Damnoen Saduak is arguably the most popular floating market in Thailand, and it is highly recommended for visitors who are staying in Bangkok. Many tourists have fond memories and captivating photographs of the century old Damnoen Saduak floating market. Every visitor to this floating market is treated to scenes of bustling commerce, sweet scents, and quaint scenery as they interact with the daily life of locals and explore the market’s small shops, canals, and dockside offerings.
Customer feedback – “The market is a great opportunity for photographs, food tasting and, of course, shopping.”
The large number of flower and fruit sellers who trade directly from their small wooden boats is just one of the visual highlights of the Damnoen Saduak floating market that makes it unique among Thailand’s many markets.
A boat ride of varying time lengths can be arranged by your private tour guide if you grow tired of walking amid the many shops lining the canals. Seeing the market and surrounding area from this different perspective lets you appreciate the winding waterways and allows you to relax while gaining a brief glimpse of life on the river.
Customer feedback – “The animated chatter and bargaining for stuff leaves a pleasant feeling that is worth more than anything.”
If you choose to take a longer boat ride, out beyond the market area, you will be able to see some of the simple, but peaceful, wooden residences along the river. Also on the river are several small family businesses, including a candy maker, a pomelo farm, and a knife craftsman’s shop.
Some of the more unique items you will see, and have the chance to eat, at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market:
- Pla Pao (ปลาเผา) – Salt-crusted grilled fish.
- Freshly-made mini coconut pancakes.
- Khao Lam (ข้าวหลาม) – Sticky rice combined with sugar and coconut milk that has been slow roasted inside a stalk of bamboo.
- Boat noodles in rich broth.
There are plenty of other delicious treats and tantalizing things to see while walking along the dockside area of the market’s canals.
Customer feedback – “A trip to Damnoen Saduak guarantees that you will see and experience one of the best floating markets Thailand has to offer.”
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market can be visited any day starting from 6:00 am.
Market Fee: 1,500 Baht per GROUP up to 6 people.
We advise an early to mid-morning visit to the Damnoen Saduak floating market as it is the best time to avoid the mid-day heat and to see the market during its peak hours, before too many of the colorful boats and lively sellers disappear from the canals.
The drive to Damnoen Saduak floating market takes approximately one hour, depending on traffic, from central Bangkok, and the trip is best experienced in the company of a private tour guide who can answer your questions while highlighting the different areas of the famous market. Other attractions that can be easily arranged along with a visit to Damnoen Saduak floating market include our Wat Bang Kung and Monkey show in Ratchaburi tours. Visit this attraction on our Thailand Royal Coast Experience tour.
Things you should be aware of when visiting the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market:
- Comfortable shoes and clothing are highly recommended since you will need to climb in and out of boats.
- Photography is highly encouraged along every part of this tour.
- Bring your appetite and your sense of adventure.
