14 Best floating markets within 2h from Bangkok and the places to shop and eat, ranked according to the locals

Who doesn’t know floating markets? They’re lively and fun, with the entire market full of shopping and food since early morning. They make quite a sight too, especially with the wooden boats traversing along the canal selling fresh produce or cooked food – an activity that can only be found in Thailand.

If you’re not a first timer to Bangkok, you’ve probably heard of or even visited Damnoen Saduak Floating Market before. But did you know that there are wayyy more exciting floating markets in and around the capital, such as a Chinese-looking floating market or even a lotus-filled floating market?

You won’t even need to travel far, with the furthest on the list just 2 hours away from Pratunam – perfect for half day trips from Bangkok!

For your convenience, we’ve gathered 14 floating markets in and around Bangkok and ranked them (out of 5) from most to least favourite according to the locals. So what are you waiting for? Let’s go!

Read more:

22 things to do in Nonthaburi including places to eat, shop and explore

Love seafood? 14 Supersized seafood places in Bangkok to feast on crab, prawns and more!

10 Reasons to visit Amphawa Floating Market in Bangkok including things to do, places to eat and stay

1. Eat and shop from wooden boats on a canal – Khlong Lad Mayom Floating Market

Be transported back to the olden days with remnants from old Thailand at Khlong Lad Mayom Floating Market. See traditional wooden boats swimming up and down the canal carrying food and fresh produce available for purchase. Otherwise, discover grilled seafood, traditional Thai desserts, and other stalls selling food and clothes by the canal.

But if you have limited time or are starting to get bored, opt to take one of the boat tours, available for a small fee. Not only will you get a quick overview of the market, you’ll also get to experience travelling in one of the wooden boats along the canal! A definite win for both children and adults. 🙂

Advertisement

2. Meet one of Thailand’s oldest floating markets – Amphawa Floating Market

Now this market is superrr local, but that’s the beauty of it; experiencing bursts of local flavours, so expect a LOT of seafood, boat noodles, as well as really local Thai desserts.

The fish is fresh, the prawns, crab, squid, oysters and scallops are really delicious, and you have to try the fish cakes in a sticky, sweet, hot sauce (so look out for them).

The desserts are a treat too. Dumplings in coconut cream, caramelised crisps, egg yolk fudge balls cooked in syrup and delicious coconut ice-cream!

You can also expect to see a lot of unique trinkets, gifts, products and arts, and mostly everything here is handmade (which we just love!).

3. So many delicious food, perfect for true foodies! – Bang Namphueng Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำบางน้ำผึ้ง)

Hey foodies! If you’re looking for a floating market that has a wide array of food, is located in Bangkok and is authentic, you’ll want to visit here.

From rice noodles with chicken feet and eggs to Thai sticky rice dessert, you’ll be amazed by the variety of food options available here. Furthermore, this floating market is located at Bang Krachao, just 30 minutes from Pratunam, meaning you can easily just spend a couple of hours here and explore the rest of Bangkok afterwards!

4. Visit China in Bangkok? – Guangzhou Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำกวางโจว)

If you’re looking for a floating market to relax at, I highly recommend this place. I mean… Look at the amount of drooping trees surrounding the floating market. Just looking at them will relax even the most troubled hearted ones!

It also helps that the floating market is really pretty. In fact, it looks like a hidden village in China.

Here, you can buy delicious Thai food and dessert served in long bamboo sticks, as well as sit on floating wooden platforms by the river. You’ll also find tons of sellers on boats riding along the river.

5. Giant bamboo fishing net in the middle of a lotus pond?! – Saphan Khong Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำสะพานโค้ง)

Yep, you read that right. It’s not surprising to see tons of locals coming here just to take photos. In fact, the main highlight of this market is its photo-taking activities at the wooden bridge by the giant fishing net and lotus flowers and leaves.

Once you’re done, head over to the food section of the market where you can get a refreshing glass of pumpkin drink or a plate of Shrimp Pad Thai. They also sell light bites like cakes and Thai desserts, in case you’re not hungry.

6. Watch a dance performance as you shop – Kwan Riam Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำขวัญเรียม)

Bored waiting for the ladies to finish their shopping? You definitely won’t feel that way when you come to Kwan Riam Floating Market. Different from other floating markets, there are Thai dance performances being shown here. So feel free to sit by the riverbank as you watch the show.

Similar to other floating markets, you can find Thai delights like Khao Niao Sangkhaya (Thai sticky rice dessert) and fresh produce.

PS: If you’re a Buddhist, there’s a temple on the opposite side of the market you can pray at (reachable via the bridge).

