BangkokPhoto EssayThailandTravel and Food

Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok – a photo feature

Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok, best floating market Bangkok, floating market near Bangkok

In Bangkok, markets are not just about shopping deals and bargains but a way of life. They blend with the very  fabric of the city and are an integral part of the local flavour and culture. I wanted to spend an entire trip photographing markets but I had to be contended with a floating market near Bangkok – Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok.

Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok, best floating market Bangkok, floating market near Bangkok

Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok, best floating market Bangkok, floating market near Bangkok

Everyone has an opinion when it comes to the best floating market Bangkok but to me, it has to be the Taling Chan Floating Market. Full of life, the market comes alive in the weekend as I take a ferry and soak in the moment.

Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok, best floating market Bangkok, floating market near Bangkok

Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok, best floating market Bangkok, floating market near Bangkok

Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok, best floating market Bangkok, floating market near Bangkok

It is an assault on the senses – a riot of hues blinds the eye. The entire market is swamped with locals and tourists, adding a dash of colour to the scene. The women are warm and friendly as they anchor their boats near the wooden bridge while the locals crowd around them. My nostrils are tickled as a variety of flavours float around in the Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok.

Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok, best floating market Bangkok, floating market near Bangkok

The concept of a floating market near Bangkok started way back in 1987. Most of the locals sit in long wooden boats and whip up a meal for the locals and tourists .

Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok, best floating market Bangkok, floating market near Bangkok

Many a time you can see them in these traditional boats, dressed in colourful clothes as they are chatting away with the tourists.

Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok, best floating market Bangkok, floating market near Bangkok

Some markets start early in the morning. It starts with one boat and soon I can see a montage of boats floating in the waters, causing a traffic jam.  The men and women are cooking or grilling a meal or selling fresh produce.

Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok, best floating market Bangkok, floating market near Bangkok

As I walk around, I realize that Taling Chan Floating Market is a part of the landscape of Bangkok and it offers a glimpse into traditional Thailand and Thai cuisine.

Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok, best floating market Bangkok, floating market near Bangkok

Bangkok is often called as the Venice of the East with a labyrinth network of canals and the floating market near Bangkok comes alive during weekends. At Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok my taste buds are literally tickled by the many flavours.

Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok, best floating market Bangkok, floating market near Bangkok

Pleasantly I discover that most of the delicacies are vegetarian dishes. Sticky mango rice is one of my favourites along with the papaya salad.

Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok, best floating market Bangkok, floating market near Bangkok

But the boats bring in many more  flavours – from sweets to rice, fruits to greens to fish and snakes, you are spoilt for choice.  Grilled meat is a favourite here. There is a variety of local fish. Noodles are a staple diet. The candies are eye catching. The durians cannot be missed.

Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok, best floating market Bangkok, floating market near Bangkok

Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok, best floating market Bangkok, floating market near Bangkok

Bursting with energy and full of delicious delicacies, these men and women will give any Masterchef contestant a run for their money. There is a burst of life at Taling Chan Floating Market that defines the very landscape of the Bangkok.

Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok, best floating market Bangkok, floating market near Bangkok

I wander away as the spirit of the market spreads from the waters to the land. Tiny lanes come alive with pots and pans. Music echoes from the streets. Suddenly the entire atmosphere turns into a carnival as the best floating market Bangkok turns into a vibrant hot spot. If you are looking at an authentic souvenir, you can pick one gift from Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok.

Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok, best floating market Bangkok, floating market near Bangkok

If you have been to Bangkok and you have not been to Taling Chan Floating Market, you have missed the very spirit of the city.

Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok, best floating market Bangkok, floating market near Bangkok

Which is the best floating market Bangkok that you recommend ? For me, it has to be Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok. It is also one of my five best markets from around the world.  Have you been there ?

