Damnoen Saduak Market, Bangkok -Visitor’s Guide

Get all the essential information before visiting Bangkok’s Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

Learn about boat ride options, ticket types, best visiting times, nearby attractions, and what to expect from this vibrant and unforgettable experience.

Top Tickets

# Damnoen Saduak Market + Maeklong Railway Market tour
# Floating Market + Train Market with Boat ride
# Floating + Railway Market tour with Dragon Temple

Don’t miss out—book your Damnoen Saduak Floating Market tour now for the ultimate boat ride, street food, and railway market combo experience!

What is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

If you want to experience a floating market like you’ve seen in travel photos, Damnoen Saduak Market is the one to visit. 

It’s the most famous floating market in Thailand, where boats glide along narrow canals, vendors cook food right on the water, and the smell of fresh mango sticky rice fills the air.

BBC Travel describes it as “a floating food court of dreams,” praising the boat noodles made right on board.

This place is perfect if you’re looking for a fun day trip from Bangkok. You can hop on a boat, try delicious Thai street food, shop for souvenirs, and take some amazing photos.

Most tours to Damnoen Saduak also include a stop at the Maeklong Railway Market, where a train passes right through the middle of the stalls.

Where is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market located?

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located in the Damnoen Saduak District of Ratchaburi Province, about 100 km (62 miles) southwest of Bangkok, Thailand.

• Address: Damnoen Saduak, Ratchaburi 70130, Thailand
  
• Travel Time from Bangkok: Around 1.5 to 2 hours by car or tour bus
  
• Best Way to Reach:
  
  • Guided, small group or private tour (most convenient)
    
  • Taxi or private car via Highway 35 (Thonburi–Pak Tho Route)
    
  • Minivan from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai)
    

Tours to this floating market include hotel pickup and a visit to Maeklong Railway Market and are available both for full day as well as half day. 

How to get to Damnoen Saduak from Bangkok

Tip: Leave early (before 7 am) to avoid midday heat and crowds. Minivans run frequently until late morning; buses start around 6 am and run every 30 to 40 minutes .

How to book your online tickets

The best and easiest way to visit is by booking an online tour in advance. There are no official ticket counters at the market, and walk-in boat rides or transport can be confusing and overpriced.

Most tours include:

• Round-trip transport from Bangkok
  
• Paddle boat ride
  
• Optional stops at Maeklong Railway Market or Wat Samphran
  

Benefits of booking online tickets

• Hassle-free pickup and drop-off
  
• Boat ride included with guide
  
• No price confusion or overpaying at the market
  
• Instant confirmation in your email

Tip: Just show your mobile ticket to the guide or driver. No need to print anything!

Ticket & tour options to Damnoen Saduak

All tours to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market also include a visit to the Maeklong Railway Market.

Bangkok: Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market tour

• Duration: 7 hours (morning and mid-day slots available)
  
• Includes a paddle boat ride to reach the floating market and optional train ride at Maeklong
  
• Enjoy local delicacies like pad Thai, rice noodle soup, and mango sticky rice
  
• Tour available in English, German, and Japanese
  
• Pickup available from central Bangkok areas (Sathorn, Silom, Siam, Pratunam, Khao San, Charoenkrung, Sukhumvit Soi 1–39 & 2–24)
  
• Multiple meeting points also offered: River City Bangkok, Central World, The Old Siam Plaza
  
• Not suitable for travelers with mobility issues
  
• Best for those looking to experience authentic Thai markets, local life, and classic canal boat rides in one trip
  
• Price: From ฿1000 (approx. US$31), varies by group/private tour and pickup options

If you’re staying near Khao San, Grand Palace, or Chinatown and want a faster, more direct start from a fixed meeting point at Bigcountry Old Town, The Old Siam Plaza, choose the Old Siam Tour.

