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Bangkok Floating Markets

A Bangkok floating market visit is one of the must-do’s on any classic Bangkok itinerary. These bustling markets on the water are a riot of colour and activity as vendors in traditional Thai garb row their longtail boats full of goods along the waterways.

Boats full of fruits, Bangkok floating market
Boats full of fruits, Bangkok floating market © chris@travelhappy.info

There are actually several different floating market locations around Bangkok. The most famous, Damnoen Saduak floating market, is actually located 100 miles away from Bangkok in the province of Ratchaburi.

Smile, Bangkok floating market
Smile, Bangkok floating market © chris@travelhappy.info

The reason it’s famous is because it featured in the 1974 James Bond movie The Man With The Golden Gun. It also showed up in the 2008 Nicholas Cage movie Bangkok Dangerous. As such, it’s also the most touristy market, but if you get there early, you can still get some great photos.

Fruit for sale, Bangkok floating market
Fruit for sale, Bangkok floating market © chris@travelhappy.info

Other floating markets include those at Don Wai, Kwan Riam and Taling Chan which are nearer to Bangkok, but you’ll need transport to get there. Again, if you plan to get there early you can beat the crowds and the heat.

Checking the goods, Bangkok floating market
Checking the goods, Bangkok floating market © chris@travelhappy.info

Perhaps the most picturesque is at Amphawa, which is a small riverside community where you can stay overnight in a guesthouse and experience traditional river life as well as the floating market.

Bangkok Holiday Essentials

  • Where To Stay In Bangkok: See our guide to the best areas and the best hotels to stay in Bangkok.
  • Things To Do In Bangkok: Check this huge list of Bangkok activities that you can book online.
  • Flights To Bangkok: Find the cheapest flights to Bangkok and flight times from scores of airlines with Skyscanner.
  • Bangkok Packing List: Don’t forget to take any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Thailand.
  • Travel Insurance: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Claim online anywhere in the world.

There’s also a well-marked bicycle route around the area if you enjoy cycling. (There are also a lot of interesting cycle routes in Bangkok too).

A moment in the sun, Bangkok floating market
A moment in the sun © chris@travelhappy.info

Bangkok’s floating markets originate from Bangkok’s beginnings two hundred years ago when the city’s main method of transportation was a network of klongs (canals), which led early visitors to christen Bangkok the Venice of the East.

(Similar floating markets can be found in Indonesia and India, also due to water being the lifeblood of cities).

Umbrella, Bangkok floating market
Umbrella, Bangkok floating market © chris@travelhappy.info

Businesses and homes lined the length of the canals and traders found it lucrative to travel the canals selling their wares rather than waiting for customers to come to them.

Pass it over, Bangkok floating market
Pass it over, Bangkok floating market © chris@travelhappy.info

During the 20th century many of these canals were filled in and replaced with roads with the rise of the motor car. However, the tradition of the floating market persists. If you take a Bangkok klong tour, you will likely encounter ladies selling their wares from a longtail boat on the city’s canals.

Three boats by the steps, Bangkok floating market
Three boats by the steps, Bangkok floating market © chris@travelhappy.info

It’s best to get to the market super early – arriving at 6.30 is ideal – because much of the market is over by 9 am. Booking a floating market tour which will organise transportation to and from your Bangkok hotel to the market makes it the easiest way for someone else to deal with the logistics and let you catch up on sleep on the way there (and on the way back).

Lots of pots, Bangkok floating market
Lots of pots, Bangkok floating market © chris@travelhappy.info

There are also numerous Bangkok markets you can visit that involve less organisation – Chatuchak Weekend Market being the most famous of all, but with several others definitely worth visiting if you love browsing and people-watching.

Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Start Planning Your Bangkok Trip Now!

:: From May 1 2025, all visitors to Thailand are required to fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arrival. Do it online before you leave home to avoid the hassle of having to do it on arrival in the airport. Fill in the form at the Thailand Digital Arrival Card official site, and see also the official site instructions on filling in the card if you need help.

:: Find available Bangkok hotels on Booking.com and Agoda.com - usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too.

:: Browse a huge list of Things To Do In Bangkok - there are loads of activities and tours you can quickly book online or simply use as inspiration for your trip.

:: Find the cheapest flight to Bangkok with Skyscanner - one search will show you the prices and times from scores of airlines for your trip. A real timesaver.

:: Book a Bangkok airport transfer to take you hassle-free direct from the airport to your hotel with the driver meeting you in Arrivals.

:: Rent a Pocket Wifi router which can connect several devices so you can have immediate internet access on your phone, laptop and tablet.

:: Make sure you don't forget to bring any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Thailand

:: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.

:: Book bus, train and ferry tickets from Bangkok to the rest of Thailand with 12Go - easy to use website that lets you check timetables and buy tickets online.

:: Need inspiration? Check our Bangkok Itineraries for ideas of where to go and what to do.

:: Explore our Bangkok Travel Guide for more Bangkok must-see attractions and helpful tips.


Bangkok Itineraries

  • 1 Day In Bangkok: Must See Itinerary 2025
  • 2 Days in Bangkok Itinerary 2025
  • 3 Days In Bangkok Itinerary 2025
  • One Week in Bangkok Travel Itinerary 2025
  • One Week in Bangkok and on the Beach Itinerary
  • One Week in Bangkok and the Mountains Itinerary

Bangkok Area Guide

  • Bangkok Riverside
  • Rattanakosin
  • Khao San Road
  • Chatuchak
  • Lower Sukhumvit – Nana And Asoke
  • Central Sukhumvit – Thonglor, Ekkamai And Phrom Phong
  • Upper Sukhumvit – On Nut, Phrakanong, And Beyond
  • Siam Square, Ratchaprasong and Ploen Chit
  • Silom And Sathorn
  • Ari
  • Saphan Khwai
  • Victory Monument
  • Phaya Thai
  • Ratchadaphisek

Bangkok Tips

  • Bangkok Guide: 55 Tips To Help You The First Time You Travel To Thailand
  • First Time In Bangkok
  • Where to Stay In Bangkok
  • Best Boutique Hotels In Bangkok
  • Things To Do In Bangkok
  • The Best Map Of Bangkok
  • Bangkok Food Guide
  • Where To Eat In Bangkok
  • Bangkok Temples Guide
  • Bangkok Shopping Malls
  • Bangkok Markets
  • Bangkok Floating Markets
  • Bangkok Airport Guide
  • Getting Around Bangkok
  • Songkran In Bangkok
  • Day Trips from Bangkok
  • How To Get To Angkor Wat From Bangkok
  • Best Cheap Hotels In Bangkok
  • Cheap Long Term Accommodation In Bangkok
  • Where To Change Money In Bangkok
  • How To Get A Myanmar Visa In Bangkok
  • How To Get A Vietnam Visa In Bangkok

Bangkok Travel Routes

  • Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi
  • Bangkok To Koh Phangan
  • Bangkok To Koh Samui
  • Bangkok To Phuket
  • Bangkok To Chiang Mai
  • Bangkok To Pattaya
  • Bangkok To Siem Reap
  • Bangkok To Phnom Penh
  • Bangkok To Ho Chi Minh City
  • Bangkok To Hanoi

Travelhappy Travel Guides

  • Myanmar Travel Guide
  • Singapore Travel Guide
  • Thailand Travel Guide
  • Vietnam Travel Guide
  • Travel Tips

Travelhappy Travel Guides

  • Bangkok Travel Guide
  • Living In Bangkok Guide
  • Cambodia Travel Guide
  • Hong Kong Travel Guide
  • Indonesia Travel Guide
  • Laos Travel Guide

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