The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, located just 100 kilometers from Bangkok, is one of the most vibrant and atmospheric attractions in Thailand. Here, among picturesque canals, local vendors sell fresh fruits, traditional Thai dishes, and souvenirs from boats and small rafts. Visiting this water market offers a unique opportunity to experience the essence of traditional Thailand, as this is how trade between villages was once conducted.
We’ve put together a detailed guide to visiting the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Bangkok. In this article, you’ll learn how to get to the water market, its opening hours, what to do, what to buy, the cost of tours, where to book them, and find other useful information to help you plan the perfect visit.
How to Get to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located 100 km southwest of Bangkok, in the district of the same name in Ratchaburi Province (check map tag). There are several ways to get to the market: by bus, taxi, train, or as part of a day tour that includes transportation.
Tours and Day Trips
If you don’t want to deal with logistics, the easiest option is to join one of the many tours to the Damnoen Saduak market. Almost all day tours include hotel transfers, as well as visits to not only the floating market but also other interesting sights.
Buses with tourists depart around 7 a.m., and the travel time is about 2 hours (depending on road traffic). Day tour programs to Damnoen Saduak can vary widely: most tours don’t just include a visit to the floating market, but also take tourists to nearby attractions, such as the Mae Klong Market, known for the railway that runs right through the market stalls.
Additional options may include a boat ride through the narrow canals of the market or a visit to the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Prices for tours vary depending on the options selected, with rates typically starting from $30 per person.
Before booking, make sure to check what’s included in the tour. For example, budget-friendly tours usually only include the services of a guide, which are more organizational in nature: they will meet you, transport you, purchase tickets if needed, but won’t provide detailed explanations about the site, etc.
Where to Book a Day Tour to Damnoen Saduak
It’s best to book your tour through one of the reliable online platforms or travel companies. You’ll find a wide selection of full-day or half-day tours on Klook. Additional options may include visits to local workshops and boat rides along the canal.
On GetYourGuide, you can find both group and private tours, which can be arranged exclusively for your group. The most popular tour includes visits to both the floating market and the railway market (you can find more details via the link). This tour has over 19,000 reviews and an overall rating of 4.5.
Book a Private Transfer from Bangkok
One major downside of organized tours is that almost all of them arrive at the market by 9 a.m., which is quite late. If you want to travel in comfort but don’t want to take a tour, a private transfer service is the perfect option for you.
The cost usually includes round-trip transfer, waiting time at the market, and fuel charges. You can book the car from any location in Bangkok, including the airport. Transfers are available in a sedan, SUV, or minivan. The price for a transfer for three people starts at $62. You can check current rates and make a reservation on the 12go.asia website.
By Train
You can save on transportation while still getting to your destination in less than two hours by taking the train and then transferring to a taxi. In Bangkok, you’ll need to get to the Wongwian Yai station, where you can board a train to Maha Chai station.
The train journey takes about an hour and makes 10 stops along the way. Trains run frequently—every 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased directly at the station, and the price depends on the class of the car, ranging from $1–5 for a third-class seat to $28 for a first-class seat.
Once you arrive at Maha Chai station in Samut Sakhon, you can take a taxi to the floating market, which is about 43 km away. The taxi will cost around $15, so be sure to negotiate if you’re quoted a high price.
By Bus
The most budget-friendly way to reach the floating market is by bus. First, you’ll need to get to the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok, located at Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal, Borommaratchachonnani Rd, Bang Ramad, Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170.
Many buses stop here from various parts of the city. Depending on your location, you can take one of the following routes: 19, 28, 30, 35, 40, 79, 123, 124, 127, 146, 149, 174, 183, 507, 515, 516. Be sure to check the routes for updates before boarding.
For example, if you’re coming from the Democracy Monument, you can take bus 511 or 79. Alternatively, you can take the BTS Skytrain to Bang Wa Station and then take a taxi to the bus terminal, which should cost no more than 100 baht.
Buses heading to Damnoen Saduak depart every hour, with a fare of about $3. The first bus leaves at 6:00 AM. Important!!! The bus may stop about one kilometer from the market, but near the canal.
Near the bus stop, you’ll find a pier where long-tail boats—traditional Thai boats with long propellers—are waiting. For a small fee, you can take one of these boats to the market.
Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit the Damnoen Saduak Market
The floating market is open daily from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The best time to visit is between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. The boats are full of fresh fruits and vegetables, and you can buy something truly exotic, plus it’s not too hot yet.
After 9:00 AM, the first groups of tourists start arriving, and it gets too crowded.
Although the market is open to visitors every day, there are very few vendors on public holidays. Additionally, during the rainy season, the market may not be as lively.
Things to Do and What to Buy at the Market
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market was established during the reign of King Rama IV. Damnoen Saduak is an artificial canal created to improve waterways and connect two rivers: the Mae Klong and the Tha Chin. This was intended to enhance the transportation of goods between different regions.
For decades, the canal was used by locals for trade, and the floating market became an important part of the region’s life. With the development of infrastructure and improvements in roads, the market gradually lost its primary role as a trading hub but has since become the most popular floating market in Bangkok.
Riding a Traditional Thai Boat
One of the most popular activities at the market is taking a boat ride along the canals, passing boats filled with all sorts of goods. If you’re visiting the market as part of a tour, this boat ride is likely included in the price. If you’re traveling independently, the price can vary starting from 150 baht or more, depending on your negotiation with the boat owner.
It’s important to remember safety rules during the ride. The canals are quite narrow, and many boats navigate through them, so it’s common for them to bump into each other. To avoid injury, do not hold onto the sides of the boat. Be sure to wear a hat, bring water, and don’t forget to apply sunscreen before heading out on the boat ride.
Shopping
At the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, you can find almost everything sold at the Chatuchak Market. Here, you can buy unique wooden souvenirs made by local artisans, Buddha figurines, magnets, bags, clothing, and much more.
However, since the market is primarily geared toward tourists, prices are significantly inflated. For example, buying spices or tea would be much more affordable at a regular supermarket. If you’re looking for a less touristy and more traditional floating market experience, head to the Amphawa or Tha Kha water markets.
What to Try
It’s best to visit the Damnoen Saduak Market on an empty stomach so you can sample a wide variety of delicacies and traditional Thai dishes. Be sure to get a plate of rice with mango—one of Thailand’s favorite desserts. You can try fried bananas (Klai Tod) or grab some satay skewers. The market offers a huge selection of fish, seafood, drinks, sweets, fruits, and juices.
To avoid any unpleasant consequences or possible food poisoning, ask for a fresh portion to be prepared right in front of you. Pay attention to the cleanliness of the food stall where you’re ordering.