Taling Chan Floating Market Bangkok, best floating market Bangkok, floating market near Bangkok

There is more to Bangkok than just markets. If you have time, do visit the Old Town, go for a cruise on the Chao Phraya and visit Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn and head to Wat Pho or the Reclining Buddha Temple in Bangkok

 

 

 

25 comments

  1. Ajay Sood 13 October, 2017 at 16:06 Reply

    What a colourful place! At times it delights the senses, and at times, it assaults the senses. But the experience of being here is unforgettable! I fondly remember my visit here! Thanks for sharing, Lakshmi!

  2. Sarah Shumate 14 October, 2017 at 15:29 Reply

    I’ve heard of these markets, but haven’t had a chance to visit yet. Your photos are incredible! I just want to eat all of this food, like right now. Well, except for maybe the durian. 😉 Those are all over Singapore, too!

  3. Jenn -- The Solivagant Soul 14 October, 2017 at 17:47 Reply

    I was there last year and because I only spent 3 days in Bangkok (not consecutively), I never had the chance to actually go to the floating market. And after seeing your pictures I am so extraordinarely jealous! It looks amazing! I would have loved to try it all! What was your favourite dish??

  4. Eva 14 October, 2017 at 18:47 Reply

    I am so intrigued by Bangkok markets. I am hoping to visit next year, so I really can’t wait. I have never experienced anything like this before, but the idea of getting to sample so much delicious food cooked on the spot is so enticing!

  5. Tala Valino 14 October, 2017 at 18:52 Reply

    Will be visiting Thailand soon so this post comes very helpful. Looking forward to visit the floating market. I didn’t know there were different options to choose from. Definitely will save this for future reference. 🙂

  6. Kay 14 October, 2017 at 19:49 Reply

    That food looks delicious! I’m kind of sad that I didn’t get to visit a floating market in Bangkok when I was there (too little time and had a bedbug incident that was really unfortunate…), but I definitely want to go back and experience one in the future. It’s such a unique concept! I love all of those little boxes of food items – your photos capture it beautifully!

  7. Anindya Sundar Basu 14 October, 2017 at 20:25 Reply

    When we planned the Bangkok this was one of the things which we wanted to explore and I in particular as this has great photography opportunity. Loved the way you have written this and enjoyed reading it. This reinforces the fact how water bodies are important part of any civilization

  8. Sarah 14 October, 2017 at 22:12 Reply

    Your pictures are just stunning! I didn’t make it to one of the floating markets when I was in Bangkok, but wish I had. Such a gorgeous experience and the food! Yum!

  9. Ashley Hill 14 October, 2017 at 23:54 Reply

    I’m not going to lie, when I first read “floating market” I thought it would be suspended in the air. Maybe I’ve watched Avatar too many times.. But this is truly amazing. I would love to grab a bite to eat here.

  10. Vanessa 17 October, 2017 at 07:15 Reply

    Your photos are beautiful, and the food looks amazing. I’ve been wanting to go to Thailand for a while, and the markets look absolutely incredible. I’ll definitely need to check them out when I go.

  11. Maggie 25 October, 2017 at 20:14 Reply

    We have done everything when we went to Thailand except this! Looks like such a fun experience, I’ll definitely have to do it next time we go. I love all their markets and food and the bargains you can find.

  12. Louise 25 October, 2017 at 22:00 Reply

    I’ve always loved the way the food is presented in Asian street markets – they manage to make everything look so inviting! I love all the colours, textures and smells – everything is always so fresh 🙂 Your photos have made me salivate!!

  13. Katherine 25 October, 2017 at 22:26 Reply

    What an awesome experience! The idea of a floating market is a bit strange to me, and I’d love to witness it for myself. I had a few friends in Australia from Thailand who were always telling me how beautiful it is!

  14. Gabby 26 October, 2017 at 00:17 Reply

    visiting markets is one of my favorite things to do in a new city. I’ve heard about this place before, but had never seen pictures. It definitely seems like an incredible visit for the senses

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *