Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the most famous and photographed floating market in Thailand. Located about 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok in Ratchaburi province, it offers a vibrant glimpse into a bygone era where waterways were the primary mode of transport and commerce. Vendors in traditional wooden boats paddle along the narrow canals, selling everything from fresh tropical fruits and coconut pancakes to souvenirs and hats. It is colorful, chaotic, and undeniably touristy, but it remains a bucket-list experience for first-time visitors to Thailand.
Where is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market located?
Address: Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi 70130, Thailand.
- Distance: Approximately 100 km (62 miles) southwest of Bangkok.
- Travel Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus from central Bangkok, depending on traffic.
How to get to Damnoen Saduak from Bangkok
You have several transport options ranging from budget-friendly public buses to comfortable private transfers.
- Public Bus (Budget Option):
- Depart from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) in Bangkok.
- Look for Bus #78 heading to Damnoen Saduak.
- Cost: Approx. 60-80 THB one way.
- Duration: ~2 hours. Note: The bus may drop you about 1km from the market, requiring a short taxi/songthaew ride or walk.
- Minivan:
- Depart from Mochit New Van Terminal or Sai Tai Mai.
- Cost: Approx. 100-120 THB one way.
- Duration: ~1.5 – 2 hours. Faster than the big bus.
- Join-In Tour (Most Convenient):
- Many operators offer half-day tours that include hotel pickup in Bangkok and transport. This is the easiest way to avoid navigation hassles.
- Cost: Starts around 700-1,000 THB (transport only) or more with boat rides included.
- Private Taxi/Car:
- You can charter a taxi for a half-day.
- Cost: Approx. 1,500 – 2,500 THB (round trip). Negotiate the price including waiting time before you leave.
- Pros: Leave at your own time (e.g., 6:00 AM) to beat the tour buses.
How to book your online tickets
While entry to the market area itself is technically free, the essential boat ride often requires booking or negotiation.
- Online Platforms: Websites like Klook, GetYourGuide, and Viator sell tour packages that include transport and boat rides. This avoids the “tourist trap” pricing often found at the piers.
- Advance Booking: Recommended for guided tours to ensure a seat, especially during peak season (Nov-Feb).
Ticket & tour options to Damnoen Saduak
- Market Entry: Free to walk along the canal banks and bridges.
- Paddle Boat (Row Boat):
- Experience: Slow, traditional, and quiet. Best for exploring the inner canals and buying food.
- Cost: Approx. 150-200 THB per person (if shared) or 600-800 THB per boat (private charter at the pier). Haggle if buying on-site.
- Longtail Boat (Motor Boat):
- Experience: Fast and loud. Used for getting to the market from remote piers and exploring the wider residential canals.
- Cost: Can be pricey if not pre-booked (1,500 – 2,000 THB per boat often quoted to tourists).
- Combined Tours:
- Popular combos include Damnoen Saduak + Maeklong Railway Market (highly recommended) or Damnoen Saduak + Elephant Camp.
Opening hours of the Damnoen Saduak Market
- Daily: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Peak Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (When most tour groups arrive).
- Best Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM (For a more authentic, less crowded experience).
Customized Tour itinerary of Damnoen Saduak
Half-Day Itinerary (Self-Guided or Private Driver):
- 06:30 AM: Depart Bangkok to beat the traffic.
- 08:00 AM: Arrive at Damnoen Saduak.
- 08:15 AM: Hire a private paddle boat for 1 hour. Cruise the canals while they are relatively quiet. Buy coconut pancakes and boat noodles from vendors.
- 09:30 AM: Disembark and explore the market from the bridges. Take photos of the chaotic boat jams from above.
- 10:30 AM: Depart for Maeklong Railway Market (20 mins away) to catch the train arrival.
- 12:00 PM: Return to Bangkok.
Best time to visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Time of Day: Early Morning (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM). The light is beautiful, the weather is cooler, and you avoid the “traffic jams” of tourist boats that clog the canals by mid-morning.
- Days: Weekdays are slightly less crowded than weekends, though this market is busy every day.
Boat ride experience at Damnoen Saduak Market
- The Experience: You sit low in a wooden boat. Vendors paddle up to you selling wares.
- What to Buy:
- Food: Boat noodles (Kuay Teow Rua), Mango Sticky Rice, Coconut Ice Cream, Spring Rolls.
- Souvenirs: Straw hats, wooden handicrafts, elephant pants (be prepared to haggle, prices on the water can be higher).
- Scams to Watch: Be careful of taxi/van drivers dropping you at “piers” far from the market that charge exorbitant rates (e.g., 2,000 THB per person) for a boat. Insist on going to the main market pier or book online beforehand.
Nearby attractions to combine with Damnoen Saduak Market
- Maeklong Railway Market (Talad Rom Hub): The famous market located directly on active train tracks. Vendors pull back their awnings as the train passes. (Approx. 20 mins drive).
- Wat Bang Kung (Tree Temple): An ancient temple engulfed by the roots of a Banyan tree. (Approx. 20 mins drive).
- Amphawa Floating Market: A more authentic, evening floating market open Friday-Sunday only. (Approx. 15 mins drive).
- Chang Puak Camp: For elephant activities (located nearby).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it open every day?
Yes, unlike Amphawa (weekend only), Damnoen Saduak is open daily.
Can I walk around without a boat?
Yes, there are walkways and bridges along the main canal where you can watch the boats and buy food. However, the boat ride is the main highlight.
Is it a tourist trap?
It is very touristy and commercialized. However, it remains the most visually impressive floating market and is still a fun cultural experience if you accept it for what it is.
How much should a boat ride cost?
If you walk into the market to the main pier, a shared paddle boat should cost around 150 THB per person. Avoid the remote piers that taxi drivers might take you to unless you have pre-agreed on a price.
