What is the floating market?
In the pass, the Floating Market starts trading from early morning until around 12.00 noon. There are many foods, groceries, and souvenirs, such as famous fruits, perfumed coconuts, grapefruit, lychee, a variety of delicious foods to choose from, as well as handicrafts that are popular with foreigners (this must be proven).
Floating restaurant
One of the highlights of the floating market is the diverse range of delicious Thai food. You can sample local delicacies like pad Thai, tom yum soup, fresh fruits, coconut ice cream, and traditional Thai desserts. The aromas and flavors are a treat for your senses.
Shopping center on the waterway
When buying souvenirs, it’s always a good idea to explore different stalls and compare prices to ensure you’re getting a fair deal. Bargaining is also common in Thai markets, so don’t hesitate to negotiate the price with the vendor if you feel it’s too high. Keep in mind that being polite and respectful during the bargaining process is important.
The market provides an opportunity to interact with the local Thai people. You can observe their way of life and witness their warm hospitality. Engaging in conversations and learning about their customs and traditions can be an enriching experience.
Activity on the bank of the canal
Walking along the market see all venders on the boat selling fruits and food everywhere, it looks quite busy, but you will find it’s interesting the way of life there. It is an open market for those who cannot tolerate the heat and should prepare hats or small fan to help cool down. However, there are many cold-water bottles selling at the market or you can try fruit juice at the market as well.
Enjoy a Boat Ride
Beyond the market stalls, you can take a boat ride along the canals surrounding Damnoen Saduak. Taking a boat at this floating market is highly recommended. This allows you to explore the picturesque rural scenery, observe traditional Thai houses on stilts, and witness the daily life of the locals living along the waterways.
You will primarily find traditional long-tail boats, also known as “ruea hang yao” in Thai. These boats are a common sight in Thai waterways and are often used for transportation and trade in the floating markets. They are named after their long tail-like propeller shaft that extends from the rear of the boat. You may also find other types of small boats, such as paddleboats or rowboats, used by locals for various purposes. However, the iconic long-tail boats are the most prevalent and representative vessels at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
You will primarily find traditional long-tail boats, also known as “ruea hang yao” in Thai. These boats are a common sight in Thai waterways and are often used for transportation and trade in the floating markets. They are named after their long tail-like propeller shaft that extends from the rear of the boat. You may also find other types of small boats, such as paddleboats or rowboats, used by locals for various purposes. However, the iconic long-tail boats are the most prevalent and representative vessels at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
Long-tailed boat
For a typical long-tail boat ride around the market, the cost can range from around 200 to 400 Thai Baht per person. This price usually includes a tour of the canals and a visit to the main market area. The duration of the boat ride is typically around 30 minutes to an hour.
If you’re looking for a private long-tail boat ride, prices can be higher. Negotiation is common, so it’s advisable to bargain and try to agree on a reasonable price before starting the boat ride. It’s also worth considering that prices might be slightly higher for tourists compared to locals.
As you navigate the canals on a long-tail boat, vendors will approach you in their boats, displaying their wares. You can browse their products and make purchases directly from the boats. This can be a fun and interactive way to shop for souvenirs.
Capture the vibrant colors, bustling scenes, and unique atmosphere of the floating market through photography. The market’s colorful boats, traditional architecture, and energetic vendors provide excellent photo opportunities. Capture the essence of the market and take home memorable snapshots of your experience.
Famous Authentic food you must try at the market
There are so many dishes at the market you must try, don’t worry they serve small portions for you. Therefore, you can just look around and choose whatever you want to try. Here are some dishes to recommend for you to taste ;
Kuay Teow Reua
Boat Noodles are a traditional Thai noodle soup that originated from the floating markets. They serve from the boat that’s why we call boat noodles. You can eat anywhere around the world but I am sure they don’t serve from the boat
Pad thai
this dish can be found any where around Thailand . I would recommend you to try it. They will cook fresh and serve you right away. Rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, bean sprouts, tofu, eggs, and a tangy sauce made from tamarind paste, fish sauce, and lime juice.
Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong is a hot and sour shrimp soup. It’s made with a combination of lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chili peppers, shrimp, mushrooms, and lime juice. It’s a delightful explosion of flavors that exemplifies Thai cuisine.
