Some of the finest examples of south east Asian and Thai cuisine can only be found in the city of Bangkok. Floating markets, once a staple way of life in Thailand, have made a recent comeback in the city of Bangkok, where they are often seen travelling up and down various canals and providing food to locals and tourists alike. For people used to food trucks and eating on the go, the floating markets of Bangkok will seem like a natural transition. Here is a guide to some of the best floating markets to check out while in the rich and diverse city of Bangkok.
Photo by Flickr user jscoke
Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market
The Bang Khu Wiang is perhaps the best choice for travellers who are interested in sampling the local cuisine of a Bangkok floating market without being pressured in the way tourists often are. The market is crewed by Monks who come in boats early in the morning as part of their alms round, or tak baat each day. They provide a range of products fresh from their farms.
One way to get there is to start from Wat Chalo Pier via boat and ride over to the Bang Kruai. Taxis and trucks are also quick ways of getting there for people who don’t feel like venturing by boat. Of course, it’s also more than possible to rent a boat over at Chang Pier and request transportation to the Om-Bang Khu Wiang floating market.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The famous Damnoen Saduak floating market gained worldwide notoriety after being featured in a James Bond film, which is part of why so many tourists venture here each year. However, regardless of the number of touristy visitors, it is still well worth checking out this floating market. The canals are completely chaotic and filled to the brim with tiny boats weaving back and forth in effort to get closer to customers.
Older ladies are the paddlers for these boats and they have some of the best bargaining skills in all of Thailand. There is a lot of noise, colour, and noise in this floating market, but it is worth visiting just for the atmosphere. It’s open from 7 to 11 am every morning and can be reached either by boats or by bus and then by walking along Samut Sangkhram Ratchaburi province, which is about an hour’s drive to the southwest of the city.
Taling Chan Floating Market
This floating market is one of the closest to the centre of Bangkok itself, and is a great choice for people who are interested in sampling the unique foods and experiences present in floating markets without having to leave town. People who are also in search of novel shopping trips are also going to have a good time here.
There are a range of canals close to the market that one can visit through hiring boats, and there are plenty of hidden small villages to look through while travelling. People interested in truly experiencing Thailand can even look into homestays here.
Author Bio
Leonard is a Travel Writer from Sydney, Australia. He says that the floating markets are something that every Bangkok traveller should experience. If you are considering a holiday, Leonard recommends Travel Associates for all your travel needs.