Floating markets in and around Bangkok
Feb 27th, 2010 by admin
There are quite a few floating markets in and around Bangkok. The most visited is Damnoen Saduak, located approximately 100km from Downtown. It’s made up of small canals, patroled by small boats that are piloted by skilled lady hawkers ready to sell their goods all while jockeying for position with their competitors. It’s hot, sticky and very busy but offers an amazing variety of sanuk (fun).
Most visitors to the floating market of Damnoen Saduak choose organized tours rather than making their way to the market on their own. While traveling on your own is always an option, using a tour company should ensure a better experiance. If you prefer to enjoy the market at your own pace, take a private car from Bangkok, then hire a private boat for your journey around the market – the best of both worlds. The market opens sat 6:30am and closes around 11:00am.
The Taling Chan floating market is close to Bangkok making it a nice weekend getaway and provides a unique shopping experiance. A slew of canals around the market can be visited by hired boat where you will discover small villages along the way. Homestays are also available for a truly Thai experiance. To get there, cross the Chao Praya River to the Thonburi side of Bangkok. The market is near the Taling Chan District Office, and is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm on weekends.
For a more traditional Thai floating market without the touristy feel, you should make a visit to the Bang Khu Wiang market. Monks arrive by boat early in the morning on their daily tak baat (alms rounds) and a variety of farm fresh produce is offered. To get there, you can hire a boat from Chang Pier in Bangkok and ask to be taken to Noi-Khlong Om-Bang Klu Wiang floating market. A less expensive alternative is to catch a boat from Wat Chalo Pier for a fourty five minute ride to Bangk Kruai which runs every 15 minutes from 5:00am to 8:00pm. From there it’s a 10 minute boat ride to the market. If you prefer land based travel, Taxi’s and Tuk-Tuks are available for hire at the market. The market is open from 4:00am to 7:00am daily.
