Getting to see the various places around a destination with a local friend and expert can actually be one of the best things that could happen on our travels as that gives us the opportunity to have a more meaningful connection with the place. I myself had that experience when I booked a day trip to the Khlong Lat Mayom floating market with TakeMeTour group in Bangkok. A day that involved ferry rides, traveling on the back of a pickup truck, a boat ride along the canal at the market and a lot of tasty food, I got more than I had expected.
About Khlong Lat Mayom
Bangkok is well-renowned for its array of the famous floating markets. Along with the many other attractions, the floating markets are a huge draw for visitors to Bangkok. While many might argue that some of these floating markets have become very commercialized and dont have the real flavor anymore, the Khlong Lat Mayom market still stands out in that aspect. Located about an hour journey(ferry ride + hopping on a pickup truck) from the Saphan Thaksin pier, this place is very local with not much of an inflow of tourists and there is hardly any unwanted persuasion from the vendors to buy stuff.
The Trip
After meeting at the Saphan Thaksin ferry pier with Fon – our local expert and John – our photographer, we spent the next 25 minutes on board the ferry as we trudged along the mighty Bangkok river. As we moved along each pier, Fon provided me good information about each place and the significant landmarks around them like Chinatown, Grand Palace and Wat Arun.
After alighting at the Thonburi Railway Station pier, we hopped on to the back of a pickup van – which looked more like a bigger and a bit advanced version of the normal “tuk tuk” – and we were on our way to the destination. During the 30 minutes journey, as we passed through a very different side of Bangkok where there was hardly any tourist to be seen, Fon, me and John exchanged stories about our lives, work and travels. It was especially interesting to listen to the local stories from Fon, which you might not always get to hear usually,
By the time we reached the market, we were all very hungry and we took that opportunity to head right into the food market to fulfill our appetite. The food market was something that I had always wanted to see and experience. Food stalls were spread across the entire place serving all kinds of authentic Thai food – way more varieties than the usual Tom Yam or Phad Thai – and some really unique sweets.
Once we had our hunger pangs satisfied, we headed towards the canal where we were supposed to take a leisurely boat ride. As we waited for the boats to arrive, I stood by the canal watching the thousands of fishes jostling for space as folks dropped chunks of bread to feed them. The boat arrived after 20 minutes and I was quite pleased to see it was not the usual long-tailed boats, instead it was a small paddle boat which meant more nooks and corners to explore around the canal over the next 30 minutes.
After the boat ride, we crossed over to the second part of the market by going down and under a small bridge. Keeping up with the tradition of reshaping my skull while I am in Southeast Asia, I bumped my head twice on the very low ceiling while crossing over to the market. This market had more of the different kinds of food, fruits and also vendors selling lip-smacking curry noodles from small boats. On Fon’s suggestion, I took a take-away of those for my lunch – which I later found out, wasn’t enough as I just couldn’t stop admiring the earthy authentic Thai flavors in it.
Having a friend along who is more than just a guide
When you book a tour through any Tour and Travel group, we always hope that the guide/expert would be knowledgeable with what he/she is doing. But this experience was so much more than just the usual tours and trips as Fon, the local expert, was not just very good is showing me around but she actually took interest to understand my preferences and expectations when it came to traveling. Instead of being a guided tour, it was more like a group of friends traveling together as me, Fon and John had quite a lot of fun apart from sharing our stories and experiences.
About TakeMeTour
TakeMeTour is a Thailand based travel startup who have many local experts enrolled in their program to provide some real and authentic day trips across different destinations in Thailand. Whether you want to visit the floating markets of Bangkok, the sticky waterfalls in Chiang Mai or a trip to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, Take Me Tour group has some of the best local experts to make for an unforgettable experience. Book their tours online which is a really hassle-free process and be ensured of a really good time. To book this particular day trip to the floating market visit the website here on TakeMeTour.
I’ve heard a lot of good reviews about this place! I really can’t wait to visit this place! I’m craving for the food there.
Amazing amazing amazing! I so wanted to get there when I was in Bangkok, but unfortunately there wasn’t enough time so I had to let it go. But you put a big smile on my face now that I’ve opened your post and saw it. I hope to go back to Thailand soon and visit this floating market. And also try all this delicious meals!
I am not sure what country is that but aside from bangkok they also have this floating market. I just hope that they don’t pollute their water, though. Anyway, the foods you’ve featured, they look delish.
