Bangkok Floating Market
The Floating Market gained world-wide recognition after it was used in a legendary James Bond scene. It was here that Roger Moore zipped around in a souped-up longtail boat evading crooks and wowing cinema-goers around the world. Today it is a major tourist attraction in the Bangkok area despite being remotely located in Samut Songkhram, an hour’s drive southwest of the city.
Situated at Damnoen Saduak, the Floating Market (of Bangkok) is made up of a number of small canals which are patrolled by small boats piloted by crafty ladies always ready to sell their wares and jockey for position with their competitors. The market is hot, sticky and busy; but an amazing amount of fun! You also have to get up really early to experience it at its best.
Today, this Bangkok Floating Market deals with more tourists than it does local people, but that does not prevent it from being a truly memorable experience. The boats are piled high with an enormous amount of produce; from fruit and vegetables to handicrafts. If a visitor is feeling peckish, they can simply hail a passing noodle-boat, complete with stove and condiments, all seeming to be precariously placed near the rather grimy water.
Most visitors to Bangkok Floating Market choose to take part in an organized tour rather than finding their own way to the market. Whilst the second choice is possible, using a tour company will probably ensure a better experience. Perhaps the best of both worlds is to take a private car from Bangkok and then a private boat around the market. This ensures guests can do things at their own pace. Visitors should be aware that the market opens at 06:30 and ends around 10:00. After 08:00, the market becomes incredibly busy, so early birds will get the best photos and produce.
Boats take visitors along the canal that eventually leads to the Floating Market, and on this journey there are some interesting sights to behold. One can get great glimpses into the lives of the local people as houses, gardens, orchards and businesses flash past as you make your way up the river.
The peace and quiet is soon shattered by the cries and shouts of vendors as they paddle their way expertly along the canal. Some of the most popular tour companies for visiting the Floating Market include:
The Rose Garden
Most organised tours to the Floating Market end up here afterwards, and it’s certainly one of the most rewarding tourists sites outside of Bangkok. Much more than a rose garden, this large estate comprises of wonderfully tended tropical gardens, and a cultural village where you can witness firsthand typical traditional Thai activities, elephants demonstrating their ‘entertaining’ skills, and take part in all sorts of handicraft skills. It’s all set among a charming teak village, with a cultural show at the end. Regal private teak villas are for hire around a pretty lake and there is a hotel on the banks of the lush meandering Thai Ching river. The riverside restaurant is particularly recommended. Incidentally, it was from nearby here that the world famous Siamese Twins originated.
Recommended Tours
Bangkok and Central Thailand tour (6 days/5 nights)
Biking at the famous Floating Market (1 day)
Biking at a floating market & Hua Hin (3 days/2 nights)
- Bangkok night markets
- Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok
- Tours of Bangkok and the surrounding area
- Day trips from Bangkok
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