What's the best thing to do in Thailand? Shopping, of course! When you visit Thailand, shopping sprees just hit different. Look beyond your ordinary shopping mall and head to the nearest Thai canals instead, which are some of its most famous international destinations.
Known as the Venice of the East, Thailand is a Southeast Asian gem. Where Venice has gondola rides, Thailand has floating markets. Locals can be seen cruising about on wooden boats, offering everything Thai: authentic Thai silk, Thai spices, Thai handicrafts, and Thai spa products. You name it, they have it!
What makes these different from other street markets? Aside from a wide variety of selections that rival luxury malls, you're treated to a freshwater view of Thai culture. While you treat yourself to some well-deserved retail therapy, ride on one of these wooden boats and cruise down the water as you discover the vibrant view of a shopper's paradise. Shopping in Thailand is an entirely new adventure!
Want to know the best shopping destinations in Thailand? Here are 15 of the best local markets along the country's world-famous canals.
Klook Tip: Since these markets are usually open only on weekends, they can get pretty busy during peak hours. To avoid crowds, it's best to visit before lunchtime. Unlike night markets, most floating markets are open by morning, so try to get there as early as possible.
1. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a hotspot for shopping in Thailand. Credits: Klook
You can't go shopping in Thailand without visiting the Damnoen Saduak! This hub is the largest floating market in Thailand, famous for its wide selections (perfect for a mega-shopping spree!), delectable treats, and traditional handicrafts. It's like Thailand's most famous shopping mall on water!
In between stalls, snack to your heart's desire on a sea full of boats that sell delicious Thai street food and fruits fresh from local farms.
Aside from its delicious food, the market is also filled with local artisans selling handmade crafts and Thai ceramics, which make perfect Thai souvenirs.
- This floating market is famous for: Shopping, Thai silk, Thai desserts, and authentic Thai food
- Address: Damnoen Saduak, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi 70130, Thailand (Map)
- Distance: 1 hour 40 minutes from Bangkok
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 4 PM
2. Amphawa Floating Market
Shop till you drop at the Amphawa Floating Market day and night during the weekends! Credits: Klook
After Damnoen Saduak, the Amphawa Floating Market is Bangkok's second-most famous floating market. Situated about 50 kilometers from the capital, it attracts many Thai visitors to dine on sumptuous seaweed snacks. After all, shopping in Thailand always ends up filling an empty stomach!
Sitting just along the Mae Klong River, this once-small community dates back to the 17th century. You'll find quaint houses dotted along the riverbank, giving locals convenient access to the water. Here, you can enjoy an early seafood lunch on the riverbanks and take a little longtail boat cruise while the rest of the crowd has just started eating.
But food isn't the only thing you can find at this open-air shopping mall! You can even find clothes patterned with iconic Thai elephants, a must-buy in Thailand. The Amphawa Floating Market is also one of Thailand's most popular night markets, perfect for a dinnertime stop.
- This floating market is famous for: Local seafood
- Address: CXG3+2X5, Amphawa, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram 75110, Thailand (Map)
- Distance: 1 hour 30 minutes from Bangkok
- Opening Hours: Friday to Sunday from 2 PM to 8 PM
3. Taling Chan Floating Market
Relax with a traditional Thai massage after exploring one of the locals' favorite shopping places! Credits: NoDurians on Flickr
Going shopping in Thailand? Then head over to the Taling Chan Floating Market! Located only 12km from downtown Bangkok, this weekend market is an easy fit into your itinerary. Despite being smaller than other markets mentioned, the market boasts a remarkable array of boat-based food vendors.
Its cozy stalls include a wide menu of local delicacies fit for Thailand's most famous restaurants. Snack on delectable noodles, crispy pork sticks, and flavorful som tum. This is the ideal spot to satisfy your stomach with all things Thai!
While you're there, treat yourself to a relaxing Thai massage with signature Thai spa products, herbal massage packs, and essential oils.
- This floating market is famous for: Massages
- Address: 333 Chak Phra Rd, Khlong Chak Phra, Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170, Thailand (Map)
- Distance: 15 minutes from Bangkok
- Opening Hours: Saturday to Sunday from 8 AM to 6 PM
4. Kwan-Riam Floating Market
Check out Kwan-Riam's modern speedboats against the backdrop of traditional Thai culture. Credits: Ashley Monteiro on Flickr
Kwan-Riam Floating Market adds a snazzy twist to the typical local markets: Instead of street stalls or even traditional wooden boats, think streamlined, modern cruisers! That's why shopping in Thailand is never dull—after all, where else can you find a shopping mall on speedboats?
