This bustling social scene known as “talaad nam” or floating market (actually, “water market” if you want a more direct translation), still exists in many locations outside of Bangkok’s modernised center. Unfortunately, a lot of them have devolved into picturesque tourist traps. Vendors are there to cater to visitors looking for an “authentic” experience, but it ends up being packed mainly with hawkers selling souvenirs or barely edible Thai food and snacks. Luckily, there are still some floating markets that are true to their heritage, catering to a mainly local population. Among them is Lat Mayom, a “water market” just across the Chao Phraya River.

Lat Mayom translates to Gooseberry Slopes, referring to the fruit trees that once flourished in the area. While the idea of slopes may bring hills and steep gradients to some minds, this region is mostly flat plains, so it doesn’t take much of an incline to qualify as a slope here (in Thai, it now just generally refers to higher ground). On the slopes, a burgeoning weekend floating market thrives surrounded by a community that has, for the most part, continued traditional practices of life along the canals.

The “floating” part of a floating market doesn’t mean that the entire market, including buyers and sellers, are on the water. Lat Mayom is no different. It means that the main access for vendors is by boat. Some will paddle or motor up to small piers to sell their wares from their boat. And the variety of wares may surprise you. Of course, there are boatloads of fresh fruits and flowers, but there are also some logistical marvels such as a noodle soup which serves piping hot noodles from a traditional boat. You may also see second-hand electronics on sale from the repair shop just downstream.

The market also takes place on land. There are over seven sections along both sides of canal, with footbridges connecting the two sides. Fresh produce and meats are on sale. There’s also an incredible food court-like set up with delicious fresh grilled prawns, roasted duck, made-to-order noodles, and so much mouth-watering dishes.

And while the market can take hours of exploration, a side trip along the canals offers insights into a vanishing culture. It’s like you’ve stepped back in time here. Quaint wooden homes and peaceful orchid and banana groves reveal satellite dishes and laughing teenagers trying to capture you in their selfies as you pass. Little old ladies selling traditional coconut ice cream treats to children at the temple may charm you just as much as the bustling boat repair shop, even with the cacophony of the angle grinder!

So, if you must visit a floating market, make sure it’s Lat Mayom—a floating market that truly provides a taste of Thailand.

Smiling Albino searches for these authentic experiences to ensure your trip reveals the true heart of Thailand to you. If you would like to discover the delights of Lat Mayom Floating Market or want to embark on a genuinely Thai journey, contact us today!

The post Explore Lat Mayom Floating Market first appeared on Smiling Albino.

Truth is, there are floating markets everywhere, and they vary greatly (greatly!) in size, scope, offerings, and authenticity. Indeed, the title of this post isn’t just hyperbole – some “floating markets” are actually on a cement pathway next to a shallow khlong with a few sad boats tied up; not exactly something to write home about.

The powers that be have cottoned on to the allure of the floating market and have gone to great lengths to promote them, and even create them out of thin air… er, water, to jump on the bandwagon. However, that’s not to say that newer markets don’t offer some great sights, but it’s also incorrect to say that all ‘official’ floating markets offer a really authentic experience. As with most things, it’s a little from column A, a little from column B, and a whole lot of knowing where and when to go for the particular type of adventure you’re looking for.

The big daddy of them all – the one that most people probably mean when they say ‘floating market’ – is Damnoen Saduak (pictured above). While undeniably large and impressive, it’s absolutely packed with people, as tour groups and amateur photographers wander every which way at all hours. It’s also about 100km outside of Bangkok, which not everyone is aware of.

That being said, it is famous for a reason, and we’ve spent countless hours there finding out where the best vantage points are, where the crowds aren’t, and the best time and place to get the best food. Unlike most other floating markets that are only open on weekends, Damnoen Saduak is open daily.

On the other end of the spectrum you have Tha Kha Floating Market, sort of the anti-Damnoen Saduak. While not as boisterous, colorful, or large, it’s still a lovely slice of traditional Thai culture as it was 100 years ago. Situated a 15 minute drive from Damnoen Saduak floating market, amid marshy coconut plantations veined by narrow canals, you won’t find many tour buses out this way.

Nearby Tha Kha is Amphawa, which has a floating market as well as a vibrant, almost boutique-y shopping culture. Undoubtedly the weekenders from Bangkok and local hipster artists have brought the crowds, but its still got loads of charm and plenty of places to relax and eat.

Another one of our favorites is the market at Wat Ta Khian. This is a relatively new “pop-up” floating market created to entice more locals to visit the fairly impressive Ta Khian temple (Wat). It does have a busy stretch of water full of traditional boats hawking traditional wares, that’s joined to a courtyard full of great food, the temple, a fruit and vegetable market, and – a must at any real floating market – bizarre statues of dogs playing cards and a giant mythical creature sporting Ray Bans and an iPhone.

