Bangkok Floating & Railway Markets Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Witness Maeklong Railway Market's unique train passage
- Experience traditional Thai market culture
- Enjoy scenic boat ride through canals
- Capture vibrant local market scenes
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Bangkok
- Guided tour of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Visit to Maeklong Railway Market
- Meals and personal expenses
Itinerary
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market consists of a maze of narrow khlongs (canals). Female traders, often wearing traditional mo hom apparel (blue farmers' shirts) with wide-brimmed straw hats (Ngob) use sampans (small wooden boats) to sell their wares, often produce. These boats are often full of vegetables and colorful fruits that are photogenic, and these images are used for tourism promotion. The market is often the busiest in the morning from 07:00 am to 09:00 am and is active until noon.
Maeklong Railway Market is spread out on and next to the railway tracks. Customers walk on the railway track looking for something to buy from the shops on either side of the track. Several times per day a train rolls in at a low speed. When the driver sounds the horn, the vendors quickly pick up and remove their wares to make way for the approaching train. Immediately after the train has passed the canopy roof is raised back and it’s business as usual.
Meeting point
Start Location
River City Bangkok
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for the weather.
- Be prepared for early departure times to avoid crowds at the markets.
- Photography is allowed; be respectful of local customs when taking photos.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and boat rides.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent for sun protection.
- Carry cash in small denominations for purchases at the markets.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- You come by yourself to meeting point. There is a transfer service for Silom, Sukhumvit, and Pratunam, pay extra directly to the driver 300 baht/person (round trip).
- Dress code is smart casual and the minimum age is 5 years
- On the rare occasion that we should be required to cancel a tour, we will inform you in advance and offer a different tour date, an alternative tour or provide a full refund
- Please note that the total tour duration includes the travel time.
Traveler reviews
Great trip!
It’s a wonderful place to visit. The people are very friendly, and the guide was very kind and helpful.
Train market good, Floating market bad
The Railway market was fairly good. Very busy as mostly tourist that descend en-mass to be there when the train goes through. Likewise the train was full of tourists. Above is understandably obvious so nice to see the stalls adjust just in time to let the train through. Floating market was massively disappointing. The stalls are 90% selling cheap tourist tack. All the same. No-one is trading fruit and veg etc, as you see in the posters. The canals are full of plastic polution, its everywhere in the water on the banks, its been that way for years as its embedded in and dredging spoil along the banks. Also if you like breathing in exhaust fumes then this tour is for you. Young drivers handle huge engines on the long boats are skilfully maneuvered around the slower ones being paddled by older, fitter drivers. What they don't tell you is that if havent paid for fully inclusive tour you pay £75 for the boat for 90 mins tour. Not too bad if your group is 4 or 6 but a rip off if you are two.
Market tour
This tour was amazing! A must do! We had plenty of time to explore, shop and eat. Our guide was terrific.
Nice tour for an affordable price.
Great tour! Tim was very nice and knowledgeable. I would have liked more tiime alotted at the train market, and that we were taken to an area where we could see the vendors remove their products from being too close to the train tracks.
Bangkok floating market and train ride.
The train ride and the market. Also the floating market very good experience. And lots of local foods.