoop Rom Market) and explore the Market.
- 10:00am: Arrive at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and begin exploring the market via boat.
- 10:40am: Enjoy shopping for local handicrafts, fruits and snacks, and take photos of the vibrant market.
- 12:00pm: Depart from the floating market and head to Ayutthaya.
- 1:30pm: Arrive in Ayutthaya, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
- 2:30pm: Start an exploration tour of Ayutthaya’s historical sites, including Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan , Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet
- 5:30pm - Depart from Ayutthaya for the return journey to Bangkok.
- 7:00pm - Arrive back in Bangkok and drop off at your hotel or designated location.
- Tip: If time permits, take a boat ride at the floating market for an up-close experience of the watery labyrinth.
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- Please note: Hotel transfers are available only from Khao San Road and the Siam Square area in Bangkok.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Bangkok Elephant Camp Full-Day Guided Tour
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION8 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Central World
Guests will be picked up from the ground floor of Central World (behind Ganesha Shrine).
1 hour 44 minutes
1
Maeklong Railway Market
60 min
Free Admission
Photo stop, Sightseeing
23 minutes
2
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
60 min
1 activities
Free Admission
Photo stop, Sightseeing
Highlights
Long-tail boat ride
Included in price
The long-tail boat ride at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market provides an immersive way to explore this vibrant market. These traditional boats, with their distinctive long propellers, glide through the bustling canals, offering views of colorful market stalls and bustling vendors. It’s a fantastic way to experience the lively atmosphere and scenic beauty of the floating market!
6 minutes
3
Damnoen Saduak Elephant Camp
150 min
Tickets included
At Damnoen Saduak Elephant Camp, guests have the opportunity to engage with these majestic creatures in a variety of meaningful ways. The camp offers a chance to learn about elephant conservation and their natural behaviors, making for an enriching and memorable experience.
90 minutes
4
END POINT
Bangkok
Guests can choose to be dropped off at ICONSIAM, Asiatique, or Central World.
Tick off 3 of Bangkok's unskippable attractions at an unbeatable price. Visit a floating market, a railway market, and a visit to Elephant Camp.
- Why go on this tour? No need to worry about transfers—this tour takes you to Thai markets and an elephant camp with a guide and easy transfers.
- Your guide: Your super-friendly guide will be helpful and attentive to whatever you need. They will take you to picturesque routes and share details you wont be expecting.
- You’ll do: On a longtail boat ride, witness vendors skillfully navigating their boats and feast on local treats like coconut pancakes, fried bananas, and more.
- What’s more?: Have lunch at Lao Tuk Luck floating market at your own expense. Next, head to the Railway Market, where vendors transform a bustling market into a clear railway track within beats.
- Upgrade: Opt for an extra burst of adventure with an elephant ride at the Elephant Camp, or simply enjoy observing these magnificent creatures up close.
Tick off 3 of Bangkok's unskippable attractions at an unbeatable price. Visit a floating market, a railway market, and a visit to Elephant Camp.
- Why go on this tour? No need to worry about transfers—this tour takes you to Thai markets and an elephant camp with a guide and easy transfers.
- Your guide: Your super-friendly guide will be helpful and attentive to whatever you need. They will take you to picturesque routes and share details you wont be expecting.
- You’ll do: On a longtail boat ride, witness vendors skillfully navigating their boats and feast on local treats like coconut pancakes, fried bananas, and more.
- What’s more?: Have lunch at Lao Tuk Luck floating market at your own expense. Next, head to the Railway Market, where vendors transform a bustling market into a clear railway track within beats.
- Upgrade: Opt for an extra burst of adventure with an elephant ride at the Elephant Camp, or simply enjoy observing these magnificent creatures up close.
