Thailand

While in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, treat yourself to a morning stroll at the Bang Khu Wiang floating market. Here's more about this attraction.

A boat tour at Bang Khu Wiang floating market

Floating markets are inseparable from Bangkok's historical heritage. In the days when roads were scarce, boats served as common transportation; men and women paddled in boats to travel between cities and, remarkably, also conducted their shopping there. This old Bangkok is what the Bang Khu Wiang floating market aims to showcase to tourists. Located in Nonthaburi, about twenty kilometers outside Bangkok, it's not every day you buy seasonal vegetables or fruits from a boat or dine in a boat restaurant. It's best to arrive early, as vendors start packing up their stalls by 8 a.m. This unique experience is well worth waking up early for during a leisure trip to the Thai capital.

Market history

The governor of Nonthaburi founded a market along the Bang Khu Wiang waterway, likely in the late 1990s. The floating market has a dual purpose: supporting peri-urban agriculture and supplying quality food to Bang Kruai residents. At dawn, villagers gathered to sell fresh farm products.

Today

While road traffic now predominates over waterways, the Bang Khu Wiang floating market continues to function as a tourist attraction. Few Thais shop here; it's mainly frequented by foreign visitors. If you want to explore an authentic and original side of Bangkok, this is the place to go.

Visiting the Bang Khu Wiang floating market by boat

Perhaps you've visited the Damnoen Saduak floating market. By traveling by boat along the Bang Khu Wiang canal, you'll encounter a similar atmosphere: a parade of boats manned by friendly ladies in straw hats, carrying a colorful array of products. The difference lies in its less touristy vibe. Bang Khu Wiang market has retained its traditional charm.

The Bang Khu Wiang floating market offers a variety of goods. Villagers bring freshly harvested seasonal fruits, vegetables, spices, freshwater fish, and more. Travel guides highlight it as one of the best places for inexpensive and delicious Thai dishes. It's a lively mix of colors, flavors, sounds, and aromas! It's incredible to grasp the authentic soul of the city, away from the usual tourist clichés. You may also come across monks paddling boats to collect alms from the public. Unforgettable!

Practical information

How to get there

Good news for tourists: Bang Khu Wiang floating market is the easiest to access in the entire capital. Head to the Wat Chalo pier in Bang Kruai; from there, take the next boat to Bang Rao Nok and ask the driver to drop you off at the mouth of the Bang Khu Wiang canal. The journey takes about 10 minutes and costs 5 baht per person, roughly 14 euro cents. Boats depart every fifteen minutes. Alternatively, you can hire a tuk-tuk or a taxi. It's advisable to avoid buses at this early hour.

The best time to visit

November to February are ideal for visiting Bang Khu Wiang floating market when temperatures are moderate and the sky is clear.

Opening hours

The market is open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

Nearby tourist sites

Have you enjoyed the Bang Khu Wiang floating market? Nearby, other interesting sites worth exploring include:

• Lhong 1919, a converted Chinese mansion now used for shopping and dining.
• King Power Nakanakhon, a massive glass skyscraper.