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Here is a step-by-step guide to visiting the floating Market Bangkok independently and on a budget in 2026. In this article we will tell you how to take an independent day trip to the floating Market Bangkok for $15 per person including transport and a motor boat tour of the market and surrounding villages.
In this guide we will tell you how to save money, how to avoid scams and how to get to and from the floating Market step by step. If you take a pre-booked tour it is likely to cost around $30 – $50 to visit the floating market.
Don’t miss our guide to THE BEST areas to stay in Bangkok – prices, vibe, transport, things to do and more.
Join us at the Floating Market in Bangkok
Check out our video to see what it is really like to explore the Floating Market with kids…
A little disclaimer about the floating market
If you want to get a boat tour of the floating market it can be quite expensive. Therefore you will need to be able to barter. In our experience the locals have good English and are very friendly and willing to be flexible with the price. ALSO, the Floating Market in Bangkok is pretty touristy. Looking for some unique hidden gems? Don’t miss the non-touristy things to do in Bangkok.
How much does it cost to visit the floating Market in Bangkok?
It is actually free of charge to visit the floating Market itself. However, the main costs of visiting the floating Market are transportation and the cost of taking a boat tour around the market.
If you want to pre-book a tour to visit the floating Market it is likely to be relatively expensive. Booking a tour online in advance is likely to cost you $30 – $50. Booking tours in Bangkok are generally a similar price.
In this article we will tell you how you can organize a budget independent tour of the floating market for $15 per person. This price includes transport to and from the floating market and a boat tour around the floating market (approximately 1 hour)
- Transport to the Sai Tai Mai bus terminal (the southern bus terminal)- price depends on your location in Bangkok and your chosen method of transport.
- Bus Journey 80 baht each way (just over $2 each way)
- Boat tour 300 baht per person (just under $8). May need to wait for a group or team together with other travellers on your bus.
Notice this actually costs less than $15. We have not included food, drinks and shopping in this budget because that is up to you. Food at the floating Market Bangkok typically costs around 100 baht – 150 baht.
What is the best floating Market to visit in Bangkok?
There are several floating markets that you can visit in and around Bangkok. If you happen to be in Bangkok over a weekend there is a lovely little floating Market called the Taling Chan Floating Market. The advantage of this floating Market is that it is located in Bangkok around 7 km from Khaosan Road.
By the way, don’t miss our guide to the best Khaosan Road hotels
The best floating Market Bangkok is called Damneon Saduak floating market. This large floating market is open throughout the week. The Damneon Saduak floating Market is located around 100 km west of Bangkok City Center. This is a very long journey on this likely to take around 3 hours by road depending on the traffic conditions. The main disadvantage of this floating Market is the distance and journey time from Bangkok.
If you are visiting the Damneon Saduak floating market you can also see the Maeklong railway market (which is enroute to the floating market).
Beware of scams!!
Watch out – there are sadly some floating village scams too. There are reports of drivers dropping travellers off in remote locations and then extorting them for transport. So if you want to visit the floating market Bangkok – please read our guide carefully.
Is the floating Market Bangkok touristy?
All of the floating markets around Bangkok are tourist attractions. So if you are looking for a non-touristy attraction, floating markets shouldn’t be top of your list. At the floating markets you will see other tourists and travellers. The floating markets can get busy at peak times. Locals will be selling products directed at tourists (clothes, gifts, toys and food). There is also a risk of scams and pushy retailers.
However, we still think it’s well worth visiting a floating Market in Bangkok. We have learned to enjoy the vibe of other travellers enjoying a place. The floating markets are very unique. You can still get a good experience of local life. You don’t need to look far to see authenticity here. We loved the boat ride through the village. Thai communities genuinely live along these waterways.
What can you see at the floating Market Bangkok?
At the floating Market Bangkok you can see waterways leading around villages and small market stalls. You can also see people on boats selling a wide range of local products including coconut ice cream, fruit and snacks, mango sticky rice, BBQ food (YEAH they actually have BBQs on their boats). You can even get a pad thai cooked on a boat.
Everything is a little bit more expensive than the streets – but expensive in Thailand is still relatively cheap. There is also a section of market that you can walk around right next to the river.
