Taling Chan: The Local Bangkok Market Tourists Miss
I visited Taling Chan expecting a tourist trap. Here's what it was actually like, food, boat rides to Wat Arun, and a hidden mural walk.
Bangkok is famous for its floating markets, and I’ve visited quite a few during my time here.
While many tourists flock to the iconic Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, I’ve come to love a quieter, lesser-known gem: Taling Chan Floating Market.
Nestled on the west side of Bangkok, Taling Chan feels more local and relaxed, a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the city.
What to Expect
Setting Expectations: If you're imagining a canal filled with boats selling goods (like you see in photos of Damnoen Saduak), that's not Taling Chan anymore. This market is mostly on land, with a long walkway of stalls and a separate (but still unique) food area. There's a narrow water corridor that likely had boats pre-COVID, but it's mostly quiet now.
Personally, I think you'll still have a good time here. the local food is excellent, boat tours are fun, and it's far more authentic than the standard tourist-heavy floating markets. Just know that "floating market" is a bit of a misnomer these days.
Where Is Taling Chan Floating Market?
Taling Chan is located on the other side of the Chao Phraya River, along the scenic Chak Phra Canal.
What I love about it is how much closer it is to central Bangkok compared to the more famous Damnoen Saduak, making it a great option for a half-day trip.
Even better, it’s just a short walk from another hidden gem, Song Khlong Floating Market.
The walk between the two is a treat in itself, lined with stunning murals depicting Thailand’s cultural landmarks. I found myself stopping every few steps just to admire the artwork.
Getting to Taling Chan
Getting to most floating markets from central Bangkok can be a bit of a trek, but Taling Chan is one of the easier ones to reach. Here’s how you can get there:
- Taxi, Grab, or Bolt: From popular areas like Siam or Pratunam, it’s about a 30-minute ride and costs 150-200 THB. This is my go-to option when I want a hassle-free trip.
- MRT: Take the Blue Line to Bang Khun Non station. From there, it’s a short 8-10 minute ride by taxi or motorbike.
- Bus: If you’re on a budget, Bus 79 goes directly from the Pratunam area, but be prepared for a longer journey (about 1 hour and 15 minutes). Stops at Central World, Siam Paragon, BTS Ratchathewi, and along Ratchadamnoen Klang road (near Khao San). Takes about 45 minutes, costs under 20 THB. Get off at the 7-11 next to the market entrance. Personally, I prefer the faster taxi or MRT option.
- Long-tail boat from central Bangkok: You can take a long-tail boat directly to Taling Chan from major piers like Saphin Taksin BTS. This is scenic but takes longer than taxi.
When to Visit & How Long?
Taling Chan floating market is only open on Saturdays and Sundays, from 8:30am to 3:30pm, so it's best to visit during the mornings or lunch time.
Best Time to Visit & How Long You Need
Arrive before 11am: This is important! The market fills up very quickly after 11am on weekends, and finding a table for food becomes difficult. Most vendors also start packing up after lunch, around 2pm. We visited around 11+am and the place was already packed.
How long to spend: 2-3 hours is enough to explore the market, eat, and take a boat ride. This makes it perfect as a half-day trip combined with another west Bangkok attraction.
Bring cash: There are no ATMs at the market, and vendors don't accept credit cards. We use Promptpay, but for tourists whom many don't have Promptpay, cash is accepted.
Exploring Taling Chan Floating Market
Taling Chan isn’t your typical floating market with canals full of boats selling goods. Instead, it has a bustling land market leading to a lovely food area and a pier for boat rides.
The Entrance Walkway
As you step into the market, you’re greeted by a long walkway packed with stalls, instead of canals with floating boats.
One of my favourite sections was the outdoor plant shops. They sell everything from vibrant flowers to miniature bonsais at incredibly affordable prices.
I was so tempted to bring home a bonsai, but my wife vetoed the idea. (She keeps accidentally killing my bonsais.)
Walking further, I saw stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and handmade souvenirs. The handmade soaps stood out to me—they make great gifts and have that uniquely Thai charm.
Parallel to the walkway, there’s a narrow water corridor. I imagine this was once filled with boat vendors before COVID, but now it’s mostly quiet.
The Barber Area
Deeper into the market, I stumbled upon a fascinating sight: a free barber area!
Run by a local barber school, they offer free haircuts to anyone willing to help their trainees log practice hours.
I watched as elderly locals lined up for trims, and it was kinda nice to see this community spirit in action.
What to eat at Taling Chan
The food area is one of the highlights for me. It’s a communal seating space surrounded by hawkers selling all kinds of dishes. You just take a seat, order from the vendors, and enjoy your meal at the shared tables.
What’s interesting here is that you need to remove your shoes before sitting down on the wooden platforms by the river (like Japanese).
Unique experience: After ordering, you can buy food pellets to feed the hundreds of catfish swarming the canal water while you wait for your meal.
