Even though transactions are more concerned with tourists rather than locals these days, the floating market boats are still piled high with tropical fruit and vegetables, fresh, ready-to-drink coconut juice and local food cooked from floating kitchens located right on the boat. To enjoy the atmosphere without haggling over prices, try relaxing on a guided boat tour of Damnoen Saduak market. Floating markets are Taling Chan Market, Bang Ku Wiang Market, Tha Kha, and Damnoen Saduak.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

LOCATION: Take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal to Samut Sangkhram Ratchaburi province, 80 km southwest of Bangkok.

OPEN: Daily 07:00 - 11:00

Well on the tourist trail after the Bond films, the trip to the famous floating market at Damnoen Saduak is still worth doing. Totally chaotic, small 'klongs' or canals are filled with small flat boats jockeying for position, expertly paddled by mature ladies ready to stop and bargain at a moment's notice. It's colourful, noisy, totally touristy but great fun.

Taling Chan Floating Market

LOCATION: Take bus numbers 79 or 83, which cross the Chao Praya River to the Thonburi side of Bangkok.

OPEN: Weekends 09:00 - 17:00

This market is in close proximity to Bangkok, and so makes a nice weekend trip if you're in for a new shopping experience. A strew of canals around the market can be visited by hired boat where small villages are revealed along the way. Homestays are also available for a truly Thai experience.

Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market

LOCATION: Rent a boat from Chang Pier in Bangkok, and ask to be taken to Noi-Khlong Om-Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market.

OPEN: Daily 04:00 - 07:00

Perhaps the best choice to enjoy a traditional Thai floating market without the touristy push is Bang Khu Wiang. Monks arrive by boat in early morning on their daily 'tak baat' (alms round), and a variety of farm - fresh produce is offered.

Tha Kha Floating Market

LOCATION: Little sister of and 10 kilometres from touristy Damnoen Saduak market, this market can be reached by following the same directions to Damnoen Saduak market

OPEN: Weekends 06:00 - 12:00

Tha Kha has a much smaller amount of tourists compared to other floating markets in Samut Sangkhram. With a canopy of natural surroundings, it is protected from the commerical onslaught as experienced at nearby Damnoen Saduak market. Most importantly, don't forget to take a look at the stars before embarking; the market is only open six days a month in accordance to the lunar calendar.