The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market in Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand

The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market

Outty Ranking 59 4.0 · 31 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $46
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.0/5

Based on 31 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market worth booking?

The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market is a 6-hour experience in Bangkok, Thailand, from $46 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 31 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
4/5 (31)
Duration
6 hours
From
$46 per person

Maeklong Market is a unique, 'must-see attraction' that should be on every visitor's itinerary. It is called 'Risky Market' because there is a train track that runs directly through the middle of the market. Literally within seconds of the train passing through the market vendors have to pull their goods, and themselves, out of the way. The precision timings and movements of everyone involved are fascinating to witness. The second market on this itinerary is at the floating market at Damnoen Saduak. Whilst it is authentic and still used by locals, due to its popularity, it has become busy with tourists. You'll have plenty of time to wander along the side of the canal here, take a short paddle boat ride, and make a few purchases. 09:00 Leave River City 10:40 Ban Ka Long Railway Station 11:10 Arrive The Maeklong Railway Station 11:30 Watch the train passing Market 12:10 Floating Market with paddle boat 15 mins 13:30 Leave for Bangkok 15:00 Drop Off in Central Bangkok

What you get

    About this experience

    Maeklong Market is a unique, 'must-see attraction' that should be on every visitor's itinerary. It is called 'Risky Market' because there is a train track that runs directly through the middle of the market. Literally within seconds of the train passing through the market vendors have to pull their goods, and themselves, out of the way. The precision timings and movements of everyone involved are fascinating to witness. The second market on this itinerary is at the floating market at Damnoen Saduak. Whilst it is authentic and still used by locals, due to its popularity, it has become busy with tourists. You'll have plenty of time to wander along the side of the canal here, take a short paddle boat ride, and make a few purchases. 09:00 Leave River City 10:40 Ban Ka Long Railway Station 11:10 Arrive The Maeklong Railway Station 11:30 Watch the train passing Market 12:10 Floating Market with paddle boat 15 mins 13:30 Leave for Bangkok 15:00 Drop Off in Central Bangkok

    What's included

    Included

    • Visits to Railway Market and Floating Market
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • One Way Transfer from your Hotel and return back to Central Bangkok
    • Local English Speaking Guide
    • 30 minute Paddle boat ride around Damnoen Saduak floating market

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Food and drinks

    What you'll see and do

    1. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

      Famous for its tourist-friendly floating markets, Damnoen Saduak is the one you’ll find in the tourist literature on Thailand. Bring your camera along to witness the river packed with wooden boats overflowing with fruit and vegetables, which they sell to people standing on land. The scene is colourful and loud; just as you’d expect from a Thai market. It is just 100km from Bangkok.

      120 minutes here

    2. Mae Klong Railway Market (Hoop Rom Market)

      Maeklong Railway Market is a traditional Thai market selling fresh vegetables, food and fruit. What makes the market special is that it occupies part of a train line. A few times a day, there’s a train running directly through the market. A few minutes before the train comes, vendors lower their umbrellas and move some of their produce away from the train tracks. Some are left on the ground, with the train passing right over them. Amazingly, nothing gets damaged or broken, and as soon as the train passes, the vendors move their goods back onto the tracks and continue as normal (until the next train arrives).

      90 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Bangkok

    Please be at River City by 8.45am for a departure of 9am. Guide will be waiting outside the mall.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Convenient access to BTS Skytrain, Silom Road, Sathorn Road, and nearby hotels

    Options you can book

    • Joined Tour (No Hotel Pick Up)

      Meeting Point: Passengers to meet at Royal City Shopping Mall at 7am for bus to depart at 720am

    • Joined Tour & Hotel Pick Up

      Hotel Pick Up: Hotel Pick up Included and drop off Central Bangkok Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    I Asia Thailand

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Please Note: Paddle boats do not have life-jackets small enough for very young children. Adults are responsible for their children at all times
    • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
    • Please Note: Paddle boat ride around floating markets will be approximately 30 minutes
    • Meeting Point is at the large, main entrance to the River City Shopping Mall (next to Royal Orchid Shopping Mall).
    • Please plan to meet your tour guide at your hotel lobby at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled pick-up time .
    • Travel times are approximate and depend on traffic conditions
    • Optional pick up from the following areas: Sathorn, Silom, Siam, Pratunam, Khao San Road, Charoenkrung Road, or the Sukhumvit area between Soi 1-39 and 2-24. Please wait in the hotel lobby 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. (Hotel pick up is about 30-60minutes prior tour departure time.)

    Photos

    Damnoen Saduak floating markets, The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market in BangkokBangkok Floating Market, The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market in BangkokThe landing platform where you can buy local goods, The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market in BangkokA typical lady selling her fruits at the market, The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market in BangkokThe entrance to the market with the boats, The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market in BangkokThe Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market in Bangkok, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 31 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Value for money

    3 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Traveler reviews

    31 verified traveler reviews for The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    19
    4 star
    3
    3 star
    3
    2 star
    3
    1 star
    3
    Sort
    suetonga · January 2024

    Beautiful floating market experience

    What a beautiful memorable experience. We were a group of friends and our kids the boat experience and floating through various shops along the market was absolutely enjoyable. Also loved the temple visit as well as elephant rides.