Mango Sticky Rice
For a delicious dessert, try Mango Sticky Rice. It features ripe mango slices served with sweet glutinous rice drizzled with a rich coconut sauce. The combination of sweet mangoes, sticky rice, and creamy coconut creates a delightful and satisfying treat
Fresh Tropical Fruits
The floating market offers an abundance of fresh tropical fruits like pineapple, watermelon, papaya, mango, mangosteen and dragon fruit. Enjoy the vibrant and juicy fruits, which are incredibly refreshing on a hot day.
Grilled Seafood
With the market’s proximity to rivers and canals, you’ll find a variety of grilled seafood options. Look for stalls offering grilled prawns, squid, and fish, seasoned with Thai spices and served with a side of spicy dipping sauce.
Coconut Ice Cream
Thailand is known for its refreshing coconut-based desserts, and at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, you’ll find coconut ice cream stands. Served in a coconut shell or cone, this creamy and flavorful ice cream is a delightful way to beat the heat.
Thai Iced Tea
To quench your thirst, don’t miss out on Thai Iced Tea. This popular beverage combines strongly brewed black tea with sweetened condensed milk, resulting in a creamy and slightly sweet drink that’s perfect for cooling down.
Those are only some dishes you will see at the market. You can try something else along the way you walk past all the food stalls. Your tour guide will advise you more to try and buy. You just need to choose the ones that look clean and have safe hygiene to protect you from stomach problems.
Remember to check the operating hours and plan your visit accordingly, as the market is most active in the mornings. The activities mentioned above will allow you to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and cultural richness of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
While the floating market is primarily a place for shopping and experiencing the unique canal culture, there are a few nearby farms that offer agricultural experiences for visitors.
Remember to bring cash in Thai Baht, as some vendors may not accept credit cards. Additionally, be cautious of your belongings and keep an eye on your personal belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Visiting Farms at the Market
Coconut farm
One popular farm to visit in the vicinity of Damnoen Saduak is the Coconut Sugar Farm. Located just a short distance away, this farm allows you to learn about the process of making coconut sugar and other coconut-based products. You can observe the traditional methods of extracting sap from the coconut trees and watch as it is boiled down to create sugar and other sweet treats.
Pomelo Farm
Another option is the Pomelo Farm, which is known for its delicious and juicy pomelos. This farm offers guided tours where you can explore the orchards, learn about the cultivation of pomelos, and even try picking your own fruit.
While these are just a couple of examples, it’s always a good idea to inquire locally or do some research to find the most up-to-date information on farms to visit in the area. The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a popular tourist destination, so there may be other farms and agricultural experiences available nearby as well.
Top famous floating market at Damnoen Saduak
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market ‘s a century-old floating market, located in Damnoen Saduak ,Ratchaburi province and operates everyday only in the morning from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The floating market is famous for its food, groceries and souvenirs that Thais and foreigners visit. It became more popular among tourists around the world when a movie use a setting sight in the 1974 for James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun”.
How to Get to The Market from Bangkok
By bus public transportation
There are air-conditioned buses on the Bangkok-Damnoen Saduak line. Depart from Southern Bus Terminal, Borommaratchachonnani Road, first depart at 05.00 a.m., take about 2 hours, get off at Cherng Saphan Thanarat Market, then take a minibus at Cherng Saphan Thanarat Market. Reach Damnoen Saduak Floating Market for another 1 kilometer.
By Taxi or private car
You can hire a taxi or a private car to take you directly from Bangkok to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. This option allows for more flexibility in terms of departure time and gives you the freedom to explore the market at your own pace. However, it’s important to negotiate the fare with the driver beforehand or ensure that the meter is used for a fair price. Sometime, they will charge you a higher price, you are recommended to gather more information before you take a trip.
By tour operator (Private Tour or Joined Tour)
This is the best choice since you are a new visitor to Bangkok . It would be most recommended. You will have an experienced tour guide to tell you what to do where to go around the market.
By train and then local transportation
Take a train from Bangkok to Mahachai. Cross river to Thachalom. Take a train from Baanleam station to the Maeklong Railway Station. From there, you can hire a local songthaew (a shared pickup truck) or a taxi to reach Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. The train ride takes about 1-2 hours, and the local transportation from Maeklong to Damnoen Saduak takes an additional 30-45 minutes.
