If among many floating markets in Bangkok you want to visit the most authentic and “real” one, then go to the Tha Kha market. There are no crowds of tourists who will disturb you to enjoy the atmosphere.
Check our visitor’s guide to Tha Kha floating market in Bangkok, containing detailed information about this place, why it’s worth visiting and how to get there.
Book a tour to Bangkok’s most popular floating market, Damnoen Saduak, here .
Tha Kha Floating Market General Info
Tha Kha floating market is located in a small village in the province of Samut Songkhram, an hour’s drive from Bangkok.
To get here you can either rent a car or take a taxi. If you’ve been to Amphawa Market and found the atmosphere very relaxing, then visiting the even more traditional Tha Kha Market will delight you. The market itself is very small, so a couple of hours will be enough.
If you find this river market a bit boring, then move to Damnoen Saduak which is 10km away from here.
The market begins to revive very early, the Thais try to get the most out of the new day before the onset of the sweltering heat. Previously, Tha Kha floating market was an irregular place of trade, it worked only with the onset of certain phases of the moon.
Over the past few years, it has become a regular weekend market.
Things to Do at Tha Kha Floating Market
The relaxed atmosphere of the market is its main merit. You can take a boat ride around the area and canals for only 50 baht. Along the river there are several temples that can be visited later, you can see the houses of local residents, see sugar plantations and “factories”.
In Tha Kha Market, as in other markets, you will find a large number of stalls with local food. Here, unlike in other places, trade takes place on the water, and not on land, because the market is designed for local residents in the first place, and not for foreign or domestic tourists.
If you’re looking for more varieties of goods, then plan your visit to Chatuchak Weekend market.
What to Buy and Try at Tha Kha Market
Be sure to try the oyster omelet. In addition to fresh oysters, sprouted wheat is added to this meal. A plate costs about 20 THB.
Another must-try is small chicken skewers that are sold in all markets throughout Thailand. If you decide to buy, make sure that they have been cooked here and now, you should not take those that are already ready, although they look very appetizing.
You can buy coconut sugar, coconut oil and even honey here. Don’t miss the fried spring rolls. Often they are cooked with minced meat, cabbage and mung beans.
Golden pouches are another traditional Thai snack. It is somewhat reminiscent of fried pancakes, only served in the form of a tied bag with gold. Toppings may be different.
Don’t forget dessert like khao tom mad. It consists of rice and coconut milk, topped with banana. All this is wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed.