    Response from the operator: Dear sueton, Thank you for sharing your experience following your visit to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market with Paddle Boat tour. We appreciate your feedback. At IAsia Thailand, we endeavor to offer immersive and delightful experiences, providing insights into Thailand's vibrant culture at the enchanting Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time exploring the market and experiencing the paddle boat ride. Thank you once again for choosing us and for sharing your delightful experience. Warm regards, Nick

    via Tripadvisor

    Constance_J · November 2023

    Perfect floating market experience!

    Perfect floating market experience, especially since most aren’t open during the week. Also stopped at a coconut palm farm which was very interesting & well done. Great value for the $$.

    Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you for sharing your experience after visiting the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market with Paddle Boat. We're delighted that you had an enjoyable time exploring this iconic market. At IAsia Thailand, we aim to provide immersive and authentic experiences that showcase the vibrant culture of the floating markets. We're thrilled that our tour, accompanied by a paddle boat ride, allowed you to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and unique charm of the market. Thank you once again for choosing us and for sharing your wonderful feedback. Warm regards, Nick

    via Viator

    francis_61jb · August 2023

    Dont be scammed. Do not take any boat rides - which is really not necessary

    Be careful with this visit. There are many scam stories of how tourists are scammed. I/We were nearly scammed ourselves. The usual going rate to bring a group of tourist there will be 4000baht - 6000baht for a bigger group, inclusive of railway market as a day trip package. But i happened to get a taxi driver outside our hotel at a much much cheap rate the day before. I got the taxi driver's number and watsapped him the night before and agreed that we will NOT take any boat rides - that's how they will charge exorbitant rates to the tourists!! In exchange, when the driver picked us up the following morning, we agreed to go to one of his 'sponsors' - a beehive farm which turned out to be a pleasant visit in itself and quite informative. During the drive there, we agreed that if all goes well, we would like to help him by visiting another of his 'sponsor' on our trip back, and immediately his face lited up. ::))

    Response from the operator: Dear Francis, Please post in the official page for the Floating Market, your posting in IAsia Thailand which is a local business and you never booked this with us as per your review. I am sending to Tripadvisor but if you have a complaint, please do so in the correct listing. Thanks, Nick

    via Tripadvisor

    sewkitty · August 2023

    Our first time visit

    Tourist trap for sure. Be sure and bargain for items. Offer a 60% discount on their asking price and many times it is accepted. These businesses expect you to bargain according to our tour guide. Food in the restaurants are pretty basic but very tasty.

    Response from the operator: Dear sewkitty, Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback regarding your visit to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market with the paddle boat experience. Your comments are important to us as they help us continuously improve our services. We're glad to hear that you had the opportunity to explore this iconic market and experience the traditional paddle boat ride. However, we noticed your review mentioned "tourist trap," and we would like to point out that the market is 99% visited by tourists. You just need to haggle if you want to buy goods but this is like any local market in the world! Best regards, Nick

    via Tripadvisor

    choolaawong · August 2023

    The floating market half day tour was a pleasant experience. The floating market is unique.

    We booked a half day tour to damnoen floating market and managed to witness the old and newly built floating market. Our guide, Pam, was awesome and helpful. She shared some story of thai culture, how the floating market came about and great information throughout the day. Not only that, she also showed us which area has the best boat noodles, mango sticky rice, coconut water, coconut pancake and more! The overall experience is great and chill. We also had the 30 minute paddle boat ride which was fun. Can’t wait to go back again!!

    Response from the operator: Dear Choola, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful review of your recent experience at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market with the Paddle Boat ride. We're delighted to hear that you had a memorable and enjoyable time exploring the vibrant market. We're equally pleased that our guide's knowledge and enthusiasm added value to your visit. Our team is dedicated to providing insightful and engaging experiences, and your acknowledgment of their efforts is greatly appreciated. Thank you for choosing IAsia Thailand to explore the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Your feedback serves as a motivation for us to continue delivering enriching and authentic experiences to our guests. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for more captivating adventures in the future. Warm regards, Nick

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $46 to $1,700
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    11
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by I Asia Thailand, who run 223 experiences we rank across 9 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.9.

    See everything I Asia Thailand runs

    Why this scores 59

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)46
    Review evidence (18% weight)54
    Booking momentum (14% weight)46
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)2
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Bangkok.

    How much does The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market cost?

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    Prices start at $46 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Bangkok usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market take?

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    Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Bangkok is not rushed.

    Is The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 31 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Bangkok, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market?

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    Around 11 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Bangkok can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Bangkok and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Bangkok within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Bangkok?

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    On Outty we rank every Bangkok experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Bangkok Backstreets Food Tour with 15+ Tastings, Old Siam Bangkok Food Tour with 15+ Tastings, Tingly Thai Cooking Class with Morning Market Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Bangkok?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Bangkok?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market?

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    Included: Visits to Railway Market and Floating Market; In-vehicle air conditioning; One Way Transfer from your Hotel and return back to Central Bangkok; Local English Speaking Guide; and 30 minute Paddle boat ride around Damnoen Saduak floating market. Not included: Gratuities; and Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 1505 listed pickup locations in and around Bangkok. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market offered in?

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    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Bangkok. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market?

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    Across 31 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    What booking options are available for The Best of Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak: Railway & Floating Market?

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    There are 2 options to choose from, including Joined Tour (No Hotel Pick Up), Joined Tour & Hotel Pick Up. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

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