Floating markets are an integral part of Thai culture. Some of them act more like tourist places and lost their unique charm. But there are floating markets, such as Taling Chan in Bangkok also known as Khlong Lat Mayom, which many tourists don’t know about, and they are located at a considerable distance from the city. This is where you should go if you want to experience the atmosphere of a real floating market.
Taling Chan Market is located 14 km west of the center of Bangkok.
Check our ultimate travel guide to Taling Chan Floating Market near Bangkok; you can find up-to-date information for first time visitors, how to go there, what to see and so on.
Taling Chan Floating Market General Info
- Address: Khlong Chak Phra Taling Chan Bangkok 10170
- Working Hours: Sat-Sun 7 a.m – 5 p.m, also works on holidays that are on Mon or Fri.
- Find Taling Chan Market on the map: link.
- Join long-tail boat ride, explore Chao Phraya River and visit Taling Chan Floating Market. Make your reservation here.
There you can taste local delicacies, take a boat ride along the canals and, of course, treat yourself to the freshest seafood, and buy souvenirs. The range of goods here is much more modest than on Chatuchak weekend market. For only 200 Baht you will get a relaxing foot massage.
Taling Chan is visited mainly by locals, tourists do not come here. The market works only on weekends, Thais with their families spend the whole day here. Narrow, long boats are filled with various foods, fruits, souvenirs. Here you can taste blue crab or the famous Som Tam salad.
Once you’re done here, you can move to one of the most famous temples in Bangkok Wat Arun, which is located only 7.2km from here.
What to Do at Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
Huge catfish live in the waters and wait that Taling Chan market visitors will throw them food. The festive atmosphere is added by Thai musicians who play right there.
The enticing smell of food spreads everywhere. You can take a ride on one of the boats while the meals are being prepared. During the river walk you will sail past temples, houses of local residents. The canals along which the boat travels are home to huge lizards that swim lazily in the water or bask in the sun.
How to get to Taling Chan floating market
By Bus
The cheapest and longest way is to get there by bus. The cost of the trip is about 1.5 dollars, travel time is 20 minutes. Take bus 79 to Ban Khlong Chak Phra. Get off at Taling Chan District Office and it’s a 3-minute walk to the market entrance.
By Tuk-Tuk
You can also get to the market by tuk-tuk. But, it is worth considering one caveat: many tuk-tuk drivers do not come to take you there, it is more profitable for them to take you to such popular markets as Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa because they receive commissions from these markets.
It is unlikely that you will agree on a price below 5$ one way, while the driver may not wait for you to take you back. Do not worry about this, as there are many tuk-tuks near Taling Chan, so leaving the market will not be a problem.
You can also take a taxi to get you directly to the place. For your way back from Taling Chan floating market you can ride a boat.
How to choose safe food on Taling Chan
The question of how safe is the food at Taling Chan floating market, and indeed at any other markets, is relevant. In order to avoid food poisoning and its unpleasant effects, always make sure that the meat is cooked in front of you, and there are no annoying flies around.
Do not buy meat skewers laid on a banana leaf and looking pretty appetizing. Instead, look at how this vendor stores raw skewers, whether they are lined with ice and whether flies or other insects fly around them. If you are satisfied with the appearance and storage conditions, ask to prepare a fresh barbecue for you.
Taling Chan floating market has a huge section with various exotic plants. It’s worth visiting, as there are many fruits which you can hardly find elsewhere.
It’s better to have enough cash with you, as cards are not accepted everywhere. Come to Taling Chan market before 11 a.m, so you can find free table and can enjoy your meal.
Taling Chan Floating Market Video
FAQ
There 17 floating markets in Bangkok and more than 25 markets in Thailand.
This experience is something really unique. Of course, be ready that for locals you’re a source of income, but its definitely worth it.
The distinctive feature of floating markets in Bangkok is that people sell their staff from boats, but of course you can find stall on land in such places.
You can find there almost everything that locals produce. Thai fruits, fresh seafoods, delishious snacks, souvenirs and other staff.