Inclusions
- Full-day shared tour
- Local bilingual guide: English + Chinese
- Maeklong Railway Market visit
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market visit
- Long-tail boat ride at Damnoen Saduak
- Damnoen Saduak Elephant camp visit
- Elephant ride (select during checkout)
- Transfers in an AC vehicle from meeting point
- Coconut dessert
- Bottled water
- Pick up from common point
- Visit Maeklong Railway Station
- Visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Long-tail boat ride at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Lunch at Lao Tuk Floating Market
- Visit Damnoen Saduak Elephant Camp
- Drop off at any one of the common points (ICONSIAM, Asiatique, or Central World)
- Tip: Don't forget to try the famous boat noodles at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – it's a must-have culinary delight!
- Luggage is not allowed on the tour as there is no storage space available in the minivan.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Amphawa Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Full-Day Guided Tour [Fri-Sun]
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION6 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERCar
TOTAL DURATION10 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Minibus
START POINT
Hotel Pick-up
Guests will be picked up from their hotels if they have chosen a Private Day Tour with Hotel Transfers. An English or Thai-speaking driver will pick you up.
1
Maeklong Railway Market: 2:30pm
Tickets included
Photo stop, Sightseeing
12 minutes
2
Amphawa Floating Market: 3:30pm
1 activities
Tickets included
Amphawa Floating Market offers a picturesque boat ride through traditional Thai canals and an array of street food and crafts. The market is renowned for its charming atmosphere and lively vibe, especially in the evening. Don’t miss the chance to sample local delicacies from the floating stalls.
Highlights
Firefly Boat Ride: 6:30pm
Included in price
The firefly boat ride at Amphawa Floating Market offers a relaxing evening cruise through dense mangroves, where thousands of fireflies create a light show unlike one you have seen before!
3
END POINT
Drop-off at Hotel: 8:30pm
Guests will be dropped off at the common drop point, Siam Paragon Mall Gate 1.
START POINT
2 starting points available
1. Meeting Point Pick-up: Siam Paragon Mall Gate 1, Ground Floor: 11am
Guests will be picked up from the meeting point if they have chosen: Shared Day Tour with Guide & Transfers from Meeting Point
2. Hotel Pick-up
Guests will be picked up from their hotels if they have chosen: Private Day Tour with Guide & Hotel Transfers
1
Maeklong Railway Market: 11am
160 min
Tickets included
Maeklong Railway Market is a unique blend of market and train station, where vendors swiftly retract their stalls as trains approach. This dynamic setting provides an unusual yet fascinating look at how commerce and transportation intersect in daily Thai life. The market is a must-see for its lively atmosphere and the rare experience of seeing a train weave through the bustling market stalls.
22 minutes
2
Amphawa Floating Market: 3:40pm
160 min
1 activities
Tickets included
Amphawa Floating Market offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to other floating markets. It’s perfect for enjoying boat rides and savoring fresh seafood while strolling along the canals. The market also features beautiful wooden houses and temples.
Highlights
Firefly Boat Ride: 6pm
Included in price
The Firefly boat ride is a magical experience, where you can witness thousands of fireflies illuminating the night sky. It’s a peaceful and enchanting way to enjoy the natural beauty of Thailand after dark!
2 hours
3
END POINT
2 ending points available
1. Drop off at Siam Paragon: 9:30pm
Guests will be dropped-off at their hotels. Hotel drop-offs are restricted to areas in Khao San Road, Pratunam, Silom, Sathorn, Siam, and Sukhumvit (from Soi 1 to 39 and from Soi 2 to 24).
2. Drop-off at Hotel: 9:30pm
An authentic Thai experience with fewer crowds, a night market, a firefly boat ride, and guided tours of the markets.
- Why go on this tour? Start in the afternoon to experience the evening floating market with easy transfers and hop on a boat ride along the Mae Klong River to see the fireflies.
- Your guide: Don’t fall on tourist traps and let your guide in on the best deals on goods while you enjoy local delights like steamed fish, squid, and coconut ice cream; or opt to explore on your own.
- Tour timings and transfers: Choose from 3 tours—join-in shared tour from Siam Paragon or a private tour with round-trip hotel transfers, with or without a guide.
- You’ll do: A 1-hour boat ride through the mangroves, where fireflies light up the river. Catch the train passing through the market as vendors clear the tracks and then quickly resume business.
An authentic Thai experience with fewer crowds, a night market, a firefly boat ride, and guided tours of the markets.
- Why go on this tour? Start in the afternoon to experience the evening floating market with easy transfers and hop on a boat ride along the Mae Klong River to see the fireflies.
- Your guide: Don’t fall on tourist traps and let your guide in on the best deals on goods while you enjoy local delights like steamed fish, squid, and coconut ice cream; or opt to explore on your own.
- Tour timings and transfers: Choose from 3 tours—join-in shared tour from Siam Paragon or a private tour with round-trip hotel transfers, with or without a guide.
- You’ll do: A 1-hour boat ride through the mangroves, where fireflies light up the river. Catch the train passing through the market as vendors clear the tracks and then quickly resume business.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of the Amphawa Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market
- Private/shared tour (select during checkout)
- Local bilingual guide: English + Chinese (select during checkout)
- 1-hour Firefly boat ride at Amphawa
- Transfers in an AC vehicle from meeting point/hotel transfers (select during checkout)
Exclusions
- Meals
- Pick up from common point or hotel (as per option selected)
- Visit Maeklong Railway Market
- Visit Amphawa Floating Market
- Firefly boat ride
- Drop off at common point or hotel
- Tip: Come hungry. Don't miss out on local favorites like coconut ice cream and grilled squid at Amphawa.
- Note: The 'Private Day Tour with Hotel Transfers' option at checkout is not a guided tour. A professional English and Thai-speaking driver will accompany you.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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What our guests say
Kiera
Apr 2025Verified booking
Daniel
Feb 2025Verified booking
The activity is far too long to see two markets... The "floating" market is a waterside market, not a market on the water. The photos on the site are misleading; there are no traders on the water. Finally, the boat tour is boring and interminable....... I do not recommend this activity
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Make the most of Bangkok
Why go on a Bangkok floating market tour?
Experience Thai culture firsthand
Observe and interact with the vendors on the boats, often dressed in traditional Thai clothing, and witness the age-old practice of trading goods from boat to boat.
Which Bangkok floating market should you visit?
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Recommended duration: 2-3 hours
Ideal for: For first-timers and getting vibrant photos
- The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the largest floating market in Bangkok, and is nearly 32 kilometers long - that’s the length of nearly 320 football fields!
- Sample local delicacies like fresh coconut pancakes and grilled seafood from the myriad of floating food vendors.
- If you want to buy keepsakes, some things you want to look out for are mini stuffed elephants (elephants are the national animal of Thailand, and these stuffed miniatures are so cute and colorful!), elephant pants and handmade wicker bags!
Standard Lane: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Guided Tour
Amphawa Floating Market
Recommended duration: 2-3 hours
Ideal for: Culture vultures with a penchant for trying out local delicacies
- Amphawa floating market is frequented by locals, making it perfect to visit if you’re looking to learn more about Thai culture.
- Enjoy the lively atmosphere in the late afternoon and evening, particularly known for its seafood and street food stalls.
- Take late evening tours of the klongs to witness fireflies dotting the waters after sundown.
Amphawa Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Full-Day Guided Tour
Experience a visual treat with a Bangkok floating market tour
See all photos
Things to do while you’re on a Bangkok floating market tour
Take a firefly night cruise
Amphawa Floating Market is famous for its firefly night cruises. As the sun sets, hop on a small boat and meander through the canals. Watch as fireflies illuminate the trees and create a magical stars-on-earth ambiance.
Try out street food
Try some Khanom Bueang, a crispy coconut pancake drizzled with palm sugar sauce, or Mee Kaeng, a savory noodle dish with pork and vegetables.
Bear witness to cooking demonstrations
Cooking demonstrations at floating markets like Damnoen Saduak are a vibrant showcase of Thai culinary traditions! Watch the local vendors skillfully prepare traditional Thai dishes such as pad thai or mango sticky rice.
Indulge in seafood dining by the water
Amphawa is home to some of the finest seafood restaurants, and a trip to the floating market is remiss without indulging in river prawns and squid!
Visit a traditional Thai house
Understand how the Thai folks lived with a visit to a traditional Thai house. These wooden houses stand on the waterways of the klongs, set amids lush coconut plantations.
Take a tour of the palm sugar factory!
An age-old natural sweetener prevalent in South-East Asia, palm sugar is deemed a healthier option than your usual sugar. Quite popular in Thailand, you can visit a factory to learn more about how palm sugar is made from the sap that comes from the buds of coconut palms!
Plan your visit to the floating market in Bangkok
Timings
Getting there
Tips
Accessibility
Must eat
Popular souvenirs
- Best time to go during the day: Early morning is generally the best time to visit floating markets like Damnoen Saduak, as the markets are most lively and less crowded. Amphawa, on the other hand, is more vibrant in the late afternoon and evening.
- When to go in the year: The markets are best visited during the dry season, between November and March! It’ll be warm and pleasant at the time, compared to the heat and humidity of the wet season.
- Recommended duration: 2-3 hours
- Closing times: Damnoen Saduak typically starts winding down by noon, while Amphawa stays active until around 9p.m.
Returns and transfers: You’ll be picked up and dropped off from a boarding point of your choice, right at your stay's doorstep! Check your ticket for details though because a half-day tour offers a one-way transfer.
Getting to Damnoen Saduak: From Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal, take (or a car) a bus to the market. This can take up to 1.5 to 2 hours. The bus will drop you off at the Damnoen Saduak Bus station, which is about 1.4 km away from the center, but it’ll still be next to a canal.
Getting to Amphawa: The journey can take 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic, if you’ve hired a minivan, a cab or rental. The most convenient route on public transport would be to catch a train from Thon Buri station to Bo Takhro Railway Station and take a taxi from there (3 hours in all!)
- Many vendors do not accept credit cards, so having cash is essential for purchases and small expenses.
- Bargaining is common, so don’t accept the first price offered, especially in more tourist-centric markets like Damnoen Saduak.
- As you might visit temples or religious sites nearby, best to dress modestly.
- Light drizzles are frequent, so best be prepared with an umbrella or a light jacket!
- If you’re feeling like you’re being overcharged, haggle away! It helps if you look up the prices beforehand or make note of the same when you’re shopping in Bangkok to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
Floating markets in Bangkok are not very friendly to wheelchair users; the wheelchairs can be tricky to get on to the boat.
- Tom Yum Goong: A spicy and sour soup with shrimp, lemongrass, lime leaves, and chili.
- Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet sticky rice served with ripe mango slices and coconut milk.
- Khanom Buang: Crispy Thai crepes with a filling of coconut cream, meringue, and toppings like shredded coconut or minced shrimp.
- Thai Coconut Ice Cream: Creamy and refreshing, often served in a coconut shell with toppings.
- Som Tam (Papaya Salad): A spicy salad made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, and peanuts.
- Pork Dumplings: Steamed or fried dumplings filled with ground pork and spices.
- Palm sugar
- Mini stuffed elephants
- Elephant pants
- Magnets (obviously)
- Wicker and jute bags
- Mini tuk-tuk
What else can you do around the Damnoen and Amphawa floating markets?
Maeklong Railway Market
Visit the famous Maeklong Railway Market, where vendors set up and dismantle their wares to accommodate the active trains that brush within inches of them!
Tha Kha Floating Market
Explore the small Tha Kha Floating Market, only 5 KM from the Damnoen Floating Market, and buy some coconut sugar!
Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram
Head to the Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram, a temple associated with the royal family, aand admire beautifully preserved traditional Thai architecture, including intricate wood carvings and mural paintings.
Bangnoi Floating Market
Float down the canals of the Bangnoi Floating Market, a hidden gem known for fresh produce and cheap Thai food (and if you’re lucky, Thai karaoke!)
Wat Bang Kung
Pay respects at the Wat Bang Kung, an ancient Buddhist temple tucked into the roots of the different plants that have come to envelope it.
