Thailand’s floating markets are called “talat nam”. They are the most photographed attractions in the country. Going to floating markets is well worth putting on your list of things to do in Thailand. Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market is one of Floating Markets near Bangkok that can be visited by yourself.
Bang Nam Pheung is a small village not far from central Bangkok, located in Phra Pradaeng district in Samut Prakan province, on the other side of the Chao Praya River. Even if it is only few kilometers from Bangkok, it's not that easily reachable without local help or your own transportation.
We started our trip by taking an air-conditioned bus No. 138 from Chatuchak Market to Phra Pradaeng via expressway. The fare is 21 baht. Make sure to get on the bus going to Phra Pradaeng because bus No. 138 goes on 2 routes – to Phra Pradaeng and to Ratchapracha.
Before you go, read Detailed Guide on Using Public Bus in Bangkok as taking public bus in Bangkok can be quite complicated for the firstimer.
Even if the bus is going to Phra Pradaeng, it doesn’t mean that it will go all the way to the pier. After reaching Phra Pradaeng, the bus driver told us to change the bus to another bus No. 138, stopping at Phra Pradaeng Pier which is near Phra Pradaeng market.
Then we took songtaew (kind of Local transport) for about 10 minutes to the Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market. It costs 10 baht per person. Songtaew stops right next to the Bang Nam Pheung Nai Temple.
Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market is situated along the canal. This floating market is very popular with locals and we could see only few tourists hanging around.
The lifestyle of local villagers can be seen at the market.
Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market is quite big and has many interesting things to offer - delicious food, drinks and snacks. You can find an area for music and souvenir shop there too and can delight yourself by buying local products such as coconut shells, clothes, woven handbags, and handicrafts etc.
Here you can enjoy Thai self-made snack called "Miang kham" (th:เมี่ยงคำ). It is a healthy, tasty and addictive snack made of dry coconut, Thai herb and sweet sauce.
At Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market you can find ancient deliciously sweet Thai desserts that are not commonly found on the streets of Thailand. Give it a try here!
You can also enjoy eating Thai Fruits at the floating market as they are really cheap here - try Dragon Fruit or Kaew Mang-Korn (th: แก้วมังกร) and Sugar Apple or Noi Na (th:น้อยหน่า)
Here you can buy dried purple flower called "Butterfly Pea Flower" (th: ดอกอัญชัน) which is used for making a tea. The tea made of this flower is full of potent antioxidants.
Another local fruit you can buy here is "Fak khao" (th: ฟักข้าว) or Gac Fruit which is very popular between Thais. Fak khao is a fruit containing a high concentration of beta-carotene and lycopene.
Mini pancakes called "Khanom babin" (th: ขนมบ้าบิ่น) are sold here too. They are a popular Thai dessert made of coconut.
We arrived to Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market at 9am and stayed there until 1.30pm. We stopped by at some coffee shop and spent time there for like an hour or so and then walked around till lunch time. We had noodle for lunch - boat noodle of course! It costs 45 baht. The price is very reasonable and the food is really tasty here. It can get quite crowded at the floating market around noon.
You can expect to spend about 3 to 4 hours here if you are going to spend your time shopping Thai way.
Address
Bang Nam Pheung, Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan
Opening Hours
Saturday - Sunday, 8am - 2pm
How to Get There
By Bus
Take a public bus to Phra Pradaeng and take local transport (songtaew) to the floating market. You can choose one of there routes:
- Air-conditioned bus No. 138 (Chatuchak – Phra Pradaeng through Express Way)
- Air-conditioned bus No. 140 (Victory Monument – Suksawat through Express Way) Get off the bus after leaving Suksawat Express Way and take a bus No. 82 to Phra Pradaeng market
- Air-conditioned bus No. 506 (Pak Kret – Phra Pradaeng)
- Non Air-conditioned bus No. 82 (Sanam Luang – Phra Pradaeng).
By BTS SkyTrain / Boat
- Take BTS SkyTrain to Bang Na Station and
- Then take a motorbike taxi for the short ride to the pier at Wat Bang Na Nok and
- Take the river-crossing ferry (4 Baht) to Wat Bangnamphung Nok pier. It takes about 10 minutes.
- From there, take a short motorbike taxi (10 Baht) or rent a bicycle to go to the Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market as we did.
By Car
- exit from the Express Way (Dao Khanong – Suksawat) to Suksawat Road, go straight until you see the Phra Pradaeng T-junction, turn left next to the BP Gas Station to Phra Pradaeng Market, turn left at Wat Song Tham Worawihan and drive straight about 5 kilometres. Take a turn into Soi Phetchahung 33 for another 1 kilometre until arriving at Bangnamphung Health Centre which provides a parking area of the floating market.
Cost for the Trip
Transportation
- Bus No. 138 Chatuchak - Phra Pradaeng = 21x2 = 42 Baht (for going there and back)
- Songtaew to floating market = 10x2 =20 Baht (for going there and back)
Food (Depending)
- Noodle, rice = 50 Baht
- Beverage = 50-100 Baht
- Snacks = 100 - 200 Baht
Travel Tips
Biking around the area early in the morning or in the afternoon to Bang Kra Chao could be a better alternative.