The Taling Chan Floating Market is a popular weekend destination located in Bangkok, Thailand. Unlike some of the larger and more touristy floating markets in the area, Taling Chan has managed to maintain a more authentic and traditional vibe. The market is situated along the canal that runs through the Taling Chan district, and vendors sell their wares from boats and along the banks of the waterway.
Visitors can browse through a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, seafood, prepared foods, and handicrafts. Some of the most popular items include grilled fish, boat noodles, and mango sticky rice. Many vendors also offer boat rides through the canal, which provide a unique and relaxing way to take in the sights and sounds of the market.
In addition to the market itself, there are also several nearby attractions worth checking out. These include the Taling Chan Floating Market Pier, which offers views of the waterway and surrounding area, and the nearby Taling Chan District Park, which is a great place for a picnic or to relax after a day of shopping.
If you decide to visit the Taling Chan Floating Market, I highly recommend taking the boat ride that costs 99 baht and lasts for about an hour. During the ride, you'll be able to see the market and its surroundings from a unique perspective and get a better understanding of how the canal plays a vital role in the local community. Along the way, the boat will stop to allow you to feed the fish bread, which is a fun and interactive experience for all ages.
One of the highlights of the boat ride is a visit to the Luang Por Dum temple, which is located just a short distance from the market. The temple is a beautiful and serene place, and visitors are welcome to explore the grounds and take in the peaceful surroundings. The temple is known for its large statue of Luang Por Dum, a revered monk who is believed to have had extraordinary spiritual abilities.
The boat ride and visit to the Luang Por Dum temple are highly recommended for anyone visiting the Taling Chan Floating Market. They offer a glimpse into the local culture and provide a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the market itself.
Overall, the Taling Chan Floating Market is a great place to experience traditional Thai culture and sample some delicious food. It's especially popular among locals, who appreciate the market's laid-back atmosphere and the opportunity to support local businesses.
Getting to Taling Chan Floating Market in Bangkok is relatively easy, and there are a few different transportation options available depending on your preference and budget.
One of the most popular ways to get to Taling Chan is by taxi or Grab (a ride-hailing service in Southeast Asia), which is convenient and relatively affordable. From central Bangkok, the journey typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Be sure to negotiate the fare with the driver before getting into the taxi or booking a ride on Grab.
If you prefer to use public transportation, you can take the BTS Skytrain to Bang Wa station and then transfer to a local bus or a songthaew (a small shared pickup truck used for public transportation in Thailand). The bus and songthaew routes that go to Taling Chan are numbers 79, 83, 84, 149, and 167. The journey by public transportation takes approximately 1-1.5 hours and can be a bit more challenging if you're not familiar with Bangkok's public transportation system.
Another popular option is to join a guided tour that includes transportation to and from the market. This can be a good choice if you're short on time or want the convenience of having everything organized for you. Many tour operators offer half-day trips to Taling Chan, which may include a boat ride, temple visit, and lunch at the market.
If you happen to be staying close to the Taling Chan Floating Market, you may want to consider taking a Grab instead of a taxi or public transportation. Grab is a popular ride-hailing service in Southeast Asia, and it offers a convenient and comfortable way to get around Bangkok. Plus, if you have a coupon in your account, you may be able to get a discounted fare.
During my visit, I was lucky to be staying relatively close to the market, so I decided to take a Grab. After using the coupon in my account, the ride only cost me 44 baht, which is a great deal. I found the ride to be easy, fast, and comfortable, and it allowed me to arrive at the market in no time at all.
