Ayothaya Floating Market
A charming waterside market alive with local crafts, delicious food, and unique elephant encounters, best experienced on weekends.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Market buzz and energy
Ayothaya Floating Market
Best Time
Market buzz and energy
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming waterside market alive with local crafts, delicious food, and unique elephant encounters, best experienced on weekends.
"The market is a wonderful place to visit on a quiet afternoon, with beautiful waterways and wooden huts."
🎯 Go on Weekends!
The market is significantly more vibrant and active on Saturdays and Sundays. Weekdays can be very quiet.
🚤 Embrace the Boat Ride
A short canal boat ride offers a unique perspective of the market's charm.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Canal Boat Ride
Market Waterways
Glide along the water, taking in the picturesque wooden huts and bridges. A quintessential Ayothaya experience.
Local Eateries
Along the Waterway
Savor authentic Thai dishes and snacks from numerous food stalls lining the canal. Don't miss trying local specialties.
Elephant Encounters
Designated Areas
See, feed, and even ride elephants. A memorable experience, though be mindful of potential extra costs for photos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Weekend Vibes are Key
Navigating the Waterways
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go on Weekends!
The market is significantly more vibrant and active on Saturdays and Sundays. Weekdays can be very quiet.
🚤 Embrace the Boat Ride
A short canal boat ride offers a unique perspective of the market's charm.
🐘 Elephant Interactions
You can see, feed, and ride elephants. Be prepared for potential extra charges for photos.
🍜 Taste Local Delights
Sample a variety of Thai dishes and snacks from the numerous food stalls.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go on Weekends!
The market is significantly more vibrant and active on Saturdays and Sundays. Weekdays can be very quiet.
🚤 Embrace the Boat Ride
A short canal boat ride offers a unique perspective of the market's charm.
🐘 Elephant Interactions
You can see, feed, and ride elephants. Be prepared for potential extra charges for photos.
🍜 Taste Local Delights
Sample a variety of Thai dishes and snacks from the numerous food stalls.
⚠️ Watch Your Step
Some walking planks can be old and a bit wobbly; exercise caution.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ayothaya Floating Market offers a charming glimpse into traditional Thai life, particularly vibrant on weekends with its array of food and souvenir stalls. Visitors enjoy the picturesque canal setting and the unique experience of boat rides and elephant encounters. However, some find the market less engaging on weekdays and note potential accessibility issues with the walkways and boat tours.
"This place had mixed reviews so we were a bit uncertain about visiting it. In addition, the floating market there is created for tourists not a real floating market. But we were pleasantly surprised by several aspects. First the boat ride that came with the entry ticket (80) gave a good overview to the whole place. Next, the food selection was good and of very decent quality. It was either priced competitively or just a tad above non tourist places. Third, the shops selling clothes and other items were priced competitively, definitely no tourist pricing. In addition, the selection was good and many of them spoke English. Fourth, there was a free show (in Thai, which we didn't understand), presumably about the thai people's historical fight against foreign domination.
It has worth the entrance fee.
We didn't participate in the elephant section because we noticed the elephants were chained at their ankles and they didn't appear to be well treated. This impression may be wrong as I don't know much about elephants. But I was not comfortable with what I saw."
Peter Eng
"Personally, I've always loved floating markets as they have a sober and relaxing feel to them. Ayutthaya floating market is a very nice place for a day out for couples, families, etc. There are some decent restaurants by the river side and you can also shop around for small items. I liked the massage shop there, their foot massage was very relaxing. Also consider taking the boat ride with your family☺️. They have the elephant ride right outside the market area.."
Dharma Varadarajan
"Great floating market but a bit annoyed that thai citizens are free but it costs 200thb for farang, admittedly you do get boat ride thrown in. Market is mainly food stalls with a few clothing and gift stalls to browse. All in all a pleasant enough experience."
Stan Harlock
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ayothaya Floating Market is accessible by car or taxi from Bangkok. Some visitors opt for organized tours that include transportation. If driving yourself, ensure you have GPS or clear directions.
Yes, there is typically parking available for visitors arriving by car. It's advisable to arrive earlier on weekends to secure a good spot.
While direct public bus routes might be limited, you can often take a bus to Ayutthaya city and then a local taxi or songthaew to the market. It's best to confirm local transport options upon arrival in Ayutthaya.
Ayothaya Floating Market is located a short drive from the main Ayutthaya Historical Park, making it feasible to combine visits if you have transportation.
Direct boat services from Bangkok to Ayothaya Floating Market are not common. Most visitors travel by road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the market itself is generally free. However, there may be charges for specific activities like elephant rides or the canal boat tours.
The market is typically open on weekends, usually from morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's best to check current hours, as they can vary.
Yes, the optional motorized canal boat ride usually has a small fee. The price can vary, so it's good to inquire before boarding.
While seeing the elephants might be free, activities like feeding or riding them will incur separate charges.
Since entry is generally free and activities are paid for on-site, advance ticket purchase is usually not necessary.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a variety of shops selling souvenirs, clothing, local handicrafts, snacks, and ice cream.
A wide array of Thai street food and local dishes are available, from savory meals to sweet treats.
Sometimes, traditional dance shows are performed at the market, adding to the cultural experience.
Accessibility can be challenging. The wooden walkways can be uneven, and the boat rides are not wheelchair accessible.
Yes, feeding the fish is a popular activity, and you can usually purchase fish food from vendors.
📸 📸 Photography
The picturesque canal, traditional wooden houses, bridges, and the vibrant market stalls offer great photo opportunities. The boat ride also provides unique angles.
While you can still capture the architecture, weekdays are much less crowded, meaning fewer people and less of a lively atmosphere for dynamic shots.
Generally, there are no strict restrictions on personal photography. However, always be respectful of vendors and other visitors.
Late afternoon can offer softer light, while midday provides bright, clear shots. Weekends offer more activity for candid shots.
Yes, you can take photos of the elephants, but be aware that the mahouts may charge extra if they assist with the photo or if you want them to be in it.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful that the wooden walkways can be uneven, so keep a close eye on little ones. While there are many food options, consider bringing snacks or drinks your children are familiar with. The market offers a glimpse into local life and a chance for some unique souvenir shopping.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money on food, look for local street food stalls rather than sit-down restaurants. You can find delicious and affordable meals this way. Consider packing your own water bottle to refill, and be discerning when purchasing souvenirs to get the best value.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Weekend Buzz: Why Timing is Everything
This weekend focus is also reflected in the types of activities available. While some elements like the elephant encounters might be present during the week, the full spectrum of food vendors and souvenir stalls is best experienced when the market is in full swing. The contrast between a quiet weekday and a bustling weekend is significant, making timing a critical factor for a memorable visit.
Navigating the Market: Walking vs. Boating
However, it's important to note that accessibility can be a concern. The wooden planks can be old and uneven, posing a challenge for those with mobility issues. Furthermore, the boat rides are generally not wheelchair accessible. While this is common in many traditional Thai markets, it's a factor to consider if you have specific accessibility needs. For those who can manage, both methods offer distinct ways to experience the market's unique charm.
Beyond the Stalls: Elephant Encounters and Local Flavors
Food is another major attraction. The market is lined with numerous eateries and food stalls offering a diverse range of Thai street food and local delicacies. From savory dishes to sweet treats, there's something to satisfy every palate. One visitor mentioned trying a dish with herbs and shrimp paste, highlighting the authentic flavors available.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit