Live Your Best Lives
I used to know very little about Thailand. Aside from the ladyboys, I couldn't think of anything particularly memorable. However, the epic Thai film "Queen of Siam" completely overturned my stereotype of Thailand.
The movie attracted me deeply from the very beginning: the royal longtail boat fleet of the Ayutthaya Dynasty slowly crossed the Chao Phraya River, the oarsmen were neat and uniform; the people rowed small boats, and when the two boats met, they bartered with each other, and ancient Siamese ballads echoed in the jungle...The history of Thailand is definitely inseparable from the element of water. This nation has too many roots in water.
Thailand, formerly known as Siam, is a tropical country with numerous rivers. In ancient times, transportation was difficult, especially during the rainy season, when roads became extremely muddy and difficult to navigate, a long-standing problem for the people.
Based on the local climate and terrain characteristics, the people of Siam gradually developed a water trading model: villagers from neighboring villages each rowed their own small boats and regularly came to the agreed place to conduct direct ship-to-ship transactions. I give you a few cabbages and you give me a few big mangoes, and the transaction is successfully completed.
In the 21st century, modern civilization, including airplanes, railways, roads, and ships, has greatly changed human life, but this ancient trading method has been well preserved. This is a shining pearl in Thai culture - the floating market.
Thailand's terrain is generally high in the north and low in the south, with mountains in the north and plains in the south. Rivers generally flow from north to south. For example, the Chao Phraya River, Thailand's mother river, originates in the Shan Plateau in northwestern Thailand, flows through the ancient capital of Ayutthaya and the current capital of Bangkok, and finally reaches the Gulf of Thailand.
Therefore, with the capital Bangkok as the core, the rivers in the surrounding areas such as Samut Songkhram, Ayutthaya, Chonburi, etc. have formed a natural dense river network in the river delta area. Therefore, the floating market, a Thai culture, was born in these river networks.
With Bangkok as the center, there are countless floating markets of all sizes spreading to neighboring provinces. Some have been developed and become well-known tourist destinations; others are unknown and still retain the most simple atmosphere.
The most famous of these are Pattaya's Sihe Floating Market, Bangkok's Taling Pratunam Floating Market, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Amphawa Floating Market, and Thakha Floating Market. Each floating market has its own unique characteristics. Below, I'll analyze several of the most popular floating markets for travelers, explaining their differences and how to choose the right one.
Keywords: cultural fusion, artificial creation, must-see for group tourists
Address: 451/304 Moo 12, Sukhumvi Road | Nongprue, Banglamung, Pattaya 20150, Thailand
How to get there: Group tour, chartered car in Pattaya city, taxi
Opening hours: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm daily
This floating market, also known as Pattaya Floating Market or Du Lala Floating Market, is located on Sukhumvit Road, about 7 kilometers south of Pattaya Beach Walking Street. When you mention Du Lala, do you instantly recognize it? Isn't that funny the scene in the TV series "Go Lala Goes to Work" where the company goes on a group trip to Thailand and the protagonist accidentally breaks a vase and is chased by Thai hunk men all over the market? This scene was filmed at Pattaya's Pattaya Floating Market.
Pattaya, one of Thailand's most famous tourist destinations, is unique in that its market is divided into several sections. Following the signs and walking along the waterfront paths, you'll find yourself in areas dedicated to the east, west, south, and north of Thailand. The shops in each area also differ in style; for example, the northern section clearly reflects the Lanna Kingdom of Chiang Mai.
If you look closely, you'll notice that each area offers unique goods and food. While Thailand may not be a large country, the vast geographical differences between the north and south, as well as its cultural and historical context, have led to vastly different cuisines. For foodies, the ability to choose from so many diverse cuisines is a major draw of the Sihe Town Floating Market.
It should be pointed out that the Sihezhen Floating Market is not a true "floating market" because there was originally no river in this place. It is a market created entirely by man-made excavation. Therefore, it should be understood as a theme park. This is why it is full of Chinese tourists. Almost all regular Bangkok-Pattaya tour groups come here. Moreover, if you go there by yourself, you need a ticket!
Tips:
This artificial theme park is not a traditional floating market. It has rich content and is suitable for checking out Thai delicacies from all over the country in the shortest time. However, it is not suitable for in-depth experience. Tickets are required to go there on your own.
