How to Experience Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Tours – A Breakdown of a Typical Floating Market Tour

Damnoen Saduak is the top floating market in Thailand, brilliant for snapping pics, grabbing a bite, and getting a feel for the old-school way of doing things. It’s worth setting an early alarm to avoid the scorching heat that greets Thailand in the afternoon. Most people who visit Thailand to get a feel of the local culture end up here. But don't let that throw you off – the market is located away from the hustle and bustle. If you steer clear of the touristy parts, you'll get a taste of what it's all about.

Touring the Market

Floating market at Damnoen Saduak | Image via Wikimedia Commons

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located just outside Bangkok, approximately two hours away from Jono Bangkok Asok. So, if you’re getting here from a hotel in Bangkok City Center, you’ll get here within an hour or two.

The coach leaves Bangkok just past 7 am. Your guide will give you a quick rundown on a bit of Thai history and point out some of the highlights as you zoom off into the countryside. Skyscrapers are soon swapped out for salt farms and lush greenery.

First on the agenda is an orchid and coconut farm. It's amazing how many things you can do with a coconut, which you’ll learn in the workshop offered by the farm – husks are used for making fire, and the young shoots are used for making palm sugar and oil.

After all that buzz, the orchids might seem a tad underwhelming. But it's still a treat to see them in the wild, especially if you're used to spotting them sat on window ledges in plastic pots.

A Long-Tail Boat Ride Down the River

After that quick pit stop, it's just a short 10-minute drive to the jetty where you'll jump on the long-tail boats all decked out and waiting to whisk you off to the market. The engine gives a proper rumble, breaking the silence as you glide down these winding waterways. You’ll see quaint wooden huts on poles lining the sides, and some feature ponds.

Your boat driver will slow down a little bit and let you soak up the twisty canals and catch a quick peek at the people living riverside. 

The whole ride is about 20 minutes, and it lets you calm down a bit before diving into the mad rush of the market. On first look, it might seem rammed, but all the punters and traders add a splash of life and colour to the mix.

Explore the Stalls

Hopping off the boat, you'll go straight into the hustle and bustle, with stalls knocking out the usual gear you'd find over at Chatuchak Weekend Market: little elephant knick-knacks, tiger balm, and t-shirts. It's no surprise seeing this at Thailand's most famous floating market, and yes, it can feel a bit touristy. But if you head a bit further in, you'll stumble upon the food sellers. 

They're not only a treat for the eyes with their colourful displays, but they also have some scrumptious bites on offer.
What sets Damnoen Saduak apart from other floating markets is its fame; there are loads of fruit vendors rowing their boats down the tight channels, giving you a shot at some amazing photos. 

The food by the water's edge is absolutely delicious. From fresh-out-the-pan coconut pancakes to hearty boat noodles swimming in a rich broth.

On a typical floating market tour, you have a lot of time to look around, sample some local grub, and take amazing pictures. There’s a reason why this market has such a reputation; it delivers on the floating market vibes, even though sometimes it can feel a bit touristy.

If you’re ever in Thailand, Damnoen Saduak is a must-visit. The market offers you a glimpse of everyday Thai life. Of course, sometimes it can feel a bit rehearsed, but it’s still worth a visit.