One Day Trip to Bangkok’s Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
There are plenty of one-day trips in and around Bangkok. One popular weekend activity is to visit a floating market such as the Ban Nam Peung Floating Market on Bang Krachao or the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Samut Sakhon.
The Damnoen Saduak canal is the longest canal that has been dug in Thailand. It was constructed by King Rama 3 to connect the Thachin River in Samut Sakhon Province and the Kaeklong River in Samut Songkharm Province. Construction took 2 years.
The Damnoen Saduak canal is 32 kilometers long, 12 meters wide and 3 meters deep.
Originally the canal provided people with water for agriculture all year round. These days it serves as a floating market and method of transportation for the community.
Where is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market?
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located in Samut Songkhram, about 109 km, or 2 hours south-west of Bangkok.
The best way of getting to the market is by a minivan. A ticket costs about 150 thb (USD 5) per person one way.
It is also only a short 15 km drive from the larger and more authentic Amphawa Floating Market and the Maeklong Railway Market.
The Samut Songkhram area surrounding the Ampawha and Damnoen Saduak floating markets is great for a relaxing one night escape from Bangkok. Be sure to check out the boutique guesthouses like the Pomelo Ampawha the Local Residence.
When to Visit Damnoen Saduak?
The best and most lively time to visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is in the morning from about 7am.
The market is open until the about 4pm in the afternoon although many of the shops will be closed by that time. You can still enjoy a boat ride through the canals though.
The best way of getting around the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is by hopping on a rowboat. This should cost about 300 THB per boat.
A boat tour through the canals will last for up to 2hrs. This gives plenty of time to visit the stalls along the way.
Useful tips for the Floating Market:
- Do NOT visit the market at the end of a long weekend (Thai Public Holiday weekend) as you will find yourself stuck in a highway traffic jam for over 4hrs
- Better to get to Damnoen Saduak by minibus rather than a taxi. Taxis are expensive and will drop you off to any of their scamming overpriced partners for canal tours, upwards of 1000thb per person.
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