How to see the floating market Bangkok for $15 all in
1 Go to the Sai Tai Mai bus terminal (southern bus terminal)
There are several ways to get to the Sai Tai Mai bus terminal. If you are on a serious budget you can take a local bus around Bangkok (likely to cost 10 – 20 baht). Alternatively you can use the Grab or Bolt taxi app to get a taxi. This is likely to cost in the region of 50baht – 250baht depending on the distance in Bangkok.
2 Take a bus to Damneon Saduak floating market
Look for the ticket office for floating market buses. The name and price is clearly written on the ticket desk. Buses depart every 1.5 – 2 hours, so we recommend arriving on time for your desired bus. Bus tickets cost 80 baht. The bus is a small minibus. The bus journey takes around 3 hours or more depending on traffic.
Buses from Sai Tai Mai to Damneon Saduak depart at the following times each day:
6.30am, 8.00am, 10.00am, 12.00pm, 1.30pm, 3.00pm, 4.30pm and 5.30pm
3 Barter for a boat tour around the floating market
Now here is the intense bit. The bus drops you off at a boat office around 1km from the main market area. At this point you will either need to barter for a boat or walk to the market and take a boat from there. They are likely to start at a very high price (e.g. 800 baht per person). Be confident – you should be able to get it for around 300 baht per person, especially if there are a few people on the bus.
TOP TIP: Try to talk to other travelers and agree to a price you are all happy with. If they see you bartering as a group you will have more bartering power. Boats can generally take around 6 – 8 people.
4 Hop on a boat and enjoy your market tour
Once you have agreed on a fair price, hop on the boat and enjoy the tour. They will stop at market shops and stalls along the way. There are places to buy food, drinks and snacks as you enjoy the market.
5 From the drop off point walk 5 minutes to the return bus office
At the end of the tour you will be dropped off at a different location. We have included all these locations on the map. From your drop off location it is around 5 minutes to walk to the office with return buses. Buses depart roughly every 1 – 2 hours so you may need to wait for your return bus journey to Bangkok.
6 Take a bus back to Sai Tai Mai bus terminal (southern bus terminal)
The return buses generally go back to Sai Tai Mai bus terminal. Buses may continue on to Central Pinklao Mall (this is a good hub) From here you can hop on the subway system. The closest station is Bang Yi Khan.
Too complicated? Want a more convenient way to see the Floating Market Bangkok?
This may sound complicated and awkward. If you want a more convenient way to get to the Floating Market Bangkok consider renting a car. Check car rental prices on Skyscanner.
What are the best places to stay in bangkok?
Looking for a great place to stay in Bangkok? Don’t miss these awesome hotels and guest houses…
Pillow & Bread – the best budget guest house
Great option for families on a budget. Clean, comfortable and simple. Consider getting two rooms to accommodate larger families. Not the best location but a great budget place. You can book Pillow & Bread on Agoda. You can also book Pillow & Bread on Booking.com.
Indy House 59 – another great budget option
This cheap guest house offers rooms with a lot of space. They are super friendly here and this hostel is well located near shops, public transport, the Indy Market and the Pinklao Central Mall. Find Indy House 59 on Agoda or find Indy House 59 on Booking.com.
Sunset Residence Pinklao
Vibrant bright apartment style accommodations. Lots of space and stylish property. Get the convenience an amenities of your home in a super trendy fun location. Great location for shops and food and more. Sunset Residence Pinklao are on Agoda. You can also find Sunset Residence Pinklao on Booking.com.
Kasayapi Hotel
If your looking for somewhere with some heritage style and character check out the Kasayapi Hotel. This place is amazing value for money. This is a stylish hotel with an outdoor pool and beautiful local Thai vibes. Check out the pictures of Kasayapi on Agoda to see what we mean. You can also reserve the Kasayapi on Booking.com.
Kimpton Maa-Lai
The Kimpton is probably one of the most prestigious, luxurious and elite hotels in Bangkok. So if you’re really looking to splash out – take a moment to peruse their rooms and facilities. This 5 star hotel is decadent, artistic and impressive. Luxurious and unique with excellent services for families. The Kimpton are on Agoda and you can also find the Kimpton on Booking.com.
Traveling with kids?
Don’t miss these AMAZING family friendly hotels in Bangkok
