While I was in Bangkok I’ve spent a day in Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand, and half day in Damnoen Saduak, where you’ll find the most touristic floating market of Thailand.
Was is worth?
Yes. And no. I’d never seen any floating market before so the visit was quite interesting to me. Also, I think I managed to shot some decent photos. However the market is way too crowdy and you’ll have to “swim” through a wall of western and Chinese tourists (mostly western, I must say).
How to get to Damnoen Saduak
You can take a public bus at the Southern Bus Terminal of Bangkok. The journey lasts about two hours (109 Km) and the ticket costs 50 Bath. The first bus leaves at 6 a.m. and then there is a new one every forty minutes. Keep in mind that the best time to arrive here is early on the morning, let’s say before 10 a.m.
If you’re too lazy to go to the public station you can just get a tour on one of the thousands of tour agencies that there are in Bangkok (especially in Khao San Road, the backpackers area, and the city center). Personally I was staying near Khao San and I preferred to book a tour on the stall just at the corner between Khao San Road and Chakapong Road. I spent around 400 Bath for a seat on a minivan that picked me up at the hotel and, after visiting the market, brought me back to Khao San.
Where to stay
The vast majority of the people that visit Damnoen Saduak will stay in Bangkok. So I’d assume that you’ll do the same. I was staying at the Sawasdee Khaosan Inn Hotel, a decent and cheap hostel in Khao Stan. If you prefer to stay in another part of the city or get a 3 to 5 stars hotel than I suggest that you click here and choose by yourself.
What to do in Damnoen Saduak?
The whole point of getting to the floating market is to rent a boat and seeing the market from his best angle, the river. The cost of a seat on a boat is 150 Bath (if you take it already at the market, if you take it from far away it may be much more expensive).
After the boat trip, which shall last less than an hour, I suggest you to walk around the market as it’s quite interesting, especially if it’s the first time you’ll travel to Thailand.
Photo Credits: Photos by Sapore di Cina
Nice review and cool photos of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, this place sure is overly packed with tourists which have now overflowed into the nearby Ampawha Floating Market. Drop in and check out other day trip reviews and photo essays on my blog