We couldn’t visit a floating market the first time my travel buddy and I visited Thailand. This time, I made sure we got to go to one. We availed of the cheapest floating market tour we could find on Klook.

Tour Inclusions:

• Round-trip transfers to and from the meet up location
• English-speaking guide
• Admission to attractions
• Travel insurance
• Boat ride

Get a discount when you sign up on Klook with code AB553

Staying true to my resolve to utilize public transport, we used the train line from our guesthouse to the meeting place at Century Mall near the Victory Monument. It’s a good thing our accommodation is a short walk from the Saphan Taksin station on the BTS Silom line.

Tour

It took us about two hours to get to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market from Bangkok. Our group was divided into two paddle boats. Two others joined me and my two travel buddies in the small vessel.

The tour was around 30 minutes of navigating through crisscrossing canals. Much of the area was residential. It gives you an idea of how Bangkok might have looked in the past.

I liked that we used the paddle boats instead of the noisy motorized ones. It’s quiet enough to hear the paddle swishing against the calm water at some parts until a motorized boat comes along.

Shopping

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market feels like it caters more to tourists than locals. Most items sold are shirts, paintings, home decor, and other souvenirs.

Many of the shops along the canals during our visit were closed. It still had a lively feel, though. There is also a regular non-floating market across the bridge.

Food

I enjoyed the food hawkers the most during the tour. They will approach your boat, selling all manner of things. Familiar snacks like mango sticky rice, fresh fruits, and coconut ice cream are the most popular among the crowd.

It’s also impressive how they can prepare whole rice meals and noodles from within their swaying boats. Some were even barbecuing dried fish and squid.

Price

Prices are higher compared to other markets we’ve been to during the rest of the trip. If you plan on buying trinkets to take home for yourself or as a giveaway to friends, you may find better deals elsewhere. And, as always, haggle.

Final Thoughts

It was an excellent half-day introduction to one of Thailand’s most popular activities. If I could do it again, I would prefer to go to a more authentic floating market where the locals go to do their shopping.

Still, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market has a lot going for it. The tour is done in an orderly manner. And if you’re not into big crowds and noisy environments, then Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is worth considering.