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Kwan Riam Floating Market should be your next destination if you wish to try out a new experience while visiting Bangkok as it is easily accessible and only few tourists can be seen shopping at this floating market in Bangkok.

Kwan Riam Floating Market

Kwan Riam Floating Market is one of the newest floating markets in Bangkok. The market is located at the outskirts of Bangkok (about 30 km from the city center), on the bank of Khlong Saen Saeb, the canal connecting the Chao Phraya River with Prachin Buri and Chachoengsao. Kwan Riam Floating Market is just an ideal place for a half-day trip from Bangkok.

The name of the market “Kwan-Riam” (ขวัญกับเรียม) comes from the name of the characters in Thai romance-drama novel called “Plae Kao” (meaning - the scar), written by Mai Muengderm. The novel was first published in 1936, then it was made into a movie for the first time in 1940 and then remade again in 1977. The story narrates the love of Kwan and Riam that was hindered by their parents.

Kwan Riam Floating Market

Kwan Riam Floating Market is a good example of the modern Thai floating market. Kwan Riam Floating Market is a really charming place because of its location between two ancient Buddhist temples, Wat Bang Peng Nuea (Northern) and Wat Bang Peng Tai (Southern), situated on opposite banks of the canal.

Kwan Riam Floating Market

An iconic bridge spans the canal linking the two sides of the floating market. This bridge is a favorite spot for tourists to take floating market photos.

Kwan Riam Floating Market

Highlights

One of the highlights of Kwan Riam Floating Market is the ceremony of people offering alms to the monks in the early morning. People gather on the banks of the canal at 7.30am to 8.00am and give food to the monks passing by on the boat along the canal. It usually lasts about 45 minutes. 

Kwan Riam Floating Market

Another highlight here is a special traditional Thai dancing and Thai songs performance presented during the day by the students from the surrounding area.

Shopping

Kwan Riam Floating Market offers good selection of food and shopping opportunities. You can choose to eat on one of the boats transformed into restaurants floating on the canal. These boats-restaurants offer authentic and really yummy Thai dishes.

Kwan Riam Floating Market

Food

At Kwan Riam Floating Market you can find traditional Thai food, Isan food, Thai desserts, clothes, handmade bags, handmade crafts and household items, souvenirs and much more.

Kwan Riam Floating Market

For more information about food that can be found at the floating market check: What to Eat at Kwan Riam Floating Market.

Animals

There are also many animals in the local mini zoo such as flamingoes, goats, Alpacas, miniature ponies, prairie dogs, tortoises, swans and others scattered around the area. Kids can definitely have a great time here interacting with these lovely animals.

Kwan Riam Floating Market

Boat Trips

The boat trips on the Khlong San Saeb are available for 40 baht per person. These boat trips include a guided tour (in Thai) by teenage students from Wat Bamphen Nuea School. You will be able to enjoy sightseeing along the canal.

Opening Hours

Kwan Riam Floating Market is open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, from 6am to 6pm.

How to get there

Kwan Riam Floating Market can be reached either through Soi Seri Thai 60 or Ramkhamhaeng Soi 187.

By Bus

If you feel adventurous enough, you can try taking a Public Bus:

  • Buses No. 514 (from Silom Road), No. 173 (from Sathorn Road) and No. 113 (from Hua Lamphong Railway Station or Pratunam) provide access to the market via Ramkamhaeng Road.
  • Bus No. 27 (from Victory Monument, BTS Mochit, The Mall Bangkapi) provides access to the market via Serithai Road.

By Taxi

You can take a Taxi from anywhere in the city. There are taxis available along Ramkamhaeng Road when you're ready to leave.

By Boat

It's possible to take Khlong San Saeb Boat but it doesn't run all the way to Kwan Riam Floating Market. You can take Khlong San Saeb Boat from Phan Fah Bridge (off Ratchadamnoen Avenue) or Pratunam Pier to The Mall Bangkapi Pier which is 10 km to the west. You can catch a taxi from there for 80 baht. This way your trip to Kwan Riam Floating Market will be even faster than by car or bus! 

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