Bangkok: Floating Market & Train Market with Boat ride

• Duration: 7–8 hours (includes boat ride and market visits)
  
• Enjoy a 20-minute long-tail boat ride through the canals of Damnoen Saduak and witness boat-to-boat shopping
  
• Walk through the Maeklong Train Market, where vendors pull back their stalls as a train passes right through
  
• Taste local Thai foods, including coconut ice cream and fresh snacks prepared on floating boats
  
• Tour available in English and Spanish, with small group or private options
  
• Multiple meeting points in Bangkok including Khao San Road, MBK Center, and China Town
  
• Best for those seeking an up-close, immersive market experience with plenty of photo opportunities
  
• Price: From ฿890 (approx. US$27), varies by language and group size

Bangkok: Damnoen Saduak and Mae Klong Train Markets

• Duration: 7–8 hours
  
• Includes a 20-minute long-tail paddle boat ride through the floating market canals
  
• Taste authentic Thai street food like grilled meats, fresh fruits, and coconut ice cream, all prepared and served boat-side
  
• Damnoen Saduak is just as famous for its food as it is for its boats. Condé Nast Traveller calls the mango sticky rice here “a dessert that ruins you for life — no other version ever compares.
  
• Guided tour available in English and Spanish, with options for small groups or private bookings
  
• Hotel pickup included from central Bangkok areas (driver only; guide joins at the meeting point)
  
• Drop-off points vary and are assigned based on your hotel location: Banglampoo, Sukhumvit Soi 15, or Hualamphong Station
  
• Excellent reviews highlight the fun, knowledgeable guide, Thai snacks provided on the journey, and immersive market experience
  
• Best for travelers looking for a full cultural experience with market action, street food, and photo-worthy moments.
  
• Price: From ฿690 (approx. $21), varies by group size and pickup option

Bangkok: Railway and Floating Market tour with Dragon Temple

• Duration: 7.5 hours
  
• Besides the two markets, you will also visit Wat Samphran Dragon Temple
  
• Watch trains drive through Maeklong Market as vendors quickly move their stalls out of the way.
  
• Ride a traditional long-tail boat through the floating market and shop for Thai food, tropical fruits, and handcrafted goods
  
• Explore the Dragon Temple, a giant pink tower wrapped with a dragon, a hidden gem just outside Bangkok
  
• Tour is led by a local English-speaking guide and limited to a small group of just 12 people for a more personal experience
  
• Choose from 3 central meeting points: Banglamphu Square (Khao San Road), I’m Chinatown Mall, or Erawan Shrine
  
• Best for travelers who want to go beyond typical market tours and explore an offbeat spiritual landmark
  
• Price: From ฿900 (approx. $28), varies slightly based on group size and meeting point

Don’t Miss Bangkok’s Best in One Go! Explore the Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha Temple, local markets, Wat Pho & Wat Arun with a local guide on this top-rated city highlights tour. Reserve your tickets here

Bangkok: Railway Market, Floating Market & Ayutthaya Temples Tour

• Duration: 12 hours
  
• Visit three famous spots in one day with a local guide.
  
• Perfect for travelers who want to see markets and temples.
  
• Watch trains pass through Maeklong Railway Market as vendors quickly move their stalls.
  
• Ride a paddle boat at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and shop for fruits, snacks, and souvenirs.
  
• Explore Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand, and visit 3 beautiful temples, including the Reclining Buddha.
  
• Stop at a local Thai house and see how coconut sugar is made.
  
• Lunch included, along with all entry tickets.
  
• The tour is in English or Japanese. Group size is small for a better experience.
  
• Hotel pickup available from central Bangkok, or meet at River City Bangkok.
  
• Price: From ฿2800 (about $86), may vary by pickup option

Bangkok: Floating Market, Train Market & Mahanakhon Skywalk

• Duration: 7–8 hours
  
• This full-day trip from Bangkok combines famous markets with Thailand’s tallest building!
  
• You’ll ride a train, take a boat, eat great food, and (if you choose) end the day with sky-high city views.
  
• Ride a local train straight into Maeklong Railway Market as stalls move out of the way.
  
• Sail into Damnoen Saduak Floating Market by paddle boat and shop for food, fruits, and souvenirs.
  
• Enjoy free time to try Thai snacks like mango sticky rice, Pad Thai, or boat noodles.
  
• Take fun photos and soak in the local vibe throughout the trip.
  
• End your day at Mahanakhon Skywalk, Bangkok’s tallest building (if selected). Walk on glass floors 314 meters high!
  
• Guided by a friendly English-speaking guide.
  
• Start from a central location near BTS Asoke (Robinson Sukhumvit). No hotel pickup included.
  
• Best for travelers who want to explore markets and enjoy Bangkok from above.
  
