Despite the numerous malls and street markets that flourish in the Thai capital, there is another whole new shopping experience out there — the floating markets of Bangkok. Just located a step outside of the city and your hotel in Sukhumvit, most of them offer a traditional experience and throwback into the past when Bangkok was dubbed the Venice of Asia. Though some markets have been commercialized and focus on tourists, a visit is still a great way to find some souvenirs or purchase fresh food prepared on a boat, and all in a slightly quirky environment. Now we are showing you a few selected floating markets in Bangkok that will certainly enrich your travel experience in Thailand.

Taling Chan Floating Market

This is one of the closest floating markets to the city centre of Bangkok, but small and still fairly traditional. It isn’t exactly a network of canals but boats along the pier of a river. Besides shopping and food, this gives you the nice opportunity to take a short boat ride while you are there. After that you can relax and have one of the famous sea food snacks of this particular market.

Amphawa Floating Market

About 50 kilometres outside of Bangkok down town, the one and a half hour journey is well worth it. You can easily get there by bus from the Southern Bus Terminal heading towards Samut Songkram or take a direct minivan from almost any bus or van station in Bangkok. This market is famous for arts and handicraft and less for food. Recently is has become home of some so-called vintage shops and mostly Thai natives heading to this market for souvenirs and instagram-worthy pictures. There might be a slightly touristy element but as mentioned before, its majority are Thai visitors which gives it a more local and authentic feeling.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

The most commercial and touristy floating market in our recommendations. However, it’s still a nice opportunity to see many boats on the water and enjoy the busy environment. This market has everything from souvenirs to food and you can also take boat trips on the canals of this market. If you are hiring a taxi or private driver, you can combine a visit to this market with the one in Amphawa, as it is only 10 kilometres away.

To get the most of these activities, you might need to book a place on time as there might be a rush for rooms in several classy Lohas Residences, hotel in Sukhumvit.