How our floating market tour works
You get a private car with driver for about 8 to 10 hours, from hotel pickup to drop-off. The drive to Damnoen Saduak takes about 1.5 hours from central Bangkok. Pickup from Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang is possible too.
There is no guide, and boat fees and entry costs are not included. The boat at Damnoen Saduak is paid on site to the boat operator. If you want to stay later for Amphawa, agree extra time when you book.
Floating market tour prices
| Vehicle | Seats | Price for the day |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | 3 people | ฿3,300 |
| SUV | 6 people | ฿3,900 |
| Van | 10 people | ฿5,450 |
| Alphard | 5 people | ฿7,800 |
Per vehicle, from ฿3,200, for about 8 to 10 hours. Boats, tickets and food are not included.
The three markets compared
| Damnoen Saduak | Maeklong Railway Market | Amphawa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best time | 07:30 to 10:30 | When the train passes | Fri to Sun, about 15:00 to 21:00 |
| What it is | Boats selling food and goods on canals | Stalls on the railway track that fold away for the train | Canal-side town market, food on boats, fireflies by boat at night |
| Cost on site | Boat paid on site, approx. several hundred baht or more per boat | Free to watch | Free to walk, optional boat trips |
| Feel | Busy and touristy, still fun early | Short and memorable | Mostly Thai visitors, relaxed |
Boat prices vary by boat size and time on the water. Agree the price before you get in, and check before you go.
Maeklong train times: check before you go
The Maeklong Railway Market is famous because the train runs straight through it. There are only a few trains a day, and the timetable changes, sometimes the line is suspended for works. Recent schedules have had trains passing roughly mid-morning and early afternoon, but check the current State Railway of Thailand times before you plan the day.
Arrive 15 minutes before the train, stand where the vendors tell you, and keep toes and bags behind the line. The whole event takes a couple of minutes, so it fits easily between the other stops.
A one-day plan
- 06:30 hotel pickup in Bangkok.
- 08:00 Damnoen Saduak by boat, before the big coaches arrive.
- Late morning, Maeklong Railway Market timed for a train.
- Lunch in Samut Songkhram, perhaps seafood near Don Hoi Lot by the river mouth.
- Afternoon rest or a temple stop, then Amphawa from about 15:00 on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
- Evening return to Bangkok. A firefly boat at Amphawa means a late finish, so agree the extra time when you book.
Tips for Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa
- Go early to Damnoen Saduak. By late morning the canals are crowded with tour boats.
- Agree the boat price and length of the ride before boarding. Rowing boats are quieter than motorboats.
- Vendors will pass items to your boat. Prices are higher than in town, so bargain politely.
- Amphawa on a weekday is quiet and many stalls are closed. Plan it for Friday to Sunday.
- Bring cash in small notes, a hat and sunscreen. There is little shade on the water.
More day trips from Bangkok
If markets are not your thing, compare the other options in day trips from Bangkok. The Bangkok city tour covers the palace and temples, and Kanchanaburi lies further west with the River Kwai.
Questions
How much is a private floating market tour from Bangkok?+
From ฿3,200 per vehicle for about 8 to 10 hours. A sedan is ฿3,300, an SUV ฿3,900 and a van ฿5,450.
Is the boat at Damnoen Saduak included?+
No. You pay the boat operator on site. Agree the price and time before you board.
Can I see Damnoen Saduak and the Maeklong railway market on the same day?+
Yes. They are about 30 minutes apart by car. Plan the visit around the current train times.
When is Amphawa floating market open?+
Mainly Friday to Sunday from mid-afternoon into the evening. On weekdays it is very quiet.
Is there a guide on the tour?+
No. It is a private car and driver. The driver takes you between the markets and waits, but does not guide.
What time should we leave Bangkok?+
Around 06:30 to 07:00, so you reach Damnoen Saduak before the crowds.
Is it a good trip with children?+
Yes. Drives are short, the boat ride is fun, and the train is a highlight. Keep children well back when it passes.
