Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Verified listing

The sights, sounds and smells of Bangkok's Chinatown are an assault to the senses, so you should come prepared. For anyone with a sense of adventure, a day lost among the many market alleys and street food vendors can be the most memorable of any spent in Bangkok.

Thanks to the mix of Chinese and Thai cultures, this part of town is unique and fascinating, especially for photographers who'll find stunning temples, exotic street food and everyday street scenes just begging to be captured. It can be daunting to enter this bustling area without a plan, so check out our pick of the best things to do in Chinatown so you can make the most of your day. Just be sure to wear your comfiest shoes and be prepared for the heat!

Damnoen Saduak (“Comfortable travel”) is a district in central Thailand in the province Ratchaburi about an hour southwest of Bangkok. The main canal was opened for construction in 1866 by King Rama IV to facilitate waterborne travels between the Ratchaburi and Samut Sakhon Provinces. It was finished and opened to the public in 1868. The central town is known only because of its floating market, which is probably the largest and most famous in Thailand.

The Damnoen Saduak Floating Markets are distinguished by the countless boats laden with fruits and vegetables and paddled by Thai men and women wearing bamboo hats. The markets are loud and colourful, serving everything from seafood and deserts through to elephant trinkets and clothing. Longtail boat services are available for sightseeing along the smaller canals, that branch off from the main Damnoen Saduak canal. Visitors can observe Thai traditional houses and way of life, taste exotic fruits, local food and refreshing drinks along the waterway.

This postcard perfect scene exists more to serve the tourist than that local community, but it’s still fun to visit and definitively a fascinating glimpse into a bygone way of life. If you’re looking for an authentic, traditional market experience, this may not satisfy. However, it’s still a great deal of fun and a wonderful experience for young children. There are tons of opportunities to see all kinds of vendors and venture off the beaten track to explore the smaller canals.