Aside from its flashy vessels and tasty food stalls, this market is also surrounded by two beautiful temples, Wat Bamphen Nuea and Wat Bang Pheng Tai. A distinctive bridge resembling ribs spans the canal, connecting both temples and showcasing Thai culture.
If you're lucky enough to catch them in-season, the bridge's cherry blossom trees add a picturesque charm to the floating market.
- This floating market is famous for: Thai food
- Address: 45 Ramkhamhaeng 185 Alley, Min Buri, Bangkok 10510, Thailand (Map)
- Distance: 40 minutes from Bangkok
- Opening Hours: Saturday to Sunday from 7 AM to 5 PM
5. Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market brings the taste of the ocean to your plate. Credits: @winelevigrub on Instagram
The Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market combines the best of both worlds with its intimate street markets, which sit right by the Thai canals! While its primary market stalls stand firmly on land, it also offers longtail boat ride tours at affordable prices.
Shopping in Thailand is as tasty as it is fun: The market offers a unique assortment of Thai cuisine, including fresh grilled seafood, som tum, pork satay, and pork ribs. You can also choose from a colorful array of confections and fresh fruits!
The Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market welcomes the public exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays. Situated in close proximity to Taling Chan Floating Market, it's recommended to explore both markets during the same morning for the ultimate Thailand shopping experience!
- This floating market is famous for: Boat noodles and pad thai
- Address: 30/1 หมู่ที่ 15 Bang Ramat Rd, Bang Ramat, Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170, Thailand (Map)
- Distance: 17 minutes from Bangkok
- Opening Hours: Sat-Sun from 8 AM to 5 PM
6. Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market
Locals can vouch for Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market's charming trinkets and tasty food. Credits: Klook
Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market sits cozily on the outskirts of Bangkok, a hidden gem for all eager shoppers, tourists, and locals alike.
Since the stalls are beside the canal, you’re more likely to find street vendors than boat riders. But this has all the charm of your floating market, offering super fun finds to buy in Thailand! Here, you'll discover stalls selling clothing with funny Thai phrases, local handicrafts, handmade bags, and Thai ceramics.
You can also taste a variety of delicious Thai snacks, like chicken satay and coconut pudding. The food makes the market a compelling spot to explore, particularly if you’re around the area and up for some scrumptious Thai treats.
- This floating market is famous for: Thai food such as Gac Fruit
- Address: 98 Bang Nam Phueng, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan 10130, Thailand (Map)
- Distance: 35 minutes from Bangkok
- Opening Hours: Saturday to Sunday from 7:30 AM to 4 PM
7. Wat Takien Floating Market
Feast like a local at the Wat Takien Floating Market! Credits: Gordon Anderson on Flickr
Beside the majestic Wat Takhian is one of Thailand's most beloved local markets: The Wat Takien Floating Market, a shopping paradise and a foodie's safe space.
At the Wat Takien Floating Market, you can enjoy fresh fruits and Thai snacks. You can even try savory treats, like Pad Thai wrapped in an omelet and som tum, a Thai papaya salad distinct to Thailand's culture.
Fun fact: This floating market was constructed by the Wat Takhian temple as a gesture of gratitude for the local residents' acts of kindness and contributions, allowing the community to generate income here. The temple offers various uncommon sculptures not commonly found in typical Thai temples—statues of giants are common, but certainly not ones sporting sunglasses and iPhones. Additionally, visitors can enter the heads of a tiger and a dragon for a unique photo opportunity to commemorate shopping in Thailand.
- This floating market is famous for: Various authentic Thai food
- Address: 86 RCGF+X36 7 Bang Khu Wiang, Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi 11130, Thailand (Map)
- Distance: 25 minutes from Bangkok
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 4 PM; Saturday to Sunday from 7:30 AM to 5 PM
8. Wat Saphan Floating Market
Enjoy a comforting meal and a fun speedboat ride at the Wat Saphan Floating Market! Credits: Chait Goli on Pexels
The charming ambiance of Wat Saphan Floating Market evokes the familiarity of street markets you might miss at home. The local street vendors warmly greet you with smiles, creating a welcoming atmosphere. This floating market is also near the Talingchan Floating Market, so you can conveniently explore both.
