Bangkok Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway
Experience the charm of Thailand’s cultural heritage with a Bangkok historical day trip to the iconic Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the thrilling Maeklong Railway Market. These two destinations offer a perfect blend of tradition, adventure, and unforgettable experiences, all within easy reach of Bangkok. Whether you’re gliding through the canals of the floating market or witnessing the unique spectacle of a train passing through a bustling market, this day trip is a must for any traveler.
How to Go to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market
By Private Transport (Recommended):
-
- Why choose Go Thai Transport?
- Door-to-door service from Bangkok.
- Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles.
- No hidden fees—rates include tolls and GST.
- Travel time: Approximately 1.5–2 hours to Damnoen Saduak.
- By Public Transport:
- Take a bus from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal to Damnoen Saduak.
- From Damnoen Saduak, hire a taxi or tuk-tuk to Maeklong Railway Market.
- Note: Public transport can be time-consuming and less convenient.
- Why choose Go Thai Transport?
Why this day trip works
- Two iconic experiences in one loop. Glide the canals at Damnoen Saduak then head 30–40 minutes to Maeklong for the train pass-through.
- Easy timing. Go early for the floating market, reach Maeklong before a scheduled train.
- Family-friendly. Minimal walking, lots to see and taste, tons of photo spots.
How Far is Damnoen Saduak from Bangkok?
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Bangkok. The travel time by car is around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of the best floating markets near Bangkok, offering a vibrant and authentic Thai experience. As the morning sun rises, the market comes alive with colorful boats selling fresh produce, traditional snacks, and unique souvenirs. Glide through the narrow canals in a long-tail boat, soaking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this timeless market.
- Opening hours: 8:00 – 16:00 (best visited early morning).
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market — what to expect
This is the most famous floating market near Bangkok for a reason. Wooden boats glide through narrow khlongs, vendors cook to order on their boats, and the scene is a riot of color and aromas.
- Vibe: lively, photogenic, bustling early; quieter toward late morning
- Best window: early morning (aim to be on a boat by ~7:30–9:00
- Entrance fee: there’s no official gate fee; you pay for the boat ride (shared or private). Prices vary by operator and route length; shared boats tend to be the most economical.
- Must-try snacks: coconut pancakes (khanom khrok), boat noodles, grilled bananas, fresh mango, iced Thai coffee.
Tips for a better experience
- Bring small bills (cash rules the canals).
- Ask the boat operator about route length and stops before boarding.
- If you’re into photos, sit at the front of the boat for clean angles.
- Keep hands inside—boats can brush past each other in tight bends.
Maeklong Railway Market
Just a short drive from Damnoen Saduak, the Maeklong Railway Market is a must-see for its unique setting on an active train track. Watch as vendors quickly retract their stalls to make way for the passing train—a thrilling spectacle that’s perfect for photos and videos.
- Train schedule: Trains pass through the market at 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:30 PM, and 5:40 PM). Hours may change, please see their Google Business Profile for the latest info).
- Where to stand: find a safe spot with a clear sightline down the tracks—listen for whistles and follow staff instructions
- Must-try: Fresh seafood, grilled meats, and local desserts.
- Must-try foods: Fresh seafood, grilled meats, local desserts
Sample day plan (smooth timing)
- 05:45–06:15 — Pickup in Bangkok (private van)
- 07:30–09:00 — Damnoen Saduak Floating Market boat ride + snack crawl
- 09:30–10:15 — Drive to Maeklong Railway Market
- 10:30–12:00 — Explore stalls, position for the 11:00 train
- 12:15–13:30 — Lunch nearby (seafood is a win)
- 13:30–15:00 — Return to Bangkok (or add an extra market stop; see below)
More Floating Market Options Near Bangkok
If you want alternatives or an extra stop, here are easy picks with different vibes.
Khlong Lat Mayom (Bangkok, Thawi Watthana)
Relaxed and food-focused with canalside stalls and some boats. Weekends, best late morning to lunch. ~30–45 minutes from central Bangkok—perfect half-day.
Taling Chan (Bangkok, Thonburi)
Smaller and cozy, ideal for a sit-down lunch by the canal. Weekend market, late morning sweet spot. Similar distance to Khlong Lat Mayom. Many travelers pair these two in a half-day.
Bang Nam Phueng (Bang Krachao)
Set in Bangkok’s “green lung,” leafy and calm—think cycle loop + grazing. Morning visits shine. ~30–45 minutes from downtown including crossing. Light, breezy, very local.
Amphawa (Samut Songkhram)
The evening star (Fri–Sun). Arrive late afternoon, graze along the river, then take a firefly boat tour after dark. ~1.5 hours from Bangkok. Romantic, atmospheric, busy on weekends.
Tha Kha (Samut Songkhram)
Quieter and more traditional, with coconut farms and calm canals. Weekends + some lunar days; go early morning. ~1.5 hours from Bangkok.
Kwan Riam (Minburi, Bangkok)
Local weekend market along a canal with temples on both sides. Best in the morning; ~45–60 minutes from central Bangkok.
Don Wai (Nakhon Pathom)
Riverside market with classic Thai dishes (not everything is boat-based). Mornings are best; ~1 hour west of Bangkok.
Ayuthaya Floating Market (Ayutthaya)
Heritage-style complex you can combine with Ayutthaya’s temples. Generally daily, morning to afternoon; 1.5–2 hours north.
How to choose:
Short on time or traveling with kids? Pick Khlong Lat Mayom or Taling Chan (close and easy). For the most atmospheric evening, go Amphawa (Fri–Sun). For a quieter, more “local” morning, try Tha Kha early. Nature lovers should consider Bang Nam Phueng plus a bike ride.
Easy add-ons:
- Half day (close): Khlong Lat Mayom → short canal boat ride → lunch → back to Bangkok
- Evening: Amphawa food crawl → firefly tour → return
- Traditional morning: Tha Kha early → coconut-sugar farm → (optional) Maeklong train pass
Heads up: Hours can shift by season/operator. Check same-day details on Google. Bring small cash, sun protection, and light rain gear in the wet season.
Other floating markets you might hear about (quick notes)
To help with search clarity, here’s a fast glossary of names travelers Google:
- Khlong Bang Luang Floating Market (artist house area; small, cultural)
- Wat Saphan, Wat Takien, Wat Lam Phaya, Bang Phli, Bang Khla, Bangkok Noi, Sai Noi, Bang Khu Wiang (various local markets with limited days/hours; check current status)
- ICONSIAM “floating market” (a mall-style food zone themed after Thai markets—fun for a quick taste, but not a traditional canal market)
- Pattaya Floating Market (ticketed; more of a themed complex—great if you’re already in Pattaya)
- Hua Hin Floating Market / Sam Phan Nam Floating Market (some formats have changed; verify open status before you go)
- Khlong Hae Floating Market (Hat Yai), Thale Noi (Phatthalung), Red Lotus Floating Market (Udon Thani), Ko Kloi (Rayong) — notable beyond Bangkok.
Why Choose Go Thai Transport?
Make your Bangkok historical day trip seamless and enjoyable with Go Thai Transport:
- Reliable service: Experienced drivers and comfortable vehicles.
- Hassle-free travel: No need to worry about navigation or parking.
- Competitive pricing: Transparent rates with no hidden fees.
Book your trip now and explore the best floating market in Bangkok and the Maeklong Railway Market with ease!
FAQs
Q: How do I get to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market?
A: The easiest way is by private transport with Bangkok Van service Go Thai Transport. Public buses are also available but less convenient.
Q: What are the Maeklong Railway Market train times?
A: Trains pass through at 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:30 PM, and 5:40 PM.
Q: Is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market worth visiting?
A: Yes! It’s one of the most iconic and vibrant floating markets in Thailand.
More Day Trips option with Go Thai Transport:
- Bangkok to Pattaya
- Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
- Bangkok to Hua Hin
- Bangkok to Khao Yai
- Safari Trip Bangkok
- Temples Hopping with Go Thai Transport
- and more destinations, just let us know..
Related blog post:
Price Damnoen Saduak & Maeklong Railway
*Exclude ticket to attractions
*10 hours round trip
*Overtime 300 thb/hour (SUV) / 350 thb/hour (Van)
The price was reasonable and the van was well maintained. Driver (Arm) was polite and communicated well.
Overall a really fantastic experience with the service.
Thank you 😊
