Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market Tour

Bangkok , Thailand

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market Tour

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(1510 reviews)

7h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore Damnoen Saduak, the most popular floating market in Thailand, great for photo opportunities, food, and for giving an insight into a bygone way of life.
Although the market evolved more into a tourist attraction nowadays, it’s still worth the visit for its unique atmosphere and the experience it offers.

Furthermore, we'll visit Talad Rom Hoop, also known as 'Train Umbrella Market', for a unique market experience.
The market literally sits on the railway track and every day customers and shopkeepers make way for the Bangkok-Maeklong train to pass. With the ringing of a warning bell followed by an announcement in Thai over the loudspeaker, the vendors pull back their awnings within seconds. Amazing!

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS PER GROUP IS 12 PERSONS.

Available options

Small Group Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

English speaking guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Long-tail boat ride at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We'll visit Thailand’s most famous floating market: Damnoen Saduak. Upon arrival, you'll board a traditional long-tail boat for a ride through the canals, offering a glimpse into life along the waterways.

The Damnoen Saduak canal was commissioned in 1866 by King Rama IV to connect the Mae Klong and Tha Chin rivers and improve water transport between the Ratchaburi and Samut Sakhon provinces.

Photographs of this colorful and bustling market are among the most widely featured in travel brochures about Thailand. While the market today caters largely to tourists, it still offers an unforgettable experience with its lively atmosphere, boats, and canal scenes.

Please note that the total time spent on this excursion includes the drive from Bangkok, which takes approx. 1,5 hours each way, depending on traffic.

Note: Damnoen Saduak is undeniably touristy these days, and while it may not feel fully authentic anymore, it remains one of the best places to experience a floating market.

Stop 2

Our next stop will be the amazing Mae Klong Railway Market, locally known as Talat Rom Hoop ('Market Umbrella Close').
Imagine a train going straight through a public market!

The Mae Klong Railway Market has been around since 1905. Fishing was (and still is) one of the main livelihoods of the people who lived here, and the market was another way in which to sell their goods. Officials decided to build a railway in order to better deliver these goods to other provinces. The market remained, however, despite the new tracks that cut through it.

We’ll stroll over the market and hopefully see the train arrive or depart before going back to Bangkok.

Total time to spend here is including traveling time between Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong Railway Market and from Maeklong Railway Market back to Bangkok (approx. 1,5 hrs - depending on traffic situation).

Wat Bang Kung is famous for its small chapel that is completely enclosed within the roots of a banyan tree called Bot Prok Po. It is almost like the tree itself is the pillars of the temple and that without the roots the chapel would fall down. You can also go inside to pay respect to the Buddha image.
The temple grounds once doubled as a naval fort, the site of a fierce 18th century battle between Siam and invaders from Burma. Today, the temple grounds is also a memorial to warrior heroism.

What's not included

Personal expenses

Meals

Gratuities for driver & guide (not mandatory)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

268 reviews

5★

173

4★

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2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

1,242 reviews

5★

1078

4★

109

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

We visit an ancient temple during the tour. Remember that temples are sacred places and you must dress appropriately. Shoulders and knees need to be covered.

Maximum number of participants per group is 10 persons.

We provide hotel pick-up only from accommodations located on/near Khao San Road and on Siam Square. If you are not an actual guest at one of the hotels in our pick-up list, the designated meeting point will be our office on Chao Khamrop Road in Chinatown. IMPORTANT: The exact pick-up time will be sent to you via private message on the booking platform 1 day before the tour. Depending on the number of participants, hotel pick-up will be between 6:45 – 7:00 hrs (early slot) and 9:45 – 10:00 hrs (late slot). Please check your email (including junk folder) carefully the day before your tour to avoid any delays or missed departures.

Bangkok’s traffic is notorious, so we kindly ask all participants to arrive at the meeting point on time. As our tours operate on a group basis, we cannot delay departure. If you’re unable to make it on time, please inform us before the tour starts. If possible, we’ll do our best to reschedule you for the next available day or time slot. Please note that a rescheduling fee will apply.

Damnoen Saduak is undeniably touristy these days, and while it may not feel fully authentic anymore, it remains one of the best places to experience a floating market.

Meeting point

Meeting point is at our office (WanderSiam) in Chao Khamrop Road, opposite side of Phlapphla Chai 2 Police Station, next to the ‘Tai Hong Kong Shrine’ (for taxi: สถานีตำรวจนครบาลพลับพลาไชย).

About Bangkok

Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is a dynamic blend of traditional culture and modern urban life. Known for its ornate temples, bustling street markets, and world-class street food, Bangkok offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

Top Attractions

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings that served as the royal residence from 1782 to 1925. It is a stunning example of Thai architecture and houses the Emerald Buddha.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours 500 THB

Wat Arun

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a stunning temple located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is famous for its beautiful porcelain decorations and the iconic prang (spire).

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours 50 THB

Chatuchak Weekend Market

One of the world's largest markets, Chatuchak Weekend Market offers a vast array of goods, from clothing and accessories to food and antiques.

Shopping/Cultural Half day to full day Varies

Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River is the lifeblood of Bangkok. Taking a boat tour along the river offers a unique perspective of the city and its many temples and palaces.

Nature/Scenic 1-3 hours Varies

Chatuchak Park

Chatuchak Park is a large and lush urban park that offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city. It is home to a variety of plants, animals, and recreational facilities.

Nature/Relaxation 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pad Thai

Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, and a sweet and tangy sauce, garnished with crushed peanuts and lime.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Tom Yum Goong

A spicy and sour shrimp soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili.

Dinner Contains seafood.

Som Tum

A spicy green papaya salad made with shredded papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and a tangy dressing.

Lunch/Snack Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Mango Sticky Rice

Sweet ripe mango served with sticky rice and coconut milk.

Dessert Vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Erawan National Park Kayaking on the Chao Phraya River ATV tours in Hin Lek Fai Spa and massage treatments Boat tours on the Chao Phraya River Visiting temples and parks Visiting temples and historical sites Attending traditional Thai performances

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the most pleasant time to visit with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. It's peak tourist season with lively festivals and events.

22°C to 34°C 72°F to 93°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Thai
Widely spoken: English, Chinese
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Bangkok is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime, scams, and traffic accidents can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests.
• Avoid unlicensed taxis and tuk-tuks.
• Be wary of jet ski rentals and gem shops.

Getting there

By air

Suvarnabhumi Airport • 30 km from city center
Don Mueang International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Hua Lamphong Railway Station, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal

By bus

Mo Chit Bus Terminal, Ekamai Bus Terminal, Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai)

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and air-conditioned, the MRT is a convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Khao San Road Sukhumvit Chinatown (Yaowarat) Silom Banglamphu

Day trips

Ayutthaya

80 km from Bangkok • Full day

Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. It is known for its stunning temples and historical ruins.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

105 km from Bangkok • Half day to full day

Damnoen Saduak is one of the most famous floating markets in Thailand, offering a unique shopping and dining experience on the water.

Maeklong Railway Market

80 km from Bangkok • Half day to full day

Maeklong Railway Market is a unique market where vendors set up their stalls on the railway tracks, and a train passes through several times a day.

Festivals

Songkran • April 13-15 Loy Krathong • Full moon night in November Vegetarian Festival • September/October (dates vary by year)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Thai phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway to avoid traffic and get around the city quickly and efficiently.
Haggle and bargain when shopping at markets and street stalls, but do so politely and respectfully.
Try street food, but choose stalls with high turnover and good hygiene practices.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites.