The Floating Markets

The floating markets are a colourful tradition of central Thailand, where vendors in wooden boats laden with tropical fruit, vegetables, noodle soups and grilled treats paddle the narrow canals, or khlongs, selling to shoppers on the banks and in boats. The famous Damnoen Saduak and the more local, evening Amphawa markets near Bangkok offer a vivid, photogenic taste of old riverine Thailand.

What to look for

• The boat vendors - the wooden boats laden with fruit and food.
• The canal-side cooking - the noodle soups and grilled snacks cooked on the boats.
• A boat ride - paddling the canals through the market.
• Amphawa - the more local evening market with fireflies.

When to go

November to February for the coolest weather; go very early, as the famous Damnoen Saduak market is busiest and most touristy by mid-morning. Amphawa is an afternoon and evening market, quieter and more local, popular at weekends.

Good to know

The most famous market, Damnoen Saduak, has become very touristy and can feel like a staged photo-op, with inflated prices and pushy boat touts; going at dawn or choosing the more local Amphawa gives a more genuine feel. It is a way out of Bangkok, so most visit on a tour or early start.

Nearby

The Maeklong railway market and Bangkok are within reach; Amphawa is nearby.