Ayothaya Floating Market
Set along a quiet waterway in Ayutthaya, this floating market is a purpose-built attraction designed with tourists in mind rather than a traditional working market. That said, many visitors find it an enjoyable and relaxed way to spend a few hours, with a wide variety of food and drink stalls lining the canal — including fresh fruit juices, smoothies, coffees, and Thai snacks. Souvenir and craft shops are also well represented throughout the market grounds. Visitors can explore on foot along the waterside walkways or opt for a boat ride to take in the stalls from the water. Optional longtail boat tours and cultural performances are available for an additional fee, though some visitors feel these add-ons offer limited value for the cost. Families with children tend to get more out of the experience overall. Notably, the market does not feature animal shows or animal-based entertainment. Entry fees differ for Thai nationals and foreign visitors, with foreigners currently paying a 200 baht admission fee. The market is open every day from 09:00 to 18:00, making it straightforward to combine with a visit to Ayutthaya's nearby historical sites. Arriving earlier in the day helps avoid the busiest periods and gives more time to browse before the afternoon heat sets in. Check the market's Facebook page for any updates on events or seasonal changes before visiting.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Ayothaya Floating Market, round out your day in Ayutthaya with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
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.
Great floating Market with a lot of amenities to offer! Anything you think that would quench your thirst is available around the floating Market as well as a lot of fruit juices and smoothies, coffees and teas! I enjoyed the boat ride along the market with a view of historic temples in the background!
Thai tourist trap. Is ok, but cheaper than a Farang tourist trap. 30 baht fee for Thai (optional if they want to ride the "longtail boat") 200 required for Farlang. I despise the Honda trash pump powered boats that were converted from the traditional long tail boat. Impossible to destroy the illusion of a long tail boat ride in a floating market more. Tourist pricing based on race has always irritated me. Filled with the typical tourist tat. I did enjoy the Thai play. For excitement a rogue un-escorted elephant came trotting down the street as we left. Grin.. gotta love Thailand.
Location Info
65/19 Tambon Phai Ling, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand+66 35 881 733www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081938394483&mibextid=ZbWKwLVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: August – October (flooding risk)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
22°C – 38°C(72°F – 100°F)
Crowds
Peak: November – February
Getting there
Train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong (~1.5 hrs, very cheap). Minivan from Bangkok's Mo Chit (~1.5 hrs). Day trip by car from Bangkok is easy.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (best way to see ruins)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate half-day rate)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Boat tours on the river
Where to stay near Ayothaya Floating Market
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Tips for Visiting Markets & Shopping
Haggle at Markets, Not Malls
Prices at market stalls are negotiable — start at 50–60% of the asking price and meet in the middle. Fixed-price shops and malls don't haggle. Smile and keep it friendly; aggressive bargaining is considered rude.
Arrive Early or Late
Vendors believe the first sale of the day is lucky — you'll often get a better deal if you arrive right when the market opens. Late in the evening, sellers may also discount to avoid packing unsold goods.
Be Cautious with Tailors
Bangkok has excellent tailors, but also many tourist traps. Avoid anyone offering suspiciously cheap suits or who approaches you on the street. Ask your hotel for recommendations, read reviews, and always get two fittings.
Also Popular in Ayutthaya
Wat Yai Chai Mongkol Worawihan
Ancient Buddhist temple complex in Ayutthaya with a towering central chedi and rows of orange-robed Buddha statues.
Wat Mahathat
Ancient Ayutthaya temple famed for its iconic Buddha head cradled within the roots of a banyan tree.
Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan
A revered 14th-century temple on the Chao Phraya River, home to an enormous gilded sitting Buddha.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Majestic 17th-century Khmer-style temple ruins set along the Chao Phraya River in Ayutthaya.
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Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: August – October (flooding risk)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
22°C – 38°C(72°F – 100°F)
Crowds
Peak: November – February
Getting there
Train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong (~1.5 hrs, very cheap). Minivan from Bangkok's Mo Chit (~1.5 hrs). Day trip by car from Bangkok is easy.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (best way to see ruins)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate half-day rate)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Boat tours on the river
Where to stay near Ayothaya Floating Market
Find hotels in Ayutthaya on the booking sites travellers trust most.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.