Other floating markets in Bangkok
Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
Distance from Bangkok: 14 km
A local haven in Thonburi, Bangkok, offering traditional Thai foods in a serene, non-touristy setting, perfect for an authentic market day.
Bangkok Floating Market: FAQs
What are the most famous floating markets in Bangkok?
Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa are among the most famous, with others like Khlong Lat Mayom and Taling Chan also popular for their authentic local experiences.
Which floating market is the best?
Each floating market has something unique to offer, so there is no single market that can be considered the best floating market. Note that the Damnoen Saduak floating market is the biggest, and quite popular with tourists.
What would a Bangkok floating market tour include?
Normally, it would include transfers of course, and also something a little extra of your choice - the Maeklong Railway Market or a Thai house. This would also depend on whether you’re booking a tour of the Damnoen Floating Market or the Amphawa Floating Market. Make sure to check before you book!
How do I get from Bangkok to the floating market?
You can cab it or get on a bus of course, but if you opt for a floating market tour, you’ll have hotel transfers at your disposal.
Are floating market tours wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, they’re not. Given that the tour happens over the water in boats, mobility can become a bit of an issue for wheelchair users.
How far are the floating markets from Bangkok city center?
Damnoen Saduak is around 100 km away, while Amphawa is about 50 km from the city center, typically a 1.5 to 2-hour drive depending on traffic.
How long does a floating market tour take?
Depend on the tour you’ve decided to book, and the extras you’ve picked, it could be anything between 5 to 10 hours. The floating markets alone might take half a day - Damnoen Floating market the first half, given that it closes by noon, and the Amphawa Floating market will take up the evening hours.
Where can I see the famous fireflies spectacle?
The fireflies are visible in the evening along the waterways of the Amphawa floating market.
What is the best time to visit these floating markets?
Early morning is best for Damnoen Saduak, the largest floating market in Bangkok, to avoid crowds and heat. Amphawa is unique for its evening market, especially lively on weekends.
What is the weather like at the floating markets in Bangkok?
From November to March is the dry season, the weather is warm and pleasant. However, if you’re visiting during Bangkok's wet season, from May to October, expect hot, humid weather with frequent rainfall.
Can I take a boat tour in the floating markets?
Yes, boat tours are available at most floating markets, offering a close-up view of market activities and the surrounding community.
Are the floating markets open every day?
Not all of them. Damnoen Saduak operates daily, but many others like Amphawa are open primarily on weekends and public holidays.
Is bargaining acceptable at floating markets?
Yes, bargaining is common in Thai markets, including the floating markets, especially for non-food items like souvenirs and crafts.
What are the entry fees for these markets?
Most floating markets do not charge an entry fee, but there will be charges for boat tours or other activities within the market. Book a tour online for a seamless experience!
Should I take a floating market tour?
Yes! A tour will help you see these floating markets as more than just a shopping experience. Additionally, you’ll be able to overcome the language barrier with ease thanks to the tour guides frequenting these markets.
From happy customers
Pam
Oct, 2019
We got a chance to visit Thailand’s most famous floating market, thanks to the listing here! Else we would have totally missed it
Half-Day Guided Tour of Damnoen Floating Market with Round-Trip Transfers
Valerie
Nov, 2019
The floating market and the temple are not something you generally do on a holiday! but thiese two you must when in Thailand
Bangkok Floating Market and Temple Tours with Transfers
Kay
Oct, 2019
I recommend this tour to anyone thinking about going to a floating market and temple. Bith are very important and must visit places in Thialand
Bangkok Floating Market and Temple Tours with Transfers
David
United StatesJan, 2025
Our guide, Ying, was friendly and knowledgeable, the boat ride to the floating markets was a lot of fun, and there were lots of great food and shopping options at both the floating market and railway market. Highly recommended!
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Full-Day Guided Tour
Trinh
VietnamApr, 2024
Very good!
Tour guide stafff is very kind. She teached us a lot about 2 markets and gave us an experience in this trip!
Thank you very much! She is a best staff. We love her so much!
We hope that, we will see her next trip in the near future!
Dang Tri Khuong
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Full-Day Guided Tour