Keywords: Bangkok suburbs, local market, medium scale
Address: 324 Chakphra Rd, Bangkok, Thailand
How to get there: 1. Take bus No. 79 in front of Siam Center or Central World; 2. Take a boat from Tha Chang Pier, located northwest of the Grand Palace; 3. Take a taxi or charter a car
Opening hours: Saturdays and Sundays 8am – 5pm
There is a joke when traveling in Thailand. If you wander around the Grand Palace, you may be approached by a local tour guide who will say in broken Chinese: "The Grand Palace is closed today. Let me take you on a boat tour of other temples and the floating market."
The Grand Palace is of course open every day, but it is true that Bangkok has a floating market. Ta Ling Chan Floating Market, located on the outskirts of Bangkok and on the western tributary of the Chao Phraya River, is such a market.
Originally a fruit market in the suburbs of Bangkok, commonly known as a local wet market, it gradually began to attract tourists on weekends. Over time, the market began to sell not only fruit but also gourmet food and other daily necessities.
Compared to Sihe Town Market, this market is more localized. Instead of the crowds of domestic tourists, it's mostly locals, so prices are relatively reasonable. However, the market isn't very large, and the food selection is less extensive than at other floating markets, with sales primarily on land. Because it's more local, few vendors speak English, so communication relies on simple English numbers and body language.
If you happen to be in downtown Bangkok and don't want to leave the city, the Taling River Floating Market may be a good choice. It is fun to take a boat from the Chao Phraya River pier to see the scenery of Bangkok along the way, and then go to the suburbs to see the living environment of the locals.
Tips:
One of the closest options from Bangkok, it has more locals but is smaller in scale and has a smaller water area. You can take a boat from the Grand Palace to enjoy the scenery along the way.
Keywords: local morning market, simple shops, inconvenient transportation
Address: Moo 2 | Tha Kha, Amphawa 75110, Thailand
How to get there: Charter a car, take the MINIVAN from Bangkok to Amphawa, get off halfway, and then take a taxi
Opening hours: 6am to noon on weekends
Leaving Bangkok and heading west, Samut Songkhram is the smallest province in Thailand, but it is a veritable water province.
Tha Kha Floating Market, a less popular floating market for Chinese tourists, is located deep in the canal network of Samut Songkhram Province, about 10 kilometers from Amphawa. Due to its relatively inconvenient access, it is quieter and, with fewer foreign tourists, it is almost a market for locals.
The villagers near the market primarily rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, so the main goods you'll find here are fruits, vegetables, spices, woven baskets, and a few food stalls along the shore. While the variety of goods isn't extensive, the vendors are all genuine locals, so you don't have to worry about being overcharged; it feels like you've arrived in a simple, rural village. Thai city dwellers often come here on weekends to relax and unwind, and there's also the option of taking a boat tour along the narrow canal, which is quite enjoyable.
Tips:
A very local floating market with simple folk customs and a strong rural atmosphere. It is open on weekends and special dates, but transportation is relatively inconvenient.
Keywords: considerable scale, distinctive features, and commercialization
Address: Damnoen Saduak 70130, Thailand
How to get there: Join a tour group, charter a car, or take a minivan from Thonburi Bus Station in southern Bangkok
Opening hours: 6am - 12pm daily
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located about 90 kilometers west of Bangkok. It is probably the busiest and most photographed floating market in Thailand. It is also the filming location of 007 and "City Hunter".
This is a true "floating market." The waterways in the core area are very narrow, and vendors wearing conical hats slowly paddle their boats through the narrow waterways, conducting transactions at a leisurely pace. Most importantly, you can see actual boats docked side by side, trading on each boat.
Along the riverbanks, there are numerous small shops selling clothing and souvenirs. Damnoen Saduak has done a remarkable job preserving the charm of its former floating market. You can also take a boat trip to visit nearby fruit orchards or observe the coconut candy making process. However, with its growing popularity, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market has become more commercialized and can be quite crowded. Most importantly, be aware that vendors can overcharge customers, so non-local visitors should exercise caution.
Tips:
It is the most famous floating market, which is large in scale and open every day. It has a wide variety of goods and the feeling of water trading is well preserved. However, you need to get up early to go there, and there is a phenomenon of overcharging, so you need to be especially careful.
Keywords: weekend market, cultural and creative gathering, morning almsgiving
Address: Prachaset rd., Amphawa, Samut Songkhram
How to get there: Charter a car, join a tour group, or take a minivan from Thonburi Bus Station in southern Bangkok
Opening hours: Weekend afternoon to evening
Located in Samut Songkhram, approximately 85 kilometers southwest of Bangkok, Amphawa Floating Market is Thailand's second most famous floating market after Damnoen Saduak. A bit less commercialized than Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa is also popular with local Thais, earning it the nickname "Bangkok's Backyard." Unfortunately, it's only open on weekends, making it a bit deserted on weekdays. International travelers should be mindful of this.
Unlike many other early morning markets, Amphawa's weekend floating market gets busy after noon and reaches its peak in the evening. Compared to other floating markets, Amphawa has the following interesting features that are worth exploring.
In addition to traditional waterfront souvenirs and food vendors, Amphawa boasts a wealth of restaurants, cafes, and creative craft shops along the riverbank, seamlessly blending traditional culture with modern creativity. Visitors can explore the charming little shops, find a drink to relax after a long walk, or simply sit on the shore and enjoy grilled Samut Songkhram shrimp. The riverbank and surrounding streets are also home to a dazzling array of food stalls, making it a perfect spot for foodies to explore.
The cruise ships coming and going in Amphawa are like buses. Tourists can find a cruise ship to sit on and take a cruise of about 1 hour at a reasonable price.
Wherever the boat passes, you can see the various aspects of life in the small town: locals lazily enjoying life in the riverside houses, or local children jumping into the river to swim without any scruples. When the boat passes by, they will definitely greet you happily. This is also the most touching part of my trip to Amphawa.
There are many good homestays and hotels in and around Amphawa, which can cater to your budget. This is also Amphawa's unique advantage over some other floating cities, providing convenience for tourists who want to stay overnight in Amphawa and further experience this charming town.
As the sun sets in the evening, the shops along the shore light up, marking the peak of the afternoon's vibrant market and the most beautiful time of year for Amphawa. As the sky darkens, take a boat tour to explore the river's depths for fireflies. Gazing towards the shore, you'll see twinkling fireflies nestled in the treetops, glimmering on the tips of leaves. Distant from the hustle and bustle of the city, only the quiet croaking of frogs and insects and the beautiful night sky remain.
After spending the night in Amphawa, you can experience the local monks' alms-giving ceremony on the water early the next morning. Unlike many other floating markets, there is a temple nearby.
As a Buddhist nation, Thailand holds monks in high esteem. All boys of appropriate age are even required to spend a period of time in a monastery cultivating their faith. This prolonged exposure to the Buddha's teachings has shaped the generally optimistic and tolerant character of the Thai people. The unique guesthouses and hotels along the Amphawa River prepare offerings for the following day the night before, allowing visitors to purchase a portion as a token of their appreciation and experience this unique experience early in the morning. Every morning, monks slowly arrive in town in small boats, and local residents await them on the shore. Upon their arrival, they reverently offer various offerings, creating a truly picturesque scene.
Maeklong Railway Market is a popular Thai destination on TikTok, Instagram, and Xiaohongshu (Red Book). Just a ten-minute drive from Amphawa, combining the two is a great option.
The Maeklong Railway Market is known as the world's most breathtaking market, a unique phenomenon unique to Thailand. One moment, the market appears peaceful and ordinary, the next, all the vendors quickly move their wares to the sound of a train whistle. Once the train passes almost snugly, everything returns to normal.
Tips:
Amphawa is an afternoon market, so there is no need to rush early. You can take a boat tour of the Samut Songkhram River and look for fireflies. If you stay overnight, you can experience the monks' almsgiving. Compared with other floating markets, there are more activities here, but it is only lively on weekends.
In addition to the floating markets mentioned above, there are numerous other famous and lesser-known floating markets in central Thailand. These markets have become part of the daily lives of Thais, having been passed down for centuries and are believed to continue to be passed down as unique cultural symbols of the ancient kingdom of Siam.
If you don't have time to experience every place, choose the one that suits you best! Whether it's a tour group, an independent traveler, a backpacker, or a one-day, two-day, or month-long trip, there's always something for you.
