Taling Chan Floating Market in Bangkok: Guide & Tips

Taling Chan Floating Market is the easiest floating market to reach from central Bangkok.. It lies on Khlong Chak Phra in Thonburi, about 12 kilometers from the city center, and is only open on weekends and public holidays. Most of the visitors are Thai families who come here for lunch, which gives the market a much more local feel than the big floating markets outside the city.

Most of the market is on land, so don’t expect dozens of boats piled high with fruit. The floating part is a row of wooden platforms on the canal, where cooks grill fish and seafood on small boats right next to your table. From the market pier, longtail boats take you on short tours through the canals. If you plan your day well, you can also combine the market with a visit to the Artist’s House at Khlong Bang Luang.

Below you’ll find everything you need for your visit, from the bus ride out to Thonburi to the dishes we’d order again!

Visiting Taling Chan Floating Market: 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.

Taling Chan Floating Market

Taling Chan Floating Market at a Glance


Opening hours	Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, from 8 am until late afternoon
Entrance	Free
Location	Khlong Chak Phra, Taling Chan district, Thonburi
Getting there	Bus 79 or taxi
Canal boat tours	60 to 99 baht per person, weekends only
Time needed	About 2 to 3 hours

How to Get to Taling Chan Floating Market

By bus: One of the most affordable ways to reach Taling Chan Floating Market is by taking the air-conditioned Bus 79. Depending on where you board and the traffic conditions, the journey from central Bangkok usually takes around 45–60 minutes. Fares are generally between 13 and 25 baht.
By BTS and taxi: Another convenient option is to take the BTS Skytrain to Wongwian Yai and travel the remaining distance by taxi. A metered taxi from the station to the market typically costs around 140–180 baht, depending on traffic.
By MRT and free shuttle: Take the MRT Blue Line to Bang Khun Non station. On weekends, a free electric shuttle service connects the station with several nearby floating markets, including Taling Chan and Khlong Lat Mayom. The shuttle can be found near Exits 2 and 3.

Tip: If you are interested in a canal boat tour, purchase your ticket directly at the market. This makes it easier to check the official price and avoid unofficial offers along the way.

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.

Taling Chan 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 accept credit cards.

Taling Chan Floating Market

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.

Taling Chan Floating Market

Artist House Khlong Bang Luang

The Artist’s House, known in Thai as Baan Silapin, is an old wooden house on Khlong Bang Luang in Thonburi. Today it’s a small gallery with a café downstairs, and you can walk through the artists’ studios and buy hand-painted postcards. The red human-sized statues sitting along the canal are the most popular photo spot.

The main reason to come is the traditional Thai puppet show with handmade puppets and stories from Thai folklore. It has long been performed every day except Wednesday at 2 pm. Some recent visitors report that it now only takes place on weekends, so if you come on a Saturday or Sunday you’re on the safe side. Entrance is free, and after the show the puppeteers are happy about a donation.

You can reach the Artist’s House by private longtail boat from Taling Chan Floating Market. Agree on the price before you get in.

Klong Bang Luang

Khlong Bang Luang

Artist House

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.

Khlong Bang Luang – Artist House

Conclusion: Is Taling Chan Floating Market Worth It?

If you’re in Bangkok on a weekend and want to see a floating market without booking a full day trip, Taling Chan is the best choice. Come hungry, take one of the canal boat tours and try the grilled fish on the floating platform. If you have time in the afternoon, continue to the Artist’s House at Khlong Bang Luang for the puppet show.

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