Visiting The Bangkok Floating Markets

The Bangkok Floating Markets - Don't Miss This When Visiting Bangkok, Thailand

I instantly fell in love with Bangkok; the food, the people, the city, are all so vibrant and full of life! Before starting our 29 Day Indochina Tour with G Adventures, my mom and I had an extra day to explore the city on our own. We opted to do a half-day tour of the Bangkok floating markets.

Little did we know, it was an hour and a half drive outside Bangkok itself. Though pretty far, it was definitely worth it. Both my mom and I had an amazing time seeing just how people make their living in these markets.

The Bangkok Floating Markets

Upon arriving at the start of the markets, you have the option to do a one hour or two-hour tour. We decided to do two hours. At first, I thought that would be far too long, but in the end, we would’ve happily stayed longer!

PRO TIP: Before starting, get yourself an ice-cold Chang to drink while you float. Don’t worry if you run out, plenty of vendors sell beer along the way 😉

Entering the Markets

Our boat driver first led us along narrow, palm tree-lined waterways.

Then we started passing all kinds of vendors. They were selling everything from food, clothes, souvenirs, and art!

We continued along passing house after house, presumably those of the vendors that worked in the floating markets.

Buddhist Temple in Bangkok Floating Markets

Halfway through our journey, we stopped at one of the Buddhist temples. This was our first taste of temples in Thailand.

This was one particularly beautiful. As a sign of respect, you must cover your shoulders and take off your shoes.

My mom and I gave a donation to receive a blessing. We gave flowers and candles, and then put gold leaves on statues of the Buddha. It was a very spiritual experience.

On the steps was a dog that lived at the temple. Someone drew blue eyebrows on him, it was hilarious!

Back in the Floating Markets

After the temple, we floated into the most hectic and busy part of the market. We could hardly row through without bumping into another boat next to us!

People were selling fruits, food, and drinks out of boats — even boiling hot soup! I really love some of the photos I got from the market:

We made a necessary pit stop to refuel on Chang and bought the best mango I have ever had.

I found it interesting to see some people making a living in such a simple way, selling produce out of a boat, yet on their cell phones…

After leaving the market, we continued along the waterway surrounded by palm trees again.

We even spotted one of these water monitors!

If you are ever in Bangkok, I highly recommend a trip out to the floating markets. Many say it’s gotten a bit touristy, but I still thought it was a wonderful experience!

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xx Chels