7. It’s a foodie tour! – Taling Chan Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำตลิ่งชัน)

Hungry? There’s no better place to try authentic local food than at the market. One place you’ll find loads of delicious Thai delights is at Taling Chan Floating Market, a small floating market located below a bridge, just 20 minutes from Pratunam.

Whether you’re seeking grilled giant prawns (dipped with seafood sauce) or yummy noodle soup, you’ll find them all here.

If you feel like it, you can also ride a wooden boat along the canal (for a fee) too.

8. Shop and eat to your fill at ease – Don Wai Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำดอนหวาย)

Unlike other floating markets that are located in the open space, most of the stalls in this floating market are located at a roofed space. This means that whether the weather is scorching hot or raining heavily, you’ll still be able to look around comfortably.

Food-wise, this floating market sells everything from coconut ice-cream to roasted chicken with noodles to fresh fruits. In fact, there’s so many things you’ll probably be stuffed.

Remember to stop by the riverbank and take a photo there before you leave! It might not be full of boat sellers, but it’s serene and super picturesque!

9. It’s a floating market by a temple – Wat Takien Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำวัดตะเคียน)

Don’t have much time in Bangkok? Kill 2 birds with 1 stone by visiting this floating market. It’s by a temple, so you can have a quick look to know what a Thai temple looks like. Once you’ve satisfied your curiosity, you can relax at the floating market beside it.

Although it’s a smaller floating market compared to others, you can still find many Thai dishes here like Pad Thai and kids’ all-time favourite sweets like chocolate and jelly. They even sell fresh produce, in case you’re looking for fruits.

10. Take your cameras (and wallet!) here – Red Lotus Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำทุ่งบัวแดง ณ บางเลน)

This floating market is soooooo pretty. In fact, most people come here to take photos, especially since the lily pads on the pond and the wooden boat create a great view. Not shocking since this market is called “Red Lotus Floating Market”.

The food section of the market also provides a lovely backdrop to your visit with the beautiful drooping reeds. It definitely makes eating a super fun and pleasing activity here. So remember to stop by once you’re done with taking photos.

11. Stop by Thailand’s famous floating market – Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำดำเนินสะดวก)

Ask anyone about floating markets in Thailand and they’ll probably say “Damnoen Saduak Floating Market”. And it’s not without a reason.

It’s comfortable to explore due to its big size and has tons of sellers selling a variety of things from food to Thai souvenirs. You can also ride a wooden boat (for a fee) if you’re up for exploring the floating market via the canal.

However, note that many travellers come here so it might be more touristy than other floating markets on this list.

12. Go back in time at this market – Bangplee Old Market (ตลาดน้ำโบราณบางพลี)

Baby clothes? Shaved ice? Boat noodles? A definite yes! You can also find other interesting snacks as well as oldie-style items like colourful layered food containers.

This floating market is a throwback to the olden Bangkok times when the capital city was still a “water city” that required people to ride a boat to get to places. With the wooden buildings and bridges and old-style architecture, this market is definitely a place you should visit for those who want to reminisce or explore old Thailand.

13. It’s a “food” water market by a temple – Talad Nam Wat Buakhwan (ตลาดน้ำวัดบัวขวัญ)

Yep, you read that right. It’s a “food” water market, which means it predominantly sells cooked food like noodles and fried fritters. The stalls are also situated around a pond, thus the name “water market”.

What’s great about this market is that it’s next to a temple, so those that are Buddhist and wish to pray can do so before or after eating their fill here. But don’t worry if you’re not; you’re still able to come here! 😀

You’ll find other things than food sold here too, such as toys and clothes!

14. Special Mention: Visit Bangkok’s newest floating market by Chatuchak – OrTorKor Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำ อตก)

If you happen to be at Chatuchak to shop or travel, remember to stop by OrTorKor Floating Market. Opened in November 2019, you’ll find tons of local delights from Thai desserts to fried chives pancake at this small floating market. This market also sells Thai handicrafts like wallets, traditional clothes and cloth.

But even if you’re not into eating or shopping, this market is still worth visiting due to its aesthetic appearance. I mean, what’s there not to love about a Japanese-looking pagoda overlooking the floating market?

How do these floating markets sound? Found any that interest you? They’re all so close to central Bangkok (less than 2h from Pratunam), perfect if you’re looking for day and half-day trips.

So take this list the next time you’re in the city and explore Thailand’s floating markets!

Happy travelling! 😀

Sign up to win fantastic prizes from our partners

Sign up now if you want us to send you an email whenever our partners have something to share with everyone!
FREE air tickets, free stays, free tours or free gifts!

Coming soon! Exclusively on TripCanvas

Name

Email

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

• share on facebook
• twitter
• google+
• linkedin

Advertise with us