Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Bangkok. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Bangkok: Floating Market and Train Market Experience

• Half-Day Railway Market and Floating Market Tour in Thailand

• Floating Market Damnoen Saduak and Meklong Railway Market: Half-Day Tour

• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Ayutthaya Tour From Bangkok

• Bangkok: Railway and Floating Market Tour + Dragon Temple

There is no official entrance fee to visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and you can wander the banks and bridges for free. Many travelers visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market as part of a guided day tour from Bangkok, which includes round-trip transportation, a boat ride, and often a stop at the famed train market, Maeklong Railway Market. Those tours start at around US$26 and go up from there, depending on what’s included.

Yes, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is worth visiting as it is one of Thailand's most vivid and memorable cultural experiences. Vendors paddle wooden boats loaded with fresh tropical fruit, noodle dishes, and handmade goods through a maze of narrow canals, creating a lively and photogenic scene. Booking a guided tour from Bangkok is the most convenient option as round-trip transportation is included, and a local expert guide will help you navigate the crowds, seek out the best food stalls, and offer context on the market's history and significance.

Per one customer who booked the Bangkok: Floating Market and Train Market Experience, "We had a wonderful time with Nok on the floating market tour, not only was she very knowledgeable but felt like we were just hanging out with a friend. From the moment of pickup, it was laughter all the way. Nok gave us an experience we shall remember forever. Market was great and train market, can't forget the delicious food and drinks."

Yes, there are plenty of guided tours of this popular floating market, nearly all of which depart from Bangkok. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market tickets typically include a ride on a traditional wooden boat, which meanders around the floating market and its side canals, with time to explore the stalls surrounding the river on foot. Many tours also visit the Maeklong Railway Market.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is 62 miles (100 kilometers) from Bangkok: it takes around 90 minutes via Route 4 or Route 35, depending on traffic, which is typically most heavy within Bangkok. While you can take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal, hiring a taxi or booking a tour with transport is typically easier.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market officially opens at 7am and closes at 11am, but many vendors arrive as early as 6am to set up their sailing stalls. Tours depart from Bangkok early, with most arriving at the market between 8am-9am. Boats will probably be crowding the waterways if you arrive any later.

At Damnoen Saduak Floating Market you can buy everything from exotic fresh fruit and vegetables to woven hats and carved Buddha statues. Must-try dishes include deep-fried banana, coconut ice cream, mango sticky rice, and pad Thai. The land-based stalls are where you’ll find more souvenirs, while the boats are best for snacks and drinks.

Bargaining is expected and encouraged at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market; the first price the vendors give you will likely be higher than what you’ll end up paying. While food and drink will generally have a set price, souvenirs are often open to negotiation, but be respectful of the work that’s gone into hand-made trinkets and art.

If you still think the price is too high, keep in mind that you may encounter similar souvenirs in less-touristy markets on your trip. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of Thailand’s most famous markets, and its most famous floating market, so prices are higher than what you’ll find elsewhere, especially in more rural areas.

Yes, another popular attraction near Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is Maeklong Railway Market. Here, stalls are laid out beside train tracks—when a siren signals the arrival of a train, vendors hastily scatter with their goods. Day trips typically combine Damnoen Saduak Floating Market with this, or the UNESCO-listed site of Ayutthaya.

And if you haven’t gotten your floating market fix, consider stopping by Amphawa Floating Market. It’s about 15 minutes away, by car, and it’s more popular with locals who hit it up in the afternoon and evening.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Bangkok:

• Grand Palace

• Temple of the Reclining Buddha

• Temple of the Dawn

• Bangkok Chinatown

• Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Bangkok.