Damnoen Saduak Floating Market In Bangkok – All you need to know
Visiting an exotic country such as Thailand wouldn’t be complete without getting to know the locals, their culture and traditions. These are just some of the reasons to visit Bangkok floating markets such as the Taling Chan, the Damnoen Sanduak and the Khlong Lat Mayom floating market.
Photo by xiquinhosilva on Flickr
A Short History Of The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
It is truly difficult to choose the best floating market in Bangkok because all of them have something special that keeps attracting people. Every floating market has a story to tell that fascinates both the locals and the tourists.
According to history, in 1866, King Rama IV ordered the construction of a 32-kilometer canal that would connect Mae Klong and Thai Chin rivers. Ever since then, there were plenty of floating markets exchanging goods and services. However, many of them disappeared with the modern age and the new infrastructure.
Luckily, the Damnoen Saduak floating market was built in 1981. Today, it represents the best floating market in Bangkok.
Photo by xiquinhosilva on Flickr
What You Need To Know About The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market?
Bangkok floating markets are unique and they all have some charm and authenticity. With all the variety they bring out, Bangkok markets are one of the best Thai attraction sites.
For instance, the Damnoen Saduak floating market is a touristy market. On the other hand, the Khlong Lat Mayom floating market is small and cozy.
What’s more, if you visit the Khlong Lat Mayom floating market, you might as well be the only foreigner there.
However, if you are looking for the liveliest and the best floating market in Thailand then you should visit the Damnoen Saduak floating market.
Photo by Roberto Faccenda on Flickr
Where Is The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market?
When you set out on a floating market Thailand adventure, you need to be aware that some markets are closer to the city than the others.
While the Khlong Lat Mayom floating market is only 20 kilometers away, it takes about an hour to get to the Damnoen Saduak market.
However, it’s still worth your time since it is situated in the Ratchaburi province, on the longest canal in Thailand with over 200 branches.
What Is The Opening Time Of Damnoen Market?
The Damnoen Saduak market, the best floating market in Bangkok, opens at 6 am. Way too early, we know!
However, the market is open until 4 pm. Do be aware that many stalls will be closed by that time, but you can still enjoy a floating market Thailand boat ride.
Photo by xiquinhosilva on Flickr
How To Get To The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market?
Thailand is a country that budget travelers appreciate a lot. A floating market tour Bangkok booking is probably the best way to visit Bangkok floating markets.
Whether you book a full or half-day tour, you are most likely to travel in an air-conditioned van with a guide which is a huge plus.
If you are not a fan of an organized floating market tour Bangkok will still offer plenty of ways to get to the markets. You can always take a taxi, but make sure you take an official one to avoid being scammed.
Taking a bus to the Damnoen Saduak floating market is just as possible as taking one to the Khlong Lat Mayom floating market.
Photo by xiquinhosilva on Flickr
What Can You Do At The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market?
Unlike the Khlong Lat Mayom floating market, the Damnoen Saduak market offers a huge variety of products. You will be amazed by all the food, fruit, vegetables and souvenirs.
Fruit and Vegetables
You must try some Malacca grape, Chinese grapefruit, durian, dragon ball, bananas, and mangoes. Everything smells so great that you won’t be able to resist it.
Photo by xiquinhosilva on Flickr
Delicious Thai Dishes
The best floating market in Bangkok, the Damnoen Saduak, serves plenty of Thai dishes you can try on a floating boat. Many vendors sell traditional Thai noodles on small wooden boats.
However, if you would like a bigger meal, then you should visit one of many restaurants on the riverside. Don’t miss out on Thai pancakes and dumplings or the Pad Thai with sweet seafood salad.
Thai food lovers will be amazed by the freshly made coconut ice-cream as it’s amazingly delicious and fruity.
Photo by LWYang on Flickr
Don’t Leave Without A Souvenir
Bigger Bangkok floating markets such as the Damnoen Saduak and the Amphawa are packed with vendors selling all kinds of souvenirs.
This, however, isn’t the case in the Khlong Lat Mayom floating market so make sure you are aware of that.
You shouldn’t leave the Damnoen Saduak floating market without getting a handmade hat, bag or candles. If you are into more traditional souvenirs, worry not since you can easily find postcards and T-shirts as well.
Photo by xiquinhosilva on Flickr
Tips To Make Your Visit To The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Much Better
1. Be an early bird and come around 7 am if you want to avoid the boat traffic jams that begin at 9 am already. A one-hour boat ride is definitely enough to visit the main market.
2. Visit the market on foot first before renting a boat. Taking a boat ride is a must when you visit the best floating market in Bangkok, but make sure you walk between the stalls on foot too since you can find some unique and tasty Thai desserts there.
Photo by xiquinhosilva on Flickr
3. The Damnoen Saduak floating market is expensive and some would say even that it’s overpriced. However, bargaining always helps. You can always haggle with Thai vendors to get a better price. Remember not to buy souvenirs along the river since they are much cheaper in the market itself.
4. Don’t forget your camera. The Damnoen Saduak floating market is a perfect place to take good pictures of an authentic Thailand atmosphere. The locals are wearing handmade conical hats and the blue farmers’ shirts.
5. Once you are on the Damnoen Saduak floating market, it’s very easy to visit the Maeklong Railway train market. Don’t miss out on the round train trip that will give you yet another unique Thailand experience.
Photo by m-louis .®
Bangkok markets have been there for over 100 years cherishing Thai traditions and history. Therefore, once you get the chance, visit the most crowded one – the Damnoen Saduak and the most authentic one – Khlong Lat Mayom floating market. Remember that learning about Thai history will make the floating market Thailand trip unforgettable.
