Floating Markets In Southeast Asia
Floating markets are one of the stand-out images of Southeast Asia. A seemingly chaotic mixture of boats of all colours and sizes, squeezing into every space possible, while the wide-eyed tourist looks on, wondering how it all fits together.
Wherever you are heading on your trip, it's likely you are not far from one of these iconic spectacles. Here is a rundown of some of our favourites:
Thailand - Damnoen Saduk
The poster child for floating markets in Southeast Asia, Damnoen Saduk near Bangkok is probably the most famous, and most visited of all. Get there early to avoid encountering too many other travellers. For a less touristy alternative, try Amphawa, a smaller market open on weekend afternoons, but much more popular with the locals.
Vietnam - Phung Hiep, Cai Rang & Cai Be
The fertile lands of the Mekong Delta are home to several floating markets of varying sizes. Phung Hiep, Cai Rang and Cai Be are three of the biggest, with Cai Rang being the most accessible. While markets in Thailand can sometimes seem quite set up for tourists, the floating markets in the Mekong Delta are the real deal. Locals come from all over the area to buy and sell their goods in bulk, with huge amounts of produce being shifted daily. Worth a visit for the sheer scale alone.
Cambodia - Lake Tonle Sap
Not far from Siem Reap is Lake Tonle Sap, home to much more than just a floating market. Here you will find whole floating villages, as people and animals spend their whole lives on the water. The lake's water levels vary greatly throughout the year, so people have had to adapt their homes to move with the changing water levels. Here you can see floating schools, police stations, clinics, karaoke bars, and of course markets.
The best time to visit any of these markets is early morning, before the produce runs out and the tourists begin to arrive. Get in touch today to talk to a member of our team to see how we can include a visit to a floating market in an existing or tailor-made trip to Southeast Asia.