Taling Chan Floating Market Guide | Bangkok
The Taling Chan Floating Market, also known as Khlong Chak Phra, is a very authentic and unique floating market directly in Bangkok. Located only 12 kilometers from the city center, that market is easy to reach compared to the touristic floating markets around the capital. In addition, here you will get the unique opportunity to dive deep into the Thai market life and enjoy the local flair. On a market tour, you will discover plenty of interesting things, there are possibilities to buy lovely souvenirs and try delicious local food. If you like, you can combine the market with a Klong tour to the artist’s house in Khlong Bang Luang, which is an absolute insider tip and one of the best things to do in Bangkok.
In this travel guide, we share with you our impressions and experiences of a perfect visit to Taling Chan Floating Market in Bangkok. In addition, we give you important tips on how to get there, opening hours and why a boat trip to the Floating Market is absolutely worth it.
Good to know!
The easiest way to get there is by taxi. Another option would be the bus No. 79. If you like, take the boat for the way back, this costs about 100 baht per person and the terminus is on the shore near Wat Pho.
The opening hours of the Taling Chan Floating Market are Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 08:00 am to 4:00 pm. During the week, this floating market is closed. Moreover, the entrance is free of charge.
Great shopping options, besides the floating markets, are the popular night markets in Bangkok, the huge Chatuchak Weekend Market as well as the modern shopping malls in Bangkok.
If you are looking for fantastic accommodation or a hotel in Bangkok, we can recommend the Amara Hotel with its phenomenal infinity pool or the chill Tamni Hostel for backpackers.
General info about Taling Chan Floating Market
Taling Chan Floating Market is one of the best hidden gems in Bangkok. Only a few people know the fact that most of the floating markets are situated outside of Bangkok. Also, the most famous market, the Damnoen Saduak is located about 100 kilometers from the city and can only be reached via a day trip. But even in Bangkok, there are smaller, more authentic and rewarding markets to visit during your stay in the Thai capital. When it comes to floating markets, a real gem and a real insider tip here is the Taling Chan Floating Market, located in the Klongs (canals) of Bangkok in Thonburi. This district is one of the oldest and is located from Sukhumvit on the other side of the river. Other interesting markets that can also be reached by longtail boat are the Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market and Wat Bang Saphan Floating Market.
Visiting the Taling Chan Floating Market
The Taling Chan Floating Market is actually a semi-rural market, as it is divided into stalls on land and an area on the water. Immediately after the entrance, there is a covered area that mainly sells plants and gardening tools. A little further along the path you reach the fascinating part on the water with a wide variety of snacks, fruits and local specialties. Since this floating market is not gigantic, you can easily spend only half a day exploring it. Also, if you are looking for a souvenir to take home, you will find it here. If you get tired from wandering around, you can get a traditional Thai massage under the cool shade of the trees for about 200 baht or enjoy traditional Thai music in the pavilion.
Tip: Take plenty of cash with you, as most of the stalls at the market don’t except credit cards.
Eating at Taling Chan Floating Market
A tour to the beautiful Taling Chan floating market is a culinary experience with lots of atmosphere. Locals and tourists are thrilled by the outstanding food that Taling Chan offers. Stands and the many food stalls offer something for every taste. Also, you will find the typical boats where lovely vendors sell their delicious goods. Here you will find everything your heart desires: baked bananas, pancakes, seafood, curries, Pad Thai and much more. In any case, we recommend trying the freshly grilled fish. The taste experience, but also the atmosphere at the water is absolutely unique! You sit really comfortably on a floating jetty in the middle of the river, you will watch the market activity and, of course, you have the chance to take some great pictures.
Artist House Khlong Bang Luang
At the Taling Chan Floating Market, boat trips are offered to the nearby Artist House in Khlong Bang Luang and the puppet theater there. A boat ride through the Klongs is simply sensational. To see and experience the life and hustle and bustle on the river is a unique experience, which we can only recommend to everyone. Arrived at the Artist House in Khlong Bang Luang there is an incredibly quiet atmosphere, you can look around in ateliers, buy artistic postcards or just enjoy a delicious coffee with a view of the canals.
If you’re lucky, you can even see the traditional Thai puppet theater with handmade puppets inspired by Thai sagas. Unfortunately, the free theater does not take place every day during the week, but always at 2:00 pm on weekends! An experience that you should definitely combine with the market visit. The entrance to the Artist house and the theater are free.
The Red Man statue is one of the main attractions of Khlong Bang Luang and a popular photo motif. If you book a trip to Taling Chan Floating Market, be sure to stop at this artist’s house for a tour. Therefore, it is often easier to book a guided tour in advance.
Conclusion: If you fancy a real and authentic floating market tour in Bangkok, then you should absolutely make your way to Taling Chang Floating Market. Also, you should not miss the puppet theater at the Khlong Bang Luang Artists’ House.
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