Last Updated on September 24, 2024 by Leslie Stroud <!– %AUTHOR_NAME% –>
Your trip to Thailand is incomplete if you haven’t been to the famed floating markets around Bangkok. As we often are flying into a new country without a ton of research, I found out about these when we were already in Bangkok. It quickly became one of my favorite things to do in Bangkok, and we repeated it less than a year later on a long layover.
Granted, it is VERY touristy, but my viewpoint is that things are popular and touristy for a reason! They are often quite fun. If you hate crowds, skip this one, as it’s busy and crowded (like all things in Bangkok). That doesn’t usually bother us, and I simply love floating down a canal and eating some fresh Pad Thai made from the boat next to me.
Interestingly, it was no big deal in the past; it was normal and just a way of life. Bangkok people used to sell their produce across the canals for trade and other market transactions. Now, you can find fresh seafood, veggies, colorful crops, local snacks, and even souvenirs. It is a one-stop shop, just floating.
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Why Visit Floating Markets With Your Family?
Now, you might be wondering why you should go to the floating markets for a family outing. Besides being charming and photogenic, these markets offer a unique opportunity for kids to experience Thai culture, from bargaining with vendors to sampling exotic fruits. It’s an educational adventure wrapped in vibrant colors and delicious aromas!
Imagine the delight on your child’s face as they try mango sticky rice for the first time or watch boats piled high with tropical fruits float by. These are the moments that make family travel truly special.
We’ve bought keychains from most of the places we’ve visited, and the kids negotiated right from the boat with the vendors in other boats and in the stalls on the side. It’s like visiting a really fun mall with a twist!
Which Floating Markets To Go With Kids
Picture this: colorful boats piled high with tropical fruits, the aroma of sizzling street food, and the gentle lapping of water. It’s like stepping into a whole new world! Bangkok offers several floating markets that come with various levels of touristy-ness and business. Note that you may drive for a long time to get to the markets. Bangkok is HUGE, and we drove over an hour to visit them.
Our Top Picks For Bangkok Floating Markets
Each floating market has something to boast about. Get to know the iconic souvenirs and food to try at each.
1. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
This is the classic choice! It’s a bit touristy, but hey, sometimes that’s perfect for families. The kids will love the boat rides and all the photo ops.
It is the most famous and largest in Thailand, and it is a good place to see the best of Bangkok (1 hour and 40 minutes away). Enjoy the vibrant colors and taste the local snacks, grilled fresh seafood, desserts, and more. Expect a high volume of crowds, especially on weekends.
- Schedule: Every day from 8 am through 4 pm
- Iconic Souvenirs: Handicrafts, wooden carvings, Thai silk scarves, and traditional Thai masks.
- Food to Try: Pad Thai, coconut pancakes (kanom krok), mango sticky rice, grilled seafood, and fresh tropical fruits like pineapple and watermelon.
2. Taling Chan Floating Market
This market is super close to the city and not too overwhelming. Great for a quick taste of floating market life without the long journey.
It is 30 minutes away from Bangkok. This market is less crowded and is the perfect place to have an inexpensive lunch. It’s not very big to explore; thus, you’ll have ample time to see a lot and not be so overwhelmed.
- Schedule: Weekends from 8 am through 5 pm
- Iconic Souvenirs: Orchids, herbal products, traditional Thai spices, and woven baskets.
- Food to Try: Grilled fish with Thai herbs, fried mussels in batter, spicy papaya salad (som tum), grilled chicken skewers, and Thai-style coconut dumplings (kanom tako).
This local gem is perfect for foodie families. It’s smaller, less crowded, and oh-so-authentic.
Conveniently located near the famous Chatuchak weekend Market, which is worth several days visit on its own, this market is about 30 minutes from central Bangkok. It’s a newer addition to the city’s floating market scene, offering a unique blend of traditional Thai culture and modern amenities, making it an ideal spot for families to explore.
- Schedule: Open daily from 9 am to 8 pm, with peak activity on weekends
- Iconic Souvenirs: Handcrafted wooden items, colorful Thai textiles, locally-made jewelry, and aromatic herbal products
- Food to Try: Moo ping (grilled pork skewers), som tam (spicy green papaya salad), khanom krok (coconut pancakes), pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and fresh coconut water served in the shell
This market is our personal fave for a more laid-back vibe. Go in the late afternoon and stay for the firefly boat tours. Pure magic!
You’ll only need to travel 1.5 hours away from Bangkok, and this market sits along the Mae Klong River. It’s the second most popular floating market in Bangkok, where various things can be done, from dining to shopping to getting a massage.
- Schedule: Friday through Sunday from 2 pm through 8:00 p.m
- Iconic Souvenirs: Handmade candles, traditional Thai sweets, embroidered fabrics, and hand-painted ceramics.
- Food to Try: Grilled river prawns, seafood noodles, coconut ice cream, fishcakes, Thai-style grilled squid, and boat noodles.
Remember, the early bird gets the worm (or in this case, the freshest mango sticky rice)! Most markets are at their best in the morning, so pack those kiddos up early.
Tips When Visiting The Floating Markets
- As already mentioned, be prepared to drive a long way and potentially battle famous Bangkok traffic. It’s easy to get a large, comfortable van for just a few dollars a day, so don’t worry about that too much in advance. You can even Uber, and they will 100% offer to wait and work with you throughout the day. Exchange Whatsapp numbers, and you’ll be good to go!
