Exploring Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Nearby Attractions
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market has been one of the most visited attractions for tourists who have been staying in Bangkok for a long time. Located about 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok, this market has become primarily a tourist destination and was often considered the most famous floating market in Thailand. But there are some facts about this market and its neighboring attractions that might surprise you.
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Experience
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market we see today was established in 1981 when private entrepreneurs developed it along the Ton Canal. What many visitors don’t realize is that the picturesque scenes of boats filled with colorful fruits and vegetables navigating narrow waterways represent only part of the experience.
In reality, much of the market activity takes place under a covered area built alongside the canals. This roof was constructed to allow the market to operate daily regardless of weather conditions. This covered section might appear smaller than expected compared to the expansive water-based market shown in promotional photos.
The market is actually made up of three smaller markets: Ton Khem, Hia Kui, and Khun Phitak. For the best experience, we recommend visiting between 7 am and 9 am in the morning when the market is most active, though it remains open until around noon.
The Connection Between Four Unique Markets
Within a relatively small area southwest of Bangkok, you can find four distinct markets that showcase different aspects of traditional Thai commerce:
Maeklong Railway Market (Talat Rom Hoop)
Located just 20 minutes from Damnoen Saduak in Samut Songkhram Province, the Maeklong Railway Market offers a completely different but equally fascinating experience. This market, nicknamed “The Folding Umbrella Market,” is famous for having a train that passes directly through the middle of the market eight times daily.
When the train approaches, vendors quickly pull back their awnings and move their products away from the tracks, returning everything to its original position once the train passes. Most travelers combine this market with Damnoen Saduak for a morning tour, as the vendors at Maeklong typically close after 3 pm.
Amphawa Floating Market
Located about 50 kilometers from Bangkok in Samut Songkhram Province, Amphawa is another popular floating market but with a different character. Unlike Damnoen Saduak, which operates daily, Amphawa is primarily active on weekends. The area features many well-preserved wooden houses along the canal, creating a more traditional atmosphere.
Visitors to Amphawa can take boat tours along the Mae Klong River to see local temples and riverside communities. These tours cost around 500 baht for a private boat or 50 baht per person for a shared experience.
Tha Kha Floating Market
Perhaps the most authentic of all these markets is Tha Kha, located in the same province as Amphawa. Until recently, this market operated on a complex schedule based on the lunar cycle. Though it now opens every weekend to accommodate more visitors, it still maintains much of its original character.
Unlike the more commercial Damnoen Saduak, Tha Kha features local vendors selling fresh produce, homemade goods, and dishes prepared on site. The atmosphere here feels closer to how floating markets functioned traditionally before tourism became the primary focus.
Planning Your Visit
When visiting these markets from Bangkok, we recommend:
- Starting early (around 6:00 AM) to avoid traffic and see the markets at their most active.
- Considering a combined tour of Damnoen Saduak and the Maeklong Railway Market.
- Setting realistic expectations about Damnoen Saduak – understand that the most photogenic canal scenes represent only part of the market.
- Visiting on weekends if you want to include Amphawa or Tha Kha in your itinerary
- Bringing cash and being prepared to negotiate prices at Damnoen Saduak, where items are often marked up for tourists
