One of the most popular things to do in Bangkok is to visit a floating market; there are many markets to choose from. While some of the most famous floating markets are outside Bangkok, like Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa, others are worth visiting in the city. One of my favourite Bangkok floating markets is Khlong Lat Mayom, a floating market just outside central Bangkok for the ambience, natural beauty and, most importantly, the food. In this blog post, I will share with you all about the food, activities and what you can expect when visiting Khlong Lat Mayom.
Khlong Lat Mayom is a traditional floating market about 10 km east of central Bangkok. You can get there by taxi from Wongwian Yai BTS Skytrain Station. The Event is as it is in western culture. It’s fun, cheap and casual, and Thai food has so many variations that it can be a travel theme in its own right. Khlong Lat Mayom has the charm and authenticity of a local market, and you might be one of the few foreigners to visit.
Highlights at Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
The channel at Khlong Lat Mayom is very narrow, with only a few boats parked along the river bank and under a low bridge. These small boats usually prepare meals for customers seated at low tables by the water. The food is always the highlight of a visit to the floating market. Sitting on a small wooden stool and ordering a dish to be cooked in a small wooden boat anchored right next to your table is such a fun and exotic experience. The best things to eat at Khlong Lat Mayom floating market are boat noodles, pad thai, kanom jean (cold rice noodles), or hoi tod (oyster omelettes) cost around 30 baht per plate. Someone with a handcart usually sells drinks.
Most of the market is on solid ground. One side is dedicated to the fresh produce market, mainly beautiful vegetables and fruits, while the other sells colourful snacks, sweets and cooked foods. Stock up on tropical fruits, including giant papayas, large green or ripe mangoes, rose apples, medlars and grapefruit. Further back in the market, you can buy cheap clothes, home decor, accessories, toys and fresh flowers (always popular at Bangkok’s riverside markets).
The Food
Let’s start with the food, as that’s one of the main reasons to visit. With the abundance of food and the excellent display, I guarantee you will be ready to start eating when you arrive. Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is a reasonably sizeable sprawling market (although it looks small from the outside), so it’s a good idea to take a quick look before you sit down. From the main street, I like going to the left of the den Market, and then you go through the market to the canal side, and there are some bamboo picnic tables, kind of like a seating area in a food court, which is one of my favourite places to sit. First come, first served and if you snag a table, you can start buying food from all the different stalls and bring everything to your table to start eating.
Good to know about Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market:
To make the most of your day in the area, visit Taling Chan and Khlong Lat Mayom, about 4 km apart. Start with Khlong Lat Mayom, the smaller of the two. Before heading to Taling Chan, you can board a longtail boat for a small fee. Both markets are designed to give you a glimpse of local life and a relaxing morning away from Bangkok.