Oooh your tour guide is pretty! You’re lucky she brought you a floating market where the vendors won’t rip you off or are too pushy for sales! Thailand is in my travel bucketlist! Someda somehow. Save travels always! 🙂
I only saw these floating markets in pictures and they sure look interesting! It was great you were brought to one where the vendors aren’t too pushy for sales. I was always against getting a guided tour cos it’s added expense but I guess there’s no better guide than a local! Save travels always!
GREAT POST! I love love love! Why? Because I learned something new about Thailand. The floating market, that’s what it’s called, looks amazing. How how does it work? Like you get on a ride to buy like the one on the video, where there was a boat being loaded or something?
They are so, I mean, this is the first time I heard of it and I am simply amazed.
http://www.amazinglifedaily.com #AmazingLifeDaily
Yes, you can just hop on one of those boats that takes you around the canal and the markets. Especially this one felt quite true and authentic without the usual touristy stuff.
I only saw this place on pictures. I want to go to Thailand so badly and this would be one of the first places i would go to. It looks so interesting and exotic. Such an unique experience 🙂
I’ve been to Bangkok before, but I still haven’t tried the floating market yet. I was too busy appreciating other stuff. Take Me Tour seem nice. Going on a food trail is usually better when there is a local guide. How I wish you put names to some of the food you’ve tried.
I’m still trying to work up the confidence to become a solo traveler. I really admire those who can just set off on a trip! Bangkok is somewhere I’d really love to visit. That floating market looks amazing. So many vibrant colors.
I saw this place when one of my facebook friends posted his video while they ride a boat in there.. That is cool.. this is in my bucket list of places to visit..
Havent tried this yet but would love to as this is one of the ways to experience Bangkok. My mom, on the other hand, doesnt like the idea and prefers shopping. Hahah.
floating markets.. I will put this on my travel list. I really want to see that. That would be so great and I would make a 1000 pictures haha. Takemetour sounds nice. Love your pictures!
Some fantastic writing here and your photo’s are fantastic too! Bangkok wasn’t on my list of places I wanted to travel but it is now! You’ve highlighted some amazing features and your photo’s make it look amazing! I really want to go to a market now!
I’d love to visit Bangkok someday in life and glad to know that your tour was amazing! I also prefer doing history or fashion tours on my trips!
I love this kind of local tours that supports the local markets and local business. And those foods make me feel hungry! Yum!
You have presented a different side of Bangkok, way different from the touristy face that is all too familiar. Nice to know that you had a guide who walked the extra mile to understand preferences and really guide in the real sense. My experiences in Bangkok have also been along similar lines.
I am so sad that I didn’t get to see a market when I was in Bangkok. But going there again soon so I will definitely keep this one in mind. Thanks for sharing
Floating markets are amazing. I had seen them on televsion before. I’m not sure whether it in Thailand but I had also seen a market sitting on the train lines. this market recoils just minutes before the train arrives and again goes back to entertaining the locals and tourists once the train has passed. i liked this concept a lot but also hope that its safe to continue doing so.
I would go to Thailand just to experience that market. I love Thai food! And TakeMe Tour sounds great. There’s nothing like having a local enthusiastic guide!
Ahhhh, so wish I had the chance to do the Floating Markets — next time for sure! Excellent write up — I agree having a local expert who specializes the tour to your preference is amazing!
My favorite part while in Thailand was this Floating Market. I could literally find everything there! Would love to go back some time in the future to eat and more shopping there.
I would very much like to visit the floating markets of Bangkok but was just concerned that these are too commercialized. Thank goodness there are still markets left like that in Khlong Lat Mayom that has kept its local flavors. 🙂 PS: super appreciated the food photos.
that is amazing. almost reminds me of the flower market in amsterdam.
I’ve never been in Thailand, but I’ve heard of those floating markets. It seems like an amazing experience. It’s such a local experience and when you’re having the privilege of booking a tour, you’re going to learn so much stuff about the country and the secrets of a city. I have a hunger for History and that’s why I really enjoy your piece! PLus the food picture made me really craving for Thai food!
This sounds like a wonderful tour. When you have people like Fon and John with you it can can increase the experience as talking and exchanging experiences and information, building a rapour can be beneficial. I love trying local foods in countries and really getting to experience the “non-touristy” places.
I need to hang out with you! The floating market looks awesome! Everything is better on a boat.
We always hesitate to try local food as we are not sure if we would really like it, how we wished we had a guide like Fon who could guide us with choice of food as per our preferences.
I love markets like this. You can try some local food and try something new, and all the colors and smells… I can only imagine! I must say that watching your beautiful pictures made me feel hungry 🙂