My Favorite Thailand Floating Market

Thailand’s Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Open every day from 6:30 am to noon, but the best time to visit Thailand’s Dameon Suduak Floating market is the early morning, before the sweltering heat.  This market has hundreds of vendors, floating in their small boats selling their goods. 

The History of the Floating Markets

The Damneon Saduak, Thailand’s floating market history tells us when there is a water source, that is the first area where people populate, and Thailand is no different. 

Many years ago, Thai waterways were one of the main forms of transportation and was at the center of economic activity. 

Boats were used for local and regional trade.

This way of life of these Thai riverside communities, along the Chao Phraya River Basin from 1350-1767, was the beginning of the floating market; and due to the adjoining canals, which made it conducive to trading. 

Thailand’s floating markets became the norm in the central part of the country for centuries.  Damnoen Saduak Floating market is the largest and most well-known floating market among the Thai people and tourists alike. 

This market is outside Bangkok located in Ratchaburi Province. 

Tips for Visiting the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market:

1. Go Early:  This is a daily morning floating market and therefore it is best to visit between 9:30 am to 12:00.

• Hire a Boat Guide:  Upon arrival to the market, you will be able to have ride on the floating market with a guide to paddle the boat through the floating market for about an hour.

• Buy Something:  Although most vendors in and along the floating market usually overprice their food and souvenirs; it is worth a purchase or two for the nostalgia of it all.

• Take a Tour from Bangkok: You can visit the Damnoen Suduak floating market from Bangkok by bus or take a Floating Market Tour with a licensed local guide.

• Plan to Visit the Maeklong Railway Market that same day.

Go early to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Marke.

You will plenty of time to also visit the infamous Maeklong Railway Market.

You should consider visiting both destinations for a day trip.

Both the Floating and the Maeklong(umbrella) Railway Markets are very cool!