While you're probably familiar with the classic and timeless Chatuchak weekend market, you've also likely heard of Bangkok's famous floating markets . Keep in mind that all floating markets, except for Damnoen Saduak, are only open on weekends.
I'm taking this opportunity to warn you that if you come across taxi drivers offering to take you to a floating market during the week, then it will definitely be Damnoen Saduak (and it won't be cheap... because they are careful not to mention that it is not in Bangkok itself but more than 100 km away, in the province of Ratchaburi).
Lat Mayom has undeniable advantages ; besides being mostly frequented by locals, it's one of the closest to the city center (about 15km)! Let's take a look at what this relatively unknown market has to offer, despite its growing local popularity.
1- A floating market on land
Let's be clear from the start: don't expect a huge market teeming with boats navigating the canal. The misleading image that a Google search for " Bangkok floating market " can give you still attracts many people looking for this type of experience.
And Thailand continues to promote these markets as if they were truly an integral part of their culture (in the sense of their original use, namely "shopping" on the water), perpetuating the idea that many tourists see this visit as a must-do in Bangkok.
I won't elaborate further on this subject, as I already discuss it in my article about the Damnoen Saduak market . That being said, I don't particularly like Damnoen Saduak because of its overly "bling-bling" atmosphere; it's more of a collection of souvenir shops than a market in the sense of buying fresh produce and eating... whereas Lat Mayom still retains its charm.
You'll find countless stalls there, with crowds of Thais enjoying various specialties all day long, right by the water. Because, yes, it wouldn't be a floating market without its canal nearby.
The market is primarily located on land, essentially divided into two sections by a road. A passage under a bridge allows you to avoid crossing the road, but watch your head as the ceiling is (very) low, forcing you to stoop. And it's precisely here that you'll find the boats currently moored, where fruits and vegetables are mainly sold.
Locals come here with their families to enjoy the weekend and recharge their batteries away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Lat Mayom is surrounded by greenery and a network of canals where stilt houses, temples, and banana plantations intertwine. There are activities for children, and above all, it's a good starting point for exploring Bangkok's famous "khlongs" (canals).
2- Walk on the canals around Lat Mayom: 2 options
You have two options for enjoying a boat trip on the local canals. The " long tail boat " option, meaning taking a famous long-tail boat, those vessels whose gleaming pickup truck engine protruding at the rear leaves no one indifferent, or the more understated rowboat option.
Option 1: Long tail boat
You can do a classic tour in common with other people, I have, to date, had the right to 2 different circuits. The first one left towards the northern part of the floating market, with a stop to enjoy a corner with typical dwellings, along the paths laid out along the canals.
The second tour made a loop heading towards the canals south of the market. This included a stop at another small floating market (20 min), located within the grounds of a temple, Wat Saphan, as well as a stop at an orchid farm (also 20 min).
In both cases, it's normally a 1.5-hour tour for 100 baht per person . Theoretically, you can choose your route based on your preferred starting point. There's a pick-up point next to the parking lot, on the northern side of the market (see the map below).
It is also possible to hire a private boat, allowing you to lengthen or shorten the trip as needed. In this case, the cost is 800 baht per hour for the entire boat (which can generally accommodate up to 12 people). You will find a dock for this on the southern part of the market (see the map at the bottom of the article).
Option 2: Rowing boat
This second option doesn't take you as far, as you'll be taken around the market in a small, typical boat. For an hour , you'll be taken behind the market, passing through a narrow canal, alongside houses, and ending at a pond where lotus flowers grow, which, when they open, complete the scenery.
This option is very relaxing, because you can then enjoy the ride in silence, with an incomparable floating sensation, personally, I love it!
In this case, it only costs 20 baht per person , but since the boat is limited to fewer than 10 people, there may be a short wait. To catch it, the small dock is right next to the bridge separating the two parts of the market, not far from where the vendors' boats are parked.
Be aware that motorboats can also leave from there, so indicate the type of boat you prefer if English is not your thing.
Note that there are variations of the route. Some will turn before the main intersection onto a canal going to the right and make a loop passing behind the market through a completely green and superb area.
Others will walk to the "main" canal at the far end of the market, turn left, and then left again a little further on to reach a pond filled with lotus flowers (this pond is visible on foot from the back of the southern part of the market). The choice of route depends, I think, in particular on the condition of the flowers in the pond.
3- How to get to Lat Mayom floating market
Unfortunately, there aren't many options… There's no public transport going there (although some bus lines would probably get you closer), so the simplest way is to take a taxi. From the city center, it shouldn't cost you more than 200 baht (I'll include another useful link to estimate the cost of a taxi ride: Taxi Fare in Bangkok ).
Note that it is still possible, due to the canals, to get there by boat from the Chao Phraya River, but it could be long and therefore expensive.
4- Map of Lat Mayom
To help you a little with your bearings in relation to the information in this article, here is a map compiling the points mentioned.
And you, what is your favorite floating market in Bangkok?
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