Visiting the Market

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market makes for a fun adventure as a daytrip from Bangkok.   This market is located about 100 km (62 miles) southwest of the city in the Damnoen Saduak district, Ratchaburi province. Keep in mind that the travel time from Bangkok to the market is roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Things to Do

When you visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you entertained. One of the most popular is taking a paddle boat tour, which allows you to fully immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the market from the water. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the vibrant colors and unique experiences.

While strolling through the market, you can also:

• Browse and shop for various items from local vendors, such as clothes, souvenirs, and traditional handicrafts.
• Watch the fascinating process of vendors cooking and preparing food on their boats.
• Visit nearby attractions, like the Maeklong Railway Market, to extend your market hopping adventure.

Local Food and Drink

One of the highlights of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the delicious food and drinks available from the many vendors paddling their boats. Some must-try dishes include:

• Pad Thai: A popular stir-fried rice noodle dish with shrimp, tofu, bean sprouts, and a tamarind sauce.
• Fried banana pancakes: A delicious street food staple, made fresh on a griddle and drizzled with condensed milk.
• Fresh fruit: Indulge in a variety of seasonal fruits available at the market, like mangoes, pineapples, and rambutans.

As for drinks, you can’t miss trying the refreshing coconut juice served directly from its shell. Other popular beverages to quench your thirst include iced Thai tea, cold fruit smoothies, and lemongrass juice.

Remember to take the opportunity to sample these Thai culinary delights while you’re here and soak up the unique atmosphere that makes Damnoen Saduak Floating Market such a sought-after destination.

Location and Accessibility

Directions

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located in Damnoen Saduak district, Ratchaburi province, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Bangkok, Thailand. The market’s address is 51 Tambon Damnoen Saduak, Amphoe Damnoen Saduak, Chang Wat Ratchaburi 70130.

Transportation

To get to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market from Bangkok, follow these steps:

1. Ride the BTS Skytrain to Bang Wa Station.
2. Catch a taxi going to Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai).
3. From there, take bus #78 to Damnoen Saduak.

The total journey time is around 2 hours, with a cost of about 50 Baht per way. There are also private tour options and bus tours available for a more comfortable experience. For example, private tours start at $105.05 per adult and bus tours from $39.24 per adult.

Opening Hours

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is open daily for visitors. Make sure to plan your visit accordingly to enjoy the lively atmosphere and witness the authentic Thai culture in action. The best time to visit the market is usually in the morning when it’s less crowded and more vibrant.

Remember to respect the culture and customs of the local people while you enjoy your visit to this amazing piece of Thai tradition. Happy exploring!

Online and Private Tours

Visiting the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a unique and fun experience, and there are several ways to get the most out of it through online and private tours. You can choose from various options, depending on your preferences and budget.

One popular option to consider for your Damnoen Saduak Floating Market tour is joining a small group tour. This type of tour includes a visit to the famous market, a cruise on a long-tailed boat, and it’s known for providing a more intimate and engaging experience. Prices for these small group tours start from $25.20 per adult.

Another great tour choice is a private tour, which offers you a more personalized and exclusive experience. For example, BKK Tours offers a private tour from Bangkok to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and the tour covers not only the market visit but also other nearby attractions. Prices for private tours can vary, but expect the cost to be higher than group tours.

A third option is Klook’s Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Half Day Tour by TTD Global, which caters to both Chinese and English-speaking tourists. This tour offers online booking, allowing you to book and manage your tour conveniently. The price for this tour starts at $24.65.

When planning your visit to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, be sure to:

• Compare different tour options and their prices before booking.
• Take note of the tour durations, pick-up locations, and included services.
• Read reviews from previous tourists to get a clear idea of what to expect from each tour.

By exploring your online and private tour options, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your Damnoen Saduak Floating Market experience. Happy exploring!

History of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

In the late 19th century, during the reign of King Rama IV, the Damnoen Saduak Canal was built to connect the Mae Klong and Tha Chin Rivers. This 32-kilometer long canal allowed for better transportation and trade, leading to the establishment of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

As you explore the market, you’ll find that it was built along the canal, with over 200 ancillary canals dug by villagers at the time. These canals allowed for a unique trading experience where vendors on boats would sell their produce, dry goods, souvenirs, and street food to customers on the water.

While visiting the market, you might notice that the majority of its clientele are now tourists instead of locals. The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market became a popular tourist attraction over time, offering an authentic-feeling, traditional Thai market experience.

Keep in mind that while it’s a tourist hotspot, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is still an active market where locals come to sell their goods. So, while enjoying the atmosphere and unique trading experience, you’ll also witness the market’s historical purpose for trade and commerce.

Nearby Attractions and Activities

While visiting Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, you definitely don’t want to miss out on some fantastic nearby attractions and activities that will make your trip to Thailand even more memorable.

• Maeklong Railway Market, also known as Talat Rom Hup:
  What makes this market so special is that it is located on an active railway track.
  When a train approaches, vendors quickly retract their awnings and move their goods back from the tracks, making way for the train to pass through. Once the train has gone, the vendors quickly set up their stalls again, and the market continues as if nothing happened.
  The market is open daily from early morning until late afternoon, and it is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists who come to experience the unique atmosphere and watch the trains pass through the market.
• Coconut Sugar Farm: Just a 9-minute walk from the floating market, you can find the Coconut Sugar Farm. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the traditional process of making coconut sugar and taste some samples. With over 225 reviews, it’s an experience worth checking out.
• Royal Thai Handicraft Center Company: If you’re a fan of all things artsy and unique, then don’t miss out on the Royal Thai Handicraft Center Company. Discover the intricate work of local artisans and perhaps pick up some souvenirs that will remind you of your trip.

Wandering around Damnoen Saduak will surely lead you to enjoy some delicious local cuisine. Keep an eye out for great food options such as:

• Coconut ice cream
• Spring rolls
• Pad Thai

Remember to make an early morning start to your day to avoid the heat and catch Damnoen Saduak Floating Market at its liveliest. So, as you plan your visit to the market, be sure to make time for these nearby attractions and activities!

Preparing for Your Visit

Best Time to Go

To make the most of your visit to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, it is essential to pick the right time. Ideally, you should plan your visit in the early morning, as the market is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, try to arrive at the market no later than 10 a.m., as the boats may start leaving after that time. Keep in mind that the travel time from Bangkok to the market is roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes.

What to Bring

When planning your visit to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, it’s a good idea to bring the following items with you:

• Local currency (Thai Baht): You will need cash to purchase food, souvenirs, and other items at the market. Prices for dishes typically range from 10 to 70 baht.
• Sun protection: The sun can be quite strong, especially in the early morning. Be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun while browsing the market.
• Comfortable clothing and footwear: As you’ll be spending several hours walking and standing, it’s essential to wear comfortable shoes and light, breathable clothing.
• Reusable bag: A reusable bag comes in handy for carrying any purchases you make at the market, helping to reduce plastic waste in the process.
• Camera: You’ll want to capture the unique sights and experiences of the market, so make sure to bring a camera or fully charged smartphone with ample storage space.

Remember to enjoy the bustling atmosphere, delicious local cuisine, and unique shopping experience at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. And, most importantly, have fun!