Taling Chan Floating Market

Taling Chan Floating Market highlights

The entrance of the Taling Chan Floating Market can be deceivingly bland, thanks to a green plastic roof sheltering mostly plants and gardening stuff. Head further in to find a real market atmosphere, with all kinds of sweets, fruits and fun snacks you should try. 

Past a small bridge, you can't miss the wooden boats moored along the riverbank, most of them cooking seafood on small barbecues, while others prepare the famous som tum (papaya salad) for diners sitting at wooden platforms and low tables. If you arrive past 11am, most places are already running at full capacity. The central area is usually packed, but you’ll usually see smaller crowds as you continue past the first group of restaurants.

Eating by the river is a fun and local activity at Khlong Lad Mayom Floating Market. On weekends, a group of Thai traditional musicians sometimes play for a few hours, adding a nice touch to the entire experience.

Next to the dining area, there’s an incessant stream of long-tail boats along the river. You can ride on one of these boats for a quick tour around the neighbouring canals. It can be a fun addition to your day trip, as you'll pass by temples, witness the life of people living by the water, and possibly spot giant monitor lizards during the ride.

After exploring the market, it’s a good idea to enjoy a foot massage under the trees. An hour-long treatment costs around 200 baht and makes for a relaxing treat (if you don't mind the masseuses chatting with each other). Be sure to bring cash when visiting Taling Chan Floating Market – the vendors obviously don't accept cards and there aren't any ATMs nearby.

How to get to Taling Chan Floating Market

A taxi is the easiest way to get to Taling Chan Floating Market from just about anywhere in Bangkok. If you want to save some money, you can get on the BTS Skytrain to Wongwian Yai Station, and then get a taxi to the floating market.