A thriving, bustling market – but not as you've seen it before. True to its name, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Thailand is not just a traditional market, but one that has been built upon the banks of the river.

Whether you're a photography enthusiast, a foodie, or a curious traveler looking for an unconventional Thai experience, Damnoen Saduak floating market tours in Bangkok are certainly worth considering as a day trip from Bangkok.

Here's all you need to know about visiting the Damnoen Saduak floating market, one of the most fascinating attractions in Bangkok.

Where is the Damnoen Saduak floating market located?

The Damnoen Saduak floating market is located in the Ratchaburi province of Thailand, about 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok.

The drive takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes if you take the main highway, or 10 minutes extra if you can the coastal route via Samut Songkhram (where you can also visit the famous Maeklong Railway Market).

Alternatively, you can join a guided tour for a hassle-free experience.

What are the best things to do in the Damnoen Saduak floating market?

When it comes to activities in the Damnoen Saduak floating market, most of them are centered around traditional market experiences: haggling, meeting the local vendors, and sampling fresh local produce. It is also a great place to start doing some sightseeing in Bangkok.

However, due to its unique layout on the water, there are a couple extra things you can do here that you wouldn’t find at a land-based market!

Shop on a long-tail boat

Join a long-tail boat tour and glide down the river, where you can browse (or buy) fresh fruit and vegetables, including rambutan, bananas, mangoes and langsat, as well as traditional crafts, souvenirs (like Buddha statues), clothes and street food directly from vendors on the river banks. There are many more canals that branch off the Damnoen Saduak canal too, which provide a great opportunity for exploration.

Get an authentic local meal

The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is an excellent starting point for a food tour in Bangkok. Along the river, several floating restaurants serve up classic local dishes like spicy tom yum soup, Pad Thai and curries. For dessert, mango sticky rice ad coconut ice cream are both crowd favorites.

However, you can also disembark your boat and go to the food court, where you can dig into a larger meal (on a sturdier surface).

What are the best tours to visit the Damnoen Saduak floating market?

From small-group tours to private excursions that also visit a handful of nearby attractions, there are a variety of tours that can help you explore the Damnoen Saduak floating market. Let's take a look at the most popular options.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Tour

Lasting around 6 hours, this small-group tour is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the Damnoen Saduak floating market with a local guide, on a budget.

You'll be taken on a long-tail boat ride through the canal and experience first-hand how locals shop and live on the water.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Marketing & Maeklong Railway Train Market Tour

In addition to the Damnoen Saduak floating market, this combination-style tour also visits the famous Maeklong Railway Train Market, located about 20 minutes away from Damnoen Saduak.

This narrow market sits right on a railway track that still operates to this day — the train regularly passes through the center of the market, and when it does, all stalls are quickly moved out of the way!

You can choose between small-group options (more affordable) and private (more expensive, but customizable).

Grand Palace, Damnoen Floating Market & Maeklong Market Tour

A more comprehensive option, this tour is a highlight reel of the area, combining the two most famous markets in the region with the opulent Grand Palace as well as the very sacred Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).

You'll also stop for lunch in a local restaurant although this may be at your own expense.

Private Excursion to Floating Market and Ayutthaya World Heritage Site

Lasting close to 11 hours, this full-day adventure combines the Damnoen Saduak excursion with a visit to UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya. As the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, the ruins boast a rich history that climaxed with the 18th-century invasion.

These tours generally also include stops at Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the Maeklong Railway Market.

What are the prices of the Damnoen Saduak floating market tours?

Excursions to the Damnoen Saduak floating market vary in price but generally start from as little as US$25 for small-group tours that only visit the market.

You can expect to spend a little more for small group combo tours, such as the half-day tour of Damnoen Saduak Floating Marketing & Maeklong Railway Train Market, which costs around US$30 per person. A more comprehensive tour, such as the Grand Palace, Damnoen Floating Market & Maeklong Market Tour, will cost around US$60 to US$70 per person.

Finally, private tours are more expensive; a multi-market trip will cost between US$90 and US$100 per person, while the Floating Market and Ayutthaya World Heritage Site tour costs around US$165 for adults (with roughly 50% discounts for kids). However, prices become more competitive when you have more people in your group.

Where do the tours start?

The majority of Damnoen Saduak floating market tours start with hotel pickup in Bangkok. If your hotel is not in one of the central Bangkok areas, you will then meet at a convenient location such as the National Stadium BTS Station.

Pick-up times tend to be early in the morning - around 6 or 7 AM.

When is the best time to visit the Damnoen Saduak floating market?

The market is most lively between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. This is when local vendors are most active and when you can experience the market in its full authenticity before it gets too crowded with tourists.

Travel tips

While the floating market isn't as strict as temples, it's still advisable to dress modestly out of respect for local culture. Wear light, breathable clothes and comfortable shoes.
Like many markets in Thailand, haggling is common. Always negotiate prices, especially if you're buying souvenirs or taking a boat tour.
The sun can get intense, even in the morning. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

Floating market of Damnoen Saduak: Tickets and Tours