- As you will walk open-air, dress comfortably. The weather can be extremely hot. We once heard that Bangkok has three weather options: Rainy, hot, and super hot.
- During the rainy season (July – October), rain and flashes of lightning are frequent. Gear up with a raincoat, umbrella, and hat.
- Bring water, and stay hydrated. You’ll most likely try local snacks, but it’s safer to have your own water with you.
- Bring cash. As you explore the markets by boat, it’s easier to transact when you have cash and smaller bills available. Thailand runs on cash, and you’ll need plenty of it.
- Beware of pickpockets, even in less-crowded places. Always bring a good travel bag for your essentials.
- Animals can be part of the attraction. However, many feel that this is cruelty to the animals. We did pay to hold some critters, but I’d avoid that in the future knowing what I do now.
- Embrace the street food. While we never drank anything but bottles of water, we ate TONS of street food in Thailand. We never got sick, but we did stay up-to-date on our vaccinations and stuck with touristy areas. There is nothing quite like fresh Pad Thai and Mango Sticky Rice in Thailand. I’d encourage you to try it, and enjoy! You’ll miss it someday (like me).
- Bangkok is 7 hours ahead of GMT, so jet lag can be a challenge for little ones. Help them adjust by planning some downtime, getting plenty of daylight, and sticking to regular meal and activity times. This will make the time change smoother and keep everyone in good spirits!
- Make the most of your visit to the Floating Markets by going early, between 7am-12pm. This way, you’ll beat the crowds and dodge the midday heat, making it a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for the whole family!
Other Family-Friendly Tours And Activities When In Bangkok With Kids
Visit The Maeklong Railway Market + Floating Market
This unique market sits right next to the train tracks. It’s another stop to consider if you’re looking to experience local vibes and taste the local flavors of Thailand. It’s fun to see how people flock away from the railway when they hear the train honk. You can take pictures when the train passes by. The passengers are photo-ready as well!
We paired our trip to the floating market with a visit to the famous railway—I highly recommend booking a tour to make the most of both experiences. It’s a fun and efficient way to see these iconic spots without missing a beat!
As this famous train market and the floating markets are roughly in the same area, we combined the two into a long but fun day. Be prepared for the kids to crash hard on the long ride back. In fact, we all took naps in the car.
Discover Bangkok On A Bike
Explore the city’s backstreets and narrow alleys. Visit the Temples of the Thonburi district and beautiful coconut, mango, and banana plantations.
Pearl Cruise At River City Pier
Get entertained by a live band and a classic Thai dance performance aboard the Wonderful Pearl Cruise at River City Pier. Soak in the panoramic views, while having a fine dining experience.
Where To Stay In Bangkok With Kids
- Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort caters exceptionally well to families, offering a kids’ club with supervised activities and family-sized rooms and suites. The resort boasts multiple swimming pools, including a dedicated children’s pool, ensuring fun for all ages. Dining options are plentiful, with child-friendly menus available. Families can bond over cooking classes, and the river shuttle boat to central Bangkok adds an exciting element to the stay.
- Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel provides a luxurious family experience with babysitting services and family packages that often include special perks for children. The large outdoor pool features shallow areas perfect for younger guests. Rooms come equipped with children’s amenities like child-sized robes and special toiletries. Its location near Lumpini Park is ideal for family outings.
- The Peninsula Bangkok elevates the family stay with its Peninsula Academy, offering cultural experiences suitable for all ages. Spacious rooms can easily accommodate extra beds, and a children’s swimming pool provides a safe space for aquatic fun. The hotel’s restaurants offer special children’s menus, and the whole family can enjoy the afternoon tea experience. River cruise options provide another enjoyable family activity.
When considering family-friendly hotels in Bangkok, it’s wise to look for those offering connecting rooms, availability of strollers or cribs, and information on age limits for kids staying free in parents’ rooms. Hotels with in-room refrigerators are handy for storing snacks and milk.
Additionally, consider the hotel’s proximity to family-friendly attractions or ease of transportation to make your family’s Bangkok adventure as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Safe Travels!
Leslie,
Travel Tip: This Charles Schwab Debit Card refunds ALL ATM fees globally! You can save a fortune on foreign fees! How cool is that? Perfect for your next family trip.
Catch great fare deals from Booking.com, Skyscanner, Kiwi.com, or Expedia
Find a nice hotel in Bangkok from Expedia, or Vrbo, (we also love Tripadvisor and Hotels.com)
Discover more of Bangkok while having fun through exciting activities from GetYourGuide, Airbnb Experiences, or Viator
Need to rent a car to navigate the city? Visit Rentalcars.com / EuropCar
Get insured while traveling with World Nomads / SafetyWing / TravelEx
Want to have a photo shoot while traveling? Check out flytographer!
Capture your best travel memories in Bangkok as we do with a GoPro, Sony camera, or our favorite drones: DJI FPV, Air, and Mini
Check out your travel necessities from a comprehensive list of all the 7Wayfinders Travel Must-Haves. Click Here!
Additional Reading
Bangkok with Kids: Top 13 Things to Do
