If you are looking for a great day trip from Bangkok, the Damnoen Saduak floating market tour combined with the Maeklong Railway Market is one of the most popular and I can see why. I booked this as one of my very first experiences after moving to Bangkok, and it was a brilliant introduction to Thai culture outside of the city. Here is everything you need to know before you book.
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What Is the Damnoen Saduak Floating & Maeklong Railway Market Tour?
This is a tour that takes you to two of the most unique and popular markets in Thailand – both located outside central Bangkok and best visited as part of an organised tour. The Maeklong Railway Market is a working market built directly on active train tracks which has stalls, food, and vendors all set up inches from the rails. The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a canal-side market where vendors sell food, fruit, and souvenirs directly from wooden boats on the water. Together they give you a fascinating and very different side of Thailand to what you experience in the city. It is one of the most popular Bangkok floating market tours available and for good reason. Check out my guide on the best things to do in Bangkok for more day trip inspiration.
How to book the tour
I booked my Damnoen Saduak floating market tour through GetYourGuide and would recommend it without hesitation. The specific tour I did was the Bangkok Floating Market and Train Market Experience, which you can book directly through my link. The meeting point is closest to Samyan MRT station which makes it really easy to get to from most parts of Bangkok. I opted for the 06:30 early morning departure and would strongly recommend this for two reasons – the heat builds significantly throughout the day, and the markets get much busier as the morning goes on. Getting there early makes the whole experience far more enjoyable. Book in advance – the early morning slots fill up quickly especially during peak season between November and February.
What to Expect on the Day
The tour runs as a comfortable and well-organised day out from Bangkok. You are picked up at Samyan MRT station at 06:30 and travel by air conditioned minivan to your first stop. Being back in Bangkok by early afternoon means you still have plenty of time to enjoy the city after the tour which is one of the biggest advantages of starting early. Here is what to expect at each stop:
First Stop – Maeklong Railway Market
The Maeklong Railway Market was the highlight of the day for me and genuinely one of the most unique things I have seen since moving to Bangkok. We actually rode the train directly into the market which sounds surreal and absolutely is. The market is built right on the active train tracks, and as the train pulls in, vendors casually pull back their awnings, umbrellas and produce in seconds to let it pass then immediately set everything back up again as if nothing happened. It is incredibly busy and full of tourists, but honestly that is to be expected and it does not make the experience any less impressive. It is one of those moments that genuinely makes you stop and think about where you are.
Second Stop – Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market was the second stop of the day and a completely different experience to the railway market. The canals are lined with wooden boats piled high with fresh fruit, food, and souvenirs, and the colours and atmosphere are really vibrant. Yes, it is touristy, I won’t pretend otherwise but it is a genuinely enjoyable experience and gives you a real sense of traditional Thai canal life. The food on offer is brilliant – the coconut icecream was a highlight for me! If you want to experience a floating market in Bangkok that is easily accessible and well organised, this is the one to book. Overall it was a great morning and a really memorable day trip from Bangkok.
Essential Tips Before You Go
- Book the early morning slot: I cannot stress this enough – the 06:30 departure means you beat the worst of the heat and arrive at both markets before the biggest crowds. You will also be back in Bangkok by early afternoon with the rest of the day free
- Bring cash: Most vendors at both markets are cash only – bring plenty of small Thai baht notes for food, souvenirs and bargaining.
- Dress for the heat: It gets very hot very quickly – wear lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes
- Bring a UV umbrella: Most tours provide shade on the transport but once you are at the markets you are exposed to direct sun – I recommend picking up this UV umbrella from my Amazon storefront before you go. Its compact, protects you from the heat and doubles up as rain protection during rainy season.
- Stay hydrated: Carry a large water bottle throughout the day – the heat is relentless
- Bargaining is normal: At the floating market especially, bargaining is completely expected – keep it friendly and light hearted
- Bring a power bank: You will take a lot of photos – make sure your phone doesn’t run out of battery before the second stop. This is the powerbank i personally recommend – all of your cables are kept in one place, which means you can charge multiple devices at the same time.
Is This Tour Worth It?
Honestly – yes. If you want to experience Thai culture beyond the city and see something genuinely different, this Bangkok floating market tour is well worth booking. It is not the most authentic experience in the world, both markets are firmly on the tourist trail but that doesn’t make them any less interesting or enjoyable. The Maeklong Railway Market alone is worth the trip. Watching a train roll through a busy working market is something you genuinely have to see to believe. And the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market rounds the day off perfectly. For anyone spending time in Bangkok, whether you are visiting for a few days, or living here like me, this is a really fun and easy day trip from Bangkok that I would recommend without hesitation. Book your spot through GetYourGuide and make sure you grab the early morning slot. Looking for another great day trip from Bangkok? Check out my guide on a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok – another brilliant way to spend a day out of the city. For more Thailand inspiration, read my full Thailand travel guide.
Frequently Asked Questions: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Tour
How long is the Damnoen Saduak & Maeklong Railway Market tour?
The full tour runs approximately 5 to 6 hours including travel time from Bangkok. With a 06:30 pickup from Samyan MRT station, most people are back in Bangkok by early afternoon, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day in the city. Travel time to the markets is around 1.5 to 2 hours each way by air conditioned minivan. Book your tour through GetYourGuide to check the latest timings and availability.
What is the best time to visit Damnoen Saduak floating market?
Early morning is without question the best time to visit the Damnoen Saduak floating market and I speak from personal experience. I took the 06:30 departure and it made a huge difference. The markets are quieter, the temperature is far more manageable, and the atmosphere is much more enjoyable before the larger tour groups arrive later in the morning. By mid morning both markets get significantly busier and the heat becomes intense. If you have a choice of tour departure time, always go for the earliest available slot for the best Damnoen Saduak floating market tour booking.
Is this tour suitable for solo female travellers?
Absolutely! This is a brilliant tour for solo female travellers and one I did completely alone. The group tour format means you are never on your own, you are part of a small group from the moment you are picked up, which makes the whole experience feel comfortable and sociable. The markets themselves are busy and well populated with tourists, so you will always feel safe and at ease throughout the day. For more on travelling alone as a woman in Thailand, read my guide on whether Thailand is safe for solo female travellers.
Abi is a UK travel blogger, currently living in Thailand, sharing destination guides, solo female travel tips, and insider advice on exploring Southeast Asia. Through AGA Travel (Always Go Anywhere), she helps women discover the world with confidence, whether they’re travelling solo or joining one of her hosted group trips.