• Price: From ฿850 (about $26), extra for Skywalk entry

 Opening hours of the Damnoen Saduak Market

• The market officially opens at 7 am and begins winding down around 11 am to 12 pm
  
• A few vendors, especially food stalls may start around 6 am, but most are busiest between 7 to 9  am.
  
• Although a few shops may stay open until 4 to 5 pm, most shops start closing by midday, so visit early to enjoy the full floating market experience.

Customized Tour itinerary of Damnoen Saduak

Best time to visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

The best time to visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is early in the morning between 7 am and 9 am. 

This is when:

• The canals are lively with vendors selling from boats
  
• You avoid the intense heat of midday
  
• There are fewer tourists, making it easier to explore and take photos
  
• Food is the freshest, and the market is most active. Tourists rave on TripAdvisor about the grilled bananas, coconut pancakes, and Thai iced coffee — most snacks are affordable, costing just ฿20 to ฿60

The market runs daily, but weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Saturdays and Sundays may offer more activity but come with larger crowds.

Boat ride experience at Damnoen Saduak Market

One of the highlights of visiting Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the boat ride through its narrow canals, offering a close-up look at Thai market life on water.

Types of boats

There are two main types of boats:

• Paddle boats (traditional, rowed by locals): Quieter, better for photography and a slower, more immersive ride
  
• Motorized long-tail boats: Faster, more suitable for touring wider canal areas outside the market

Duration of ride

• Most rides last between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the route and crowd conditions.

Is it included in your tour?

• Many group and private tours mentioned above include the paddle boat ride in the ticket price.
  
• If not included, you can book it on-site. The prices range from ฿150 to ฿300 per person depending on boat type and length.

NOTE: The paddle boat ride is not suitable for people over 100 kg or taller than 185 cm. If someone needs a separate boat because of their size, they must pay an extra ฿250.

Nearby attractions to combine with Damnoen Saduak Market

Many tours to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market include stops at other must-see spots nearby. 

If you’re already making the trip from Bangkok, these add-ons turn your visit into a well-rounded day of Thai culture and surprises.

Maeklong Railway Market

One of the most fascinating markets in the world, set directly on active train tracks. Watch in awe as vendors quickly pull back their umbrellas and goods as a train rolls through just inches away.

• Time Needed: 30 to 45 minutes
• Distance from Damnoen Saduak: ~20 minutes by car

Amphawa Floating Market

A smaller, more local floating market that operates mainly in the afternoon and evening. It’s perfect if you want a less touristy vibe, evening boat rides, and riverside dining.

• Time Needed: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Distance from Damnoen Saduak: ~30 to 40 minutes by car
• Open Friday to Sunday

Wat Samphran (The Dragon Temple)

A striking pink cylindrical temple with a massive dragon wrapped around it. This hidden gem is unique, spiritual, and highly photogenic — ideal for adding something different to your market day.

• Time Needed: 45 to 60 minutes
• Distance from Damnoen Saduak: ~1 hour by car

Tip: Bring cash and an empty stomach — this is one stop where you’ll want to try everything.

Important visitor tips to know before you go

• Most tours start pickups around 6 to 6:30 am from Bangkok. The earlier you go, the better the experience.
  
• Vendors don’t accept credit cards. Have ฿20, ฿50, and ฿100 notes ready.
  
• The market is outdoors. Wear a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and breathable clothes.
  
• Even early in the day, the market gets busy. Be patient during the boat ride and in narrow walkways.
  
• Toilets are available, but may be basic. Carry tissues and hand sanitizer just in case.
  
• Eat food that’s freshly cooked in front of you, and avoid anything sitting out for long.
  
• Photography is welcome, but always be respectful especially if taking close-up shots of vendors or locals.
  
• Keep Google Translate handy – many vendors speak basic English, but not all

FAQs about the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market:

Key Takeaways

• Damnoen Saduak is Thailand’s most famous floating market, located about 100 km from Bangkok.
  
• Best visited between 7 to 9 am for fewer crowds and peak activity.
  
• No entry fee, but boat rides and transport are paid experiences (best booked as a tour).
  
• The market is known for paddle boat rides, canal-side shopping, and Thai street food like mango sticky rice and boat noodles.
  
• Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Maeklong Railway Market or Wat Samphran (Dragon Temple) for a full day trip.
  
• Bring cash, wear light clothing, and be ready for a fun, busy, and unforgettable cultural experience.