Floating markets near Bangkok compared
Damnoen Saduak is not the only floating market within reach of Bangkok. The others differ mainly in the day of the week and the time of day.
The short answer
Damnoen Saduak is the floating market to choose for a weekday morning, Amphawa for a Friday to Sunday afternoon and evening with a firefly boat, and Taling Chan or Khlong Lat Mayom for a weekend visit without leaving Bangkok. Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa are day trips into the provinces; the other two lie in Taling Chan district on the Thonburi side of the city.
Hours at all four markets vary by source, so the table gives them as reported. Use it to pick the day, then check locally.
| Market | Where | Days | Hours (as reported) | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Damnoen Saduak | Ratchaburi province, about 100 km southwest of Bangkok | Every day | Morning; most sources roughly 07:00 to 12:00 | Day trip by tour, or minivan and bus from Sai Tai Mai |
| Amphawa | Samut Songkhram province | Friday to Sunday (some sources: also public holidays) | From around midday or mid-afternoon into the evening | Weekend tours, often with Maeklong and a firefly boat |
| Taling Chan | Bangkok, Thonburi side, in front of the Taling Chan district office on Chak Phra Road | Saturday and Sunday | About 07:00 or 08:00 to 17:00, according to the Thai government | Within Bangkok |
| Khlong Lat Mayom | Bangkok, Bang Ramat Road, Taling Chan district | Saturday, Sunday and public holidays | About 09:00 to 17:00 according to Wikipedia; other sources 08:00 to 17:00 or 09:30 to 16:30 | Within Bangkok, close to Taling Chan |
Damnoen Saduak
The market in Ratchaburi province, about 100 km southwest of Bangkok, is held every day and is busiest in the morning. Tour coaches arrive from about 9 o'clock. Most day trips pair it with the Maeklong Railway Market, and a boat ride through the canals is usually included. It draws many tour groups, and many stalls on the banks sell souvenirs. More in is Damnoen Saduak worth it.
Amphawa
Amphawa in Samut Songkhram province is an afternoon and evening market from Friday to Sunday. After dark, boats go out to look for fireflies, from about 19:00. Tours from Bangkok combine it with the Maeklong Railway Market and come back late in the evening. Stalls stand along the canal banks; one guest who expected traders on boats was disappointed on her day. See the Amphawa tours.
Taling Chan
Taling Chan is a weekend market on the Thonburi side of Bangkok, in front of the Taling Chan district office on Chak Phra Road. According to the Thai government it is open on Saturdays and Sundays from about 07:00 or 08:00 to 17:00. It needs no early start and no day trip.
Khlong Lat Mayom
Khlong Lat Mayom is on Bang Ramat Road, also in Taling Chan district, and opens on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Wikipedia gives 09:00 to 17:00, other sources 08:00 to 17:00 or 09:30 to 16:30. It lies close to Taling Chan, and the two can be visited on the same day.
FAQ
Which floating market is open on weekdays?
Damnoen Saduak, which is held every day in the morning. Amphawa runs from Friday to Sunday, Taling Chan on Saturdays and Sundays, and Khlong Lat Mayom on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Which floating market is inside Bangkok?
Taling Chan and Khlong Lat Mayom, both in Taling Chan district on the Thonburi side of the city. Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa are day trips into the provinces of Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram.
Can I visit Taling Chan and Khlong Lat Mayom on the same day?
Yes. They lie close to each other in Taling Chan district and are both open at the weekend.
Which market is open in the evening?
Amphawa, from around midday or mid-afternoon into the evening, from Friday to Sunday. It is known for boat rides to see fireflies after dark.
Day trips to Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa
Every bookable tour from Bangkok in one table.
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