When people in Bangkok and during Samut Songkram talk about floating markets (or "Talat Nam" in Thai), they almost always mean Damneon Saduak. This market, located 25 km from Samut Songkram, was built to showcase a reality that has become rare in Thailand: floating markets. Thais don't shop here. Only tourists, whether Thai or not, visit the Damneon Saduak floating market to buy fruit, fried bananas, and souvenirs. Don't eat breakfast beforehand; you'll have plenty to eat there. Most of the trading takes place on the water, but there are also some shops and restaurants on the docks. The market is situated on a relatively short canal, but you can explore other canals on a boat tour. These are also interesting, even if you won't find any vendors there. Damneon Saduak is often criticized for its lack of authenticity, as it was built for tourists, and for the large number of visitors. Nevertheless, it's worth a visit. It is best to arrive early (ideally around 8 am, before the market is so busy) to avoid traffic jams caused by tourist boats.

This is the only floating market in the Bangkok area that's open daily. Others are only open on weekends. Beware: Boat tour prices have risen sharply; you'll often be quoted 2,000 THB. Don't let your taxi driver drop you off or be lured by the vendors outside the market – most charge exorbitant prices. Instead, head to the market canal and check out the boat tours offered there. They're almost always cheaper.

To get from Bangkok to Damnoen Saduak, the best option is to take a bus or minivan from the southern bus station, Sai Tai Mai. The journey takes about two hours (departures hourly). From Mae Klong (Samut Songkhram), with its famous railway market, take the blue songthaew (shared taxi) No. 467 (30 minutes – 18 THB). The stop is near the bus station. You will be dropped off at the beginning of the road to the floating market (about a 1.5 km walk). From Amphawa, you can also take this songthaew via Highway 325 or hire a taxi or tuk-tuk for about 200 THB.

How to get there

How do I get to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market? From Bangkok, the best way to reach Damnoen Saduak is by bus or minivan from the southern bus station, Sai Tai Mai. The journey takes approximately 2 hours (departures hourly). From Mae Klong (Samut Songkhram), with its famous railway market, take the blue songthaew (shared taxi) No. 467 (30 minutes – 18 THB). The stop is near the bus station. You will be dropped off right at the beginning of the road to the floating market (approximately a 1.5 km walk). From Amphawa, you can also take the songthaew via Highway 325 or hire a taxi or tuk-tuk for approximately 200 THB.