Situated alongside a temple and bordered by a canal, this floating market showcases locals vending food from wooden boats. Alongside these unique boats, food stalls offer delectable treats such as omelets and chicken satay seasoned with signature Thai spices.
For added excitement, consider taking a speedboat ride along the canal's waters.
- This floating market is famous for: Thai local food and friendly vendors
- Address: 38 ถนน ปากน้ำกระโจมทอง Bang Phrom, Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170, Thailand (Map)
- Distance: 25 minutes from Bangkok
- Opening hours: Saturday to Sunday from 8 AM to 3:30 PM
9. Wat Sai Floating Market
Munch on the finest fruits and veggies at Wat Sai Floating Market! Credits: John Orellano on Flickr
Established more than a century ago by Chinese traders, Wat Sai Floating Market is a traditional floating market recognized for its influence from both Thai and Chinese cultures. This isn't just a great shopping space—it's a peek into the rich culture and lifestyle of Wat Sai.
Shop your way through the floating market, indulge in delicious fruits and vegetables sold from the canal boats, and discover how the vendors rely on the canals as their primary means of trade. While shopping in Thailand, you'll notice some interesting local markets, including Wat Sai itself, that showcase influences of Chinese culture. Unlike most floating markets, Wat Sai is open until 9 PM, offering a leisurely evening vibe like other famous Thai night markets.
One way to access this market is by taking bus number 43 or 120 to Wat Sai through Ekkachai Road. Alternatively, you can also utilize the ferry service from Tha Chang through the Chao Phraya River to reach this open-air market.
- This floating market is famous for: Fresh fruits, vegetables, food, and a sneak peek into Chinese culture
- Address: 58/229 Soi Ekkachai 24, Bang Khun Thian, Khet Chom Thong, Bangkok 10150, Thailand (Map)
- Distance: 35 minutes from Bangkok
- Opening Hours: Daily from 6 AM to 9 PM
10. Bang Phli Floating Market
Enjoy Thai spices and shop for local handicrafts at "The Old Market" in Bang Phli. Credits: somkid on Flickr
Bang Phli Floating Market is one of Bangkok's oldest floating markets. As one of the must-visit markets for food lovers and Thailand culture enthusiasts, its timeless beauty and historical charm set it apart from other shopping places you might encounter on your trip.
While the majority of the shopping takes place at the stores on the sides of the canal, you’ll still be able to spot wooden boats passing through this floating market.
The market is famous for its wide array of dining options. From pad thai to shellfish, there's a meal for every foodie's craving! You'll also find a lot of stores selling houseware and trinkets, such as Thai silk, wooden carvings, scented candles, handmade bags, and more.
- This floating market is famous for: Thai noodles, fresh fruit, seafood, and local products
- Address: JP36+89P ตลาดโบราณบางพลี Tambon Bang Phli Yai, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand (Map)
- Distance: 1 hour from Bangkok
- Opening hours: Daily from 8 AM to 5 PM
11. Don Wai Floating Market
Meet the locals at Don Wai Floating Market! Credits: Norbert Braun on Unsplash
Don Wai Floating Market stands out as the ultimate destination for culinary enthusiasts visiting Thailand. From the best duck noodle dishes to delectable sticky dried clams, it offers a wide selection of meals that are on par with even Thailand's most famous local gourmet markets!
Make sure to check out fruit stands selling fresh mangoes, oranges, and cherries, plant stands selling little cactuses, and food stands selling taro sticks and coconut ice cream.
Don’t forget to drop by the eatery here too—you’ll be able to see and even feed the catfishes swimming in the Tha Chin River!
- This floating market is famous for: Street food and local Thai food
- Address: Don Wai-Highway 3414, Bang Krathuek, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom 73110, Thailand (Map)
- Distance: 40 minutes from Bangkok
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM; Saturday to Sunday from 7 AM to 6:30 PM
12. Wat Lam Phaya Floating Market
A meal at Wat Lam Phaya Floating Market is great for refueling during your shopping spree! Credits: hathaway_m on Flickr
If you arrive at Wat Lam Phaya Floating Market with an empty stomach, you'll surely be satisfied with savory Thai delicacies!
