Tha Kha Floating Market

Regarded as a relaxing floating market where you can experience an authentic local lifestyle. It is located in Samut Songkhram province, about an hour’s drive from Bangkok. The floating market is the way of life for the locals. They paddle boats to sell and exchange locally produced fruits and vegetables. Some of the local produce include chilli, guava, coconut, pomelo, and rose apple. While the market was originally open for 4-5 days depending on the phases of the moon, you can also find it open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays as well. Due to its location within sugar plantations, the best way to access it is to hire a taxi or private van. Some of the delicacies you can sample include fried oyster omelette, grilled chicken skewers, fried spring rolls, and gold bags, among others.

Open: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Opening times: 6 am – 2 pm
Nearest station: BTS Bang wa

Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market

With an abundance of snacks, you get to enjoy a quiet and peaceful experience with a visit to this floating market. It is located just outside Bangkok’s outskirts, in the Phra Pradaeng district and provides a fitting escape from the hustle and bustles of the city. You can enjoy a full glass of Gac Fruit, Areca Nuts, fresh Mahk, Kuay Teow Tamlung, noodles, and pork, among other tantalizing Thai delicacies. Since it is very close to Bangkok, you can take a taxi, or if you are coming from the Sukhumvit road, you can board a taxi to Wat Bang Na Nawk, then board a ferry across the river. You can then take a motorbike to the market.

Open: Saturdays and Sundays
Opening times: 8 am – 2 pm
Nearest station: BTS Bang na

Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market

This traditional floating market is situated 10km from the east of downtown Bangkok. The easiest way to get there is by boarding a taxi from the Wongwian Yai BTS Skytrain Station. The canal is usually narrow and parked with boats selling and serving Thai delicacies. Some of the popular delicacies on offer include pad Thai, noodles, cold rice vermicelli (kanom jeen), and an oyster omelette (hoi tod). You may also want to consider tropical fruits such as rose apples, sapodillas, pomelos, and papayas, among others.

Open: Saturdays and Sundays
Opening times : 8 am – 5 pm
Nearest station: BTS Bang wa

Taling Chan Floating Market

It is located 12 km from downtown Bangkok, and it usually takes around 30 minutes to get there from the city. It usually spots a handful of boats mostly offering local delicacies, fruits and snacks. While at the floating market, you may want to consider buying live fish and turtles, then releasing them back to the waterways, which is thought to bring good luck. You may also want to consider getting a good traditional Thai massage to relax after a long day.

Open: Saturdays and Sundays
Opening times: 8 am – 5 pm
Nearest station: MRT Bang Khun Non

Amphawa Floating Market

It is located in Samut Songkhram, southwest of Bangkok, and it takes around 90 minutes by minivan to reach there from the city. As one of Bangkok’s iconic destinations, it can get quite busy, especially on the weekends. Locals and tourists usually troupe the floating market to experience an authentic Thai lifestyle and enjoy delicacies such as fresh fruits, Thai desserts, fried rice, Krapow, rice noodles, pork, seafood and other local souvenirs. You may also want to explore the local surroundings on-board long-tail boat tours.

Open: Saturdays and Sundays
Opening times: 8 am – 2 pm
Nearest station: BTS Bang wa 

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Situated in Ratchaburi Province, about 90 minutes from the city, it is one of Bangkok’s popular floating markets. It receives locals and tourists alike seeking an authentic Thai eating, shopping and exploration experience. The canal is the straightest, and at 32km, it is the longest canal in Bangkok. It was initially intended to provide a transportation and trade link between Mae Khlong River and the Chinese Riverways. However, the floating market grew in popularity in the 1970s as framers lined up in the waterways to sell their produce, which is still the way it is today.

Open: Daily
Opening times: 7 am – 11 pm
Nearest station: BTS Bang wa

A visit to Bangkok would not be complete without visiting some of its iconic floating markets. The flavours, colours and atmosphere provide a unique window to experience the Thai way of life.