Weekend idea: getaway to the Lat Mayom floating market

If you are probably familiar with the classic and timeless Chatuchak weekend market, you have also surely heard of the famous Bangkok floating markets. Knowing that all floating markets except Damnoen Saduak 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 advantagesBesides being mostly frequented by locals, it's one of the closest to the city centre (about 15km)! So let's take a look at what this rather unknown market is worth despite its growing local popularity.

1- A floating market on land

Let's be clear from the start, don't expect a big market full of boats sailing along the canal. The misleading image that our friend Google can give us by typing " floating market bangkok » 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 on this subject any further, because I talk about it in my article on the Damnoen Saduak MarketThat being said, I don't really 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 for Lat Mayom, the charm still works.

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 slightly away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Lat Mayom is surrounded by greeneryand 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. a tour of Bangkok's famous "khlongs" (canals).

2- Walk on the canals around Lat Mayom: 2 options

You will have 2 options to enjoy a boat trip on local channels. The " long tail boat"You see, take a famous longtail boat, those boats whose gleaming pickup engine protruding at the rear leaves no one indifferent, except for the more sober version in a rowboat.

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 in a orchid farm (20 min also).

In both cases, it's normally a 1.5-hour walk for 100 baht per personTheoretically, it is possible to choose the route based on your selected starting point. There is one starting point next to the parking lot, on the northern part of the market (see map below).

It is also possible to rent the services of a private boat, with the possibility of extending or shortening the trip according to your needs, in this case, you must count 800 baht / hour for the entire boat (which can generally hold 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 2nd option takes you less far since you will be taken around the market in a small typical boat. During one hour, you are taken behind the market through a narrow canal, past houses and emerging into a pond where there are lotus flowers, which, when open, complete the decor.

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 is sufficient to only 20 baht per person, the boat being however limited to less than 10 people, there may be a bit of a wait. To take it, the small quay is right next to the bridge separating the 2 parts of the market, not far from the parking lot of the merchants' boats.

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 it variations exist 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 are not 36 thousand ways… There is no public transport going there (even if some bus lines would probably get you closer), so the easiest way is to go there by taxi. From the city center, it shouldn't cost you more than 200 baht (I'm also including a useful link to estimate the cost of a trip: 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?