Not convinced? Select from an array of options like fried tofu, fish cakes, crunchy shrimp fritters, chicken satay, Thai-style chicken biryani, and spring rolls—and that's just a small glimpse of the culinary treasures offered here!
But you don't have to be the only one enjoying a tasty meal. You can purchase a loaf of bread and offer it to the catfish in the Tha Chin River. Toss a piece into the water, and you'll witness a rapid gathering of catfish before you know it!
- This floating market is famous for: Delicious Thai food
- Address: วัดลำพญา Lam Phaya, Bang Len District, Nakhon Pathom 73130, Thailand (Map)
- Distance: 1 hour 15 minutes from Bangkok
- Opening Hours: Saturday to Sunday from 8 AM to 5 PM
13. Tha Kha Floating Market
Take a breather at Tha Kha's serene countryside market. Credits: rob collins on Flickr
The best part about shopping in Thailand is that you can go beyond your ordinary Bangkok shopping mall and explore rural Thai culture, like at the Tha Kha Floating Market.
This market is known as the understated version of the nearby Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. It may be smaller in size, but it's still very special. Situated within an hour's drive from Bangkok, it's an ideal destination for savoring local Thai food and chilling out. As fun as bustling markets are, sometimes it's nice to be away and just relax!
Explore this tranquil trading hub, where you can buy fruits and fried rice from friendly sellers on their canal boats. Be sure not to overlook the renowned fried oyster omelet—a must-try treat in this locale!
- This floating market is famous for: Local culinary items
- Address: FXCV+PWJ, Tha Kha, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram 75110, Thailand (Map)
- Distance: 1 hour 40 minutes from Bangkok
- Opening Hours: Saturday to Sunday from 6 AM to 2 PM
14. Red Lotus Floating Market
Immerse yourself in vibrant hues and cultural delights at the Red Lotus Floating Market! Credits: Klook
Possibly the most Instagrammable in Bangkok, Red Lotus Floating Market greets visitors with a stunning scene of lotus leaves and blossoms adorning a large pond.
Diverging from the typical floating market setup, this one stands out as it doesn't feature locals vending food from traditional wooden boats. Nevertheless, you can still indulge in delectable meals at the pond-side restaurant to satisfy your cravings.
Klook Tip: Remember to make your way to the center of the pond, where you can take the perfect photo on a wooden boat worthy of posting on your socials!
- This floating market is famous for: Gorgeous view of lotus leaves and flowers
- Address: 10 Kan Prapa Nakhon Luang Rd, Bang Len, Bang Len District, Nakhon Pathom 73130, Thailand (Map)
- Distance: 1 hour 20 minutes from Bangkok
- Opening hours: Daily from 8 AM to 5 PM
15. Bang Khla Floating Market
Shop for irresistible mangoes and tempting trinkets at the Bang Khla Floating Market! Credits: Getty Image from Unsplash
If you're fond of mangoes (and who isn't!), the Bang Khla Floating Market is for you.
Located in the countryside, 100km from the capital's hustle and bustle, this market tempts many tourists with its wide array of Thai handicrafts, street food, seafood, and fruits. Its rustic vibe offers a unique charm to those who want to settle down and grab a bite while exploring Chachoengsao province.
While there, try out the delicious Thai sticky rice made from Bang Khla's renowned mangoes fresh from the tree.
Klook Tip: To ensure your plans go smoothly, you might also want to book a private chartered car with a driver for the day or rent a car ahead of time.
- This floating market is famous for: Local fish, seafood, street food, and mangoes
- Address: ถนน Thetsaban Phatthana 1 Alley, Bang Khla, Bang Khla District, Chachoengsao 24110, Thailand (Map)
- Distance: 1 hour 30 minutes from Bangkok
- Opening hours: Saturday to Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM
These markets are just like shopping malls on water! Enjoy tasty Thai delicacies, take in the beautiful canal view, and bring home vibrant Thai silk for the full Thailand shopping experience. From night markets to morning markets and Bangkok hotspots to countryside gems, you'll be sure to find a floating market fit for your heart's desire.
On your next Thailand trip, be sure to include these floating markets on your itinerary!
