If you are looking for a peaceful, authentic floating market nearby Bangkok look no further, a short day trip to Khlong Lat Mayom should definitely be on your list. The market is located on Bangkok Thonburi side on the opposite side where most of the tourist attractions are located. It is quite easy to reach since it is only an 8 km Taxi ride from the last BTS Station Bang Wa.
Khlong Lat Mayom Market Name Origin
The floating market takes its name from ‘mayom’, which is the Thai name for star gooseberry fruit, very popular in this part of the town. Khlong Lat Mayom is located in a quiet country lane which is pretty empty during week days, when the market close down. During weekends (the market is open from Friday to Monday) the road gets very busy, as hundreds of Bangkokians descend for purchasing fruits, vegetables and ready to eat foods and have a breath of fresh air.
Food
Khlong Lat Mayom is not the typical Instagram friendly market where you will find plenty of English spoken and long tails boats pretending to trade goods. It is a real Thai Floating Market mainly catering to locals.
Food is really the main attraction here, therefore most of the market space is dedicated to food stalls offering dishes from all over Thailand. You will be able to taste Khao Mok Gai a typical chicken dish from southern Thailand, northern Thai Khao Soi and famous somtum “Papaya salads”. There is a big emphasis like in any floating market, on freshly grilled and steamed seafood such as crabs, prawns, clams, with prices that are a real bargain. If you have a sweet tooth this is your choice to get to try Thai desserts as well. You will find Luk Chup, (Thai style marzipan sweets), Foi Tong and many others sweets. For the bravest you will also have the chance to taste local insects!
Hundreds of food stalls are selling furniture and homemade craft items, some offer cheap Thai massages for a quick rest. Tail boat rides of 1.5 hrs. are available to explore the surrounding canals (roughly 100 baht per person – really a good deal!). Moreover, if you like you may even join vase creation or T-shirt painting sessions.
Apart from that, one of the best ways to explore and enjoy Khlong Lat Mayom is just to walk around: having a short walk outside the center of the market and you will be reminded of how much the area is different from central Bangkok. The modest wooden houses are charming right on the edge of the canal and take a pleasant walk along the water’s edge. Khlong Lat Mayom is the perfect place to recharge your batteries after having consumed yourself with all that the city has to offer.
If you want an experienced guide to take you around and help you better understand the food and the surrounding environment contact us and we will be happy to take you there!
