Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market Overview
Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is the most authentic floating market in Bangkok. Hidden in Bangkok’s outer district of Taling Chan, it’s rarely visited by western travelers.
While it’s more difficult to get to than other floating markets, the food is amazing, and the longtail boat rides are incredible.
Moreover, the local atmosphere is really chilled out and relaxed.
TakeMeTour offers this awesome day trip to the floating market including; transport, lunch, and a longtail boat trip. It’s one one of their most popular trips run by a true Bangkok local.
What is a Floating Market?
In the past Bangkok was referred to as the Venice of the east. The city was largely accessible by a network of khlongs or canals rather than roads. Instead of just traveling by water it was also popular to sell goods right out of a boat. That is the idea of a floating market.
The name suggests floating markets are directly on the water but not all are. Many floating markets like Khlong Lat Mayom and Bang Krachao floating market are actually built around the canals.
Things to do at Khlong Lat Mayom floating market
Eat until you’re full
The first thing to do at the Khlong Lat Mayom floating market is exploring the huge range of food available. The Thai people love to eat, and one of the best places to do this is at a floating market.
At the entrance of the market, you are welcomed with a huge selection of food. Choose from the typical foods like Pad Thai and Fried Rice, or try a bowl of Gui Taiw Rice Noodles in a blood-based soup.
Seafood lovers have to try the barbecued prawns and scallops, or a plate of sea snails. A huge buffet sized portion only costs about 500 THB (25 USD). It will easily make two people very full.
For more food options be sure to check out this guide on the market by food blogger – Migrationology.
Explore the Thonburi Klongs
The area surrounding the Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is connected by a series of boardwalks. You can walk along the canals in all directions until you eventually reach a dead-end. Rather than carefully planning your route, just pick a direction and walk until the end.
Walking the Thonburi klongs reveals a hidden side of Bangkok that you wouldn’t expect to find in the big city. Replace cars and traffic jams with rowboats, people fishing, and dogs sunbaking by the water. Instead of 7/11s on every corner, you will find small Ma & Pa stores in ramshackle wooden buildings.
Ride a Longtail Boat in the Thonburi Klongs
To explore the Thonburi klongs further than foot allows you should hop on a longtail boat. These long colorful wooden boats are the traditional Thai water taxis and a key aspect of life by the water in Thailand.
There are two options you can choose for the longtail boat ride:
- a visit to a temple
- a visit to a traditional Thai house
The traditional Thai house is a rare find in Bangkok nowadays and is becoming even rarer due to mass property development. I recommend this as the more unique option.
The route to the traditional house will take you through small communities along the canals. Seeing this side of Bangkok’s culture is an unforgettable experience, and is a must do for an authentic experience.
A longtail boat ride departing the Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market costs 60THB for Thais and 100THB for foreigners. Don’t question the price difference or try negotiating, it won’t work.
Where is the Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market?
The Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is located in Taling Chan in the north-west of Bangkok. This sleepy district is hidden between a network of highways yet is seemingly invisible from the outside world.
How to Get to Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market?
There are three options for getting to the Khlong Lat Mayom floating market:
- BTS + Taxi – take the BTS Skytrain to Bang Wa on the Silom line, about 20 minutes from Siam BTS Station. Then take a 15-minute taxi ride from Bang Wa to the floating market for about 100THB (each way). This method costs about 300THB in total.
- A taxi direct – depending on where you are coming from a taxi directly can be a cheaper and faster option. If staying around the Khao Sarn Road area this coast about 200THB each way. This method costs about 400 THB in total.
- Local Tour – TakeMeTour now offers private day trips to the market. Their system is awesome because unlike big commercial tours, they work with independent local guides who really know the area. For about 900 THB you will get pick up and drop off from Bang Wa BTS, lunch, and a longtail boat ride. Check out the tour page here with over 100 great reviews with this guide!
The Khlong Lat Mayaom Floating Market is one of my favorite places to visit in Bangkok. For more awesome ideas, be sure to check out my article on my 11 top things to do in Bangkok! I’ve included some great places like market, temples, and rooftop bars. Let me know what you think!