Other popular stops are Lat Mayom and Taling Chan, both smaller places that, while advertised as ‘floating’ markets – actually have very little to see on the water, but make up for it with a fun and spirited market experience – and of course, plenty to eat. These “canalside” markets are popular due to their close proximity to downtown Bangkok and can be reached by private longtail boats from riverside hotels.

The bottom line is that not all floating markets are created equal. Due to their popularity, it’s sometimes common to see them being played up a bit, or sold as more (or different) to the reality. Lucky for you that we love hanging out at floating markets and can lead you to the exact experience you’re looking for. See some of our Bangkok day trip itineraries here.

The post Not all Bangkok Floating Markets Float first appeared on Smiling Albino.

In your research for Thailand, you may have come across an anecdote calling Bangkok the Venice of the East. Well, that was once true, but not so much anymore. Back in the day, Bangkok was veined with canals (called khlongs in Thai) and boats were the primary means of getting around. But over the past 100 or so years, the khlongs and markets beside them have been filled in with cement to build roads, as well as the pylons for the snaking network of highways and tollways that connect the city today.

There are still plenty of places where you can experience Bangkok as it was. There are many, many floating markets that advertise themselves as a unique place for tourists to have a traditional shopping experience, with waterborne commerce rules the day. Although each offers roughly the same thing, there are also quite a few differences you should be aware of. Here’s a breakdown of some of the more popular markets in and around Bangkok.

Taling Chan Floating Market

Taling Chan is one of Bangkok’s western districts, and has traditionally been known for its orchard farms. The floating market here, though not huge, specializes in all kinds of homemade snacks, veggies and grilled seafood, peddled from boats on the water as well as stalls that line the road on either side. It’s a bit of a haul to get here, but it’s a great way to get out of town and see one of the lesser-crowded markets in Bangkok. Bonus: there are still many canals out here that haven’t yet been filled in for road works, and tours are available. See them while you can!

Kwan-Riam Floating Market

This floating market is one of the newest in Thailand, opened to provide an option for people who don’t want to travel too far out of town to find one. It’s in Bangkok’ eastern suburbs but still well within the city limits, along Khlong San Saeb, on which runs the (in)famous Bangkok khlong ferry service. This market’s standout feature – besides a huge selection of food – is its alms rounds for monks, which take place early in the morning on weekends, and sees dozens of monks pass by in boats, accepting offerings from laypeople lining the khlongs.

Wat Sai Floating Market

In Bangkok’s western suburbs, this market was once the place to come for a blast from the past, but development in the area caused it to fall out of favor and it was eventually abandoned. However, in recent years it’s got somewhat of a second lease on life and is now quite popular, mostly for Thais, but also by tour groups, so go early for the best experience.

Mahanakorn Floating Market

This one is located near to Suvarnabhumi Airport east of Bangkok and is open every day, so it’s a good spot for people who don’t have much time and want to get one last stop in before they fly out. Not so much a floating market as a nice little canal-side community, but there are some nice shops lining the khlongs and it’s a quiet, relaxing break from the noise of the airport.

Bang Khu Wiang

If you’re a morning person, then this market is for you. Operating from around 4am – 7am, including a morning alms round by monks, it offers all the favorites of other floating markets – tons of food, few foreigners, and a nice canal-side community feeling. It’s up in Bangkok’s northeast suburbs though, so some planning on the route and perhaps a GPS marker is definitely recommended if you want to tackle it on your own.

Damnoen Saduak

When visitors to Bangkok talk about “the” floating market, it’s usually this one, the granddaddy of all of Bangkok’s floating markets. Not everyone knows just how far away this market is –  about 100km southwest of Bangkok in Ratchaburi Province. To be very honest, the market once was an amazing place, but is now so busy with tour buses and minivans and groups of flag-waving tour guides that the onlookers often outnumber the vendors. Still, there are some great photo ops here, and if you’re in the area, there are worse places to stop and grab some food.

Tha Kha & Amphawa Markets

These two markets are about 5km apart, and Tha Kha itself is only about 5km from Damnoen Saduak. However, while two of the more popular markets near Bangkok, they still largely retain their old-school charm and traditional qualities. Tha Kha is the smaller of the two, and is open on the weekends as well as various days throughout the month, depending on the lunar cycle. Amphawa is busier and very popular Thai weekenders, but is actually a bustling canal-side community rather than simply a market. Plenty of places to stay, shop and eat – and don’t forget to take a night tour to see the fireflies!

Want more?

Sometimes, the best way to get a feeling for a place is to see photos. Check out our online floating market galleries here.

We’ve also have an entire blog post about Talad Klong Lad Mayom, which is even further down the river from Taling Chan, you can see the story Here

All decided and know where you want to go? Contact us and one of our adventure travel consultants can help you plan the perfect day at the market!

The post The low-down on Bangkok’s floating markets first appeared on Smiling Albino.