Whichever transportation method you choose, it’s recommended to start early in the morning to avoid the crowds and make the most of your visit to the floating market. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to check the schedules and availability of transportation options beforehand, as they may be subject to changes.
Nearby Attractions
If you’re visiting Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, there are several nearby attractions and sightseeing options you can explore. Here are some of the notable ones:
Huppa Sawan or Paradise Valley
You can stop trekking at a place of worship that brings together the beauty of each place. Both Buddhist, Christian and Hindu buildings are built on top of a mountain where you can walk up to worship. The whole statue of Jesus Christ. Buddha statue and big Hindu pagoda.
Khanom temple (school of puppet show made)
Khanom Temple is an ancient temple located along the Mae Klong River Photharam District, Ratchaburi Province. The temple is famous for the preservation of the art of leather, which is a rare high art, big movie museum They will have a show for tourists to watch every day during official hours for free. As for the big movie show, there will be shown only on Saturday and Sunday.
Maeklong Railway Market (train market)
Located about 30 kilometers away, the Maeklong Railway Market is famous for its unique setup. The market is set up along an active railway track, and when a train approaches, the vendors quickly retract their stalls to make way for the passing train. It’s an incredible sight to witness and a great opportunity for photography.
However, visiting there you have to know the train time otherwise you wont be able to see the train passing through the train track.
Wat Bang Kung ( Tree root temple)
This historical temple is located near the Maeklong River, about 15 kilometers from Damnoen Saduak. It is known for its unique architecture, as it is completely enclosed within the roots of a banyan tree. The temple holds cultural and historical significance and is a fascinating place to visit.
Khlong Khon (fisherman village)
It’s a small community. Rim Klong in Khlong Khone Muang District, Samut Songkhram Province Ecotourism is organized for tourists to come and relax. Planting mangrove forests, eating seafood, taking a boat out to explore the sea in a relaxed way , seeing shellfish farm , collecting cockles and more .
Samut Songkhram
This province, where Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located, has more to offer. Samut Songkhram is known for its salt farms and coconut sugar production. You can visit these farms, learn about the processes involved, and even try your hand at making coconut sugar.
Khao Ngu Stone Park ( national wonder)
Located about 40 kilometers from Damnoen Saduak, Khao Ngu Stone Park is a natural attraction known for its unique rock formations. The park features caves, cliffs, and intriguing limestone formations that are worth exploring. You can also enjoy panoramic views from the top of the park.
Wat Phra Pathom Chedi
If you’re interested in historical and religious sites, you can visit Wat Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom, around 50 kilometers from Damnoen Saduak. It is the tallest stupa (Buddhist monument) in Thailand and holds great significance in Thai Buddhism. The top of its spire reaches 120.45 meters, with a base circumference of 235.50 meters. The temple is quite a bit far from a busy city, therefore it’s not busy on regular days. You can walk around and enjoy the peaceful moment.
Don Hoi Lot
The shoal at the mouth of the Mae Klong River is 3 kilometers wide and 5 kilometers long and extends 8 kilometers into the sea covering 3 sub-districts, namely Bang Cha Krang, Laem Yai and Bang Kaeo in Mueang District, Samut Songkhram Province. Shoals are formed by the deposition of river and marine sediments. The ground is sandy and sedimentary. At low tide, villagers often come to catch tube shells. Using lime drops into the hole, when irritated shells gush out of the hole. January – May is the best time to catch bulb shells. There are mangrove forest areas, which are habitats for seabirds. If anyone is interested in catching tube shells. At the Royal Court of Chumphon Khet Udomsak, there is a boat for rent, you can ask the villagers in the area to show how to do. It is a fun activity to do ,but are you ready to get messy mud ?
Nasatta Park
An open-air complex narrating Thai history and culture via sculptures as well as life-sized wax figure. Occasionally , during the winter time. There are light festival and illumination.
These are just a few of the many attractions and sightseeing options near Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Whether you’re interested in culture, history, nature, or culinary experiences, there is plenty to explore in the surrounding area. Your local tour guide can recommend you visit more places if time permits.
Overall, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market promises an exciting and immersive experience, where you can engage with the local culture, savor delicious food, shop for unique souvenirs, and create lasting memories of your visit to Thailand.