Boat Tours from Taling Chan (Full Details)
Right next to the food area is the boat pier, offering long-tail boat rides. I think this is the best way to leave the market and head back into the city, and probably the most popular way to visit Taling Chan. There are actually a few rout options:
Most Popular: 1 Hour Canal Tour (Route 4)
- Price: 100 THB per person (price might have changed)
- Duration: 1 hour
- Departures: Every 30 minutes
- Route: Chak Phra Canal → Bang Chueak Nang Canal → Wat Kor temple
- Stops: Fish feeding (20 THB for bread), Wat Kor (20-minute temple visit)
Longer Multi-Market Tour (Route 1)
- Price: 300 THB per person (price might have changed)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Departure: 9:30am (once daily only)
- Route: Visits to Khlong Lat Mayom and Talad Wat Saphan floating markets before returning
- Good value if you want to see multiple markets
Private Boat Option
- Price: 1000 THB for 4 people + 100 THB per extra person
- Duration: 1+ hours
- Custom routing available
Note: Tours run Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays only. Buy tickets at the entrance office. Arrive early on weekends to secure spots.
It’s a fantastic way to combine travel with sightseeing, and there’s something quite magical about gliding along Bangkok’s waterways in a long-tail boat.
Queuing for the boat ride
Walking to Song Khlong Floating Market
After exploring Taling Chan, I highly recommend walking over to Song Khlong Floating Market, which is just five minutes away.
The walk itself is a highlight for me.
It’s a narrow, charming path decorated with wall murals showcasing Bangkok’s famous landmarks. I found myself pausing constantly to take pictures and admire the details—it’s easily one of my favorite parts of the trip.
Beautiful wall murals with Thai art
When you reach Song Khlong, you’ll notice a golden bridge. Right beside the bridge, I discovered a hidden home cafe, tucked inside a family’s house.
They serve drinks for just 30-50 THB, and the personal vibe makes it worth a stop.
Another must-see is the floating boat drink seller.
Watching him brew Thai tea and coffee on his wooden boat was fascinating—he even has a tiny gas stove right there on the boat! It’s such a unique and authentic experience.
Song Khlong itself is smaller and quieter than Taling Chan, with a focus on food rather than shopping.
We decided to have lunch there, and enjoyed Pad Thai and another dish that looked similar to Singapore's carrot cake.
Taling Chan vs Other Bangkok Floating Markets
| Market | Distance from Bangkok | Actual Floating Boats? | Crowd Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taling Chan | 14 km (closest) | Few boats, mostly land market | Moderate on weekends | Local food, affordable, boat tours |
| Damnoen Saduak | 100 km | Yes, traditional boats | Very touristy, crowded | Classic tourist experience & photo op |
| Amphawa | 80 km | Yes, some boats | Moderate-high | Evening food, fireflies tour |
| Khlong Lat Mayom | 20 km | Some boats | Less touristy | Authentic local food, larger selection |
Important: Taling Chan is NOT a traditional floating market with canals full of vendors on boats. If that's what you're expecting, you might be disappointed. The main market is on land, with only a few boat vendors. But it's still worth visiting for the food, boat tours, and local atmosphere.
Other Places to Explore Near Taling Chan
If you’re in the area, why stop at just Taling Chan? Here are a few nearby spots I recommend visiting as well (credibility check: I live around this area)
Chang Chui Creative Park
About 5 km from Taling Chan, this hipster market is built around a decommissioned airplane (I think). It’s home to art galleries, vintage shops, and even a fine dining restaurant inside the plane.
The vibe here is trendy and youthful, but I’d suggest visiting in the evening when they get more lively.
Chang Chui Night Market
Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
A larger and more traditional floating market, Khlong Lat Mayom is one of my all-time favorites.
The food options are incredible, and the boat rides give you that classic floating market experience. I always bring friends here when they visit Bangkok.
Central Westville Mall
This dog-friendly mall is a short taxi ride away and a unique experience for pet lovers. Restaurants welcome pets, and there’s even a rooftop garden where dogs can play.
Common Questions about Taling Chan
What days is Taling Chan open?
Saturdays and Sundays only, 8:30am - 3:30pm
How much is the boat tour?
60-99 THB depending on route (1-3 hours)
Is Taling Chan a real floating market?
It's mostly a land market now with few boats, but still worth visiting for food and boat tours
Final Thoughts on Taling Chan Floating Market
Taling Chan may not be the floating market you imagine with canals filled with vendors, but it has a charm all its own.
From the vibrant land market to the relaxing boat rides and the enchanting murals leading to Song Khlong, it’s an experience I thoroughly enjoyed and would happily recommend.
If you’re looking for a floating market that’s local, accessible, and a bit off the beaten path, give Taling Chan a try.
Other interesting spots in Bangkok? 👇
JJ Huang
