Bigcountry Experience · River City, Bangkok
A coach from River City takes you to Maeklong Railway Market to watch the train squeeze through the stalls, then on to Damnoen Saduak for a paddle boat into the floating market. Pick it as the safe first-timer's choice: the most-booked trip to the market, with lunch in the price and three start times to choose from.
Bigcountry Experience runs this as a big shared coach tour, with a small-group option of 12 at most and a premium 9-seat van with hotel pickup. The standard option meets at the main entrance of the River City shopping mall on the riverside. The coach heads southwest for about an hour and a half to Maeklong, where vendors sell fish and vegetables on the railway tracks and fold their awnings back each time the train creeps through. Then it's 20 minutes on to Damnoen Saduak, where a paddle boat takes you into the market. The listing gives about 1.5 hours there, with guided time, free time and shopping.
The catch is the clock. On the listed timings, even the 6:30 coach reaches the floating market around 10, after the train market, and that is exactly when the other tour coaches arrive. The 9:00 departure can't be on the canal before 10:30 and the 10:30 departure not before noon, when the boat vendors pack up. Book the 6:30. The later slots are fine for the train market and for lunch, not for the floating market.
Two more things to know. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure carry a steep fee, so reschedule early or cancel instead (free up to 24 hours before). And the paddle boat is part of those 1.5 hours, not extra time. If you want a longer ride on top, our boat ride guide explains how to agree a fair deal per boat.
Be at the main entrance of the River City mall 15 minutes early. Hotel pickup options start at 5:50.
Southwest out of Bangkok on the highway, with the guide's commentary in English (German and Japanese on some departures).
Walk the tracks between the stalls, then step back as the train arrives and the awnings fold in.
A 20-minute drive, then a paddle boat into the market. Guided time, then free time for boat noodles, fruit and souvenirs.
Drop-off at King Power Mahanakhon (BTS Chong Nonsi) or other downtown points. The 6:30 tour is back around 13:30.
★★★★★The excursion was very well organized, and you have plenty of time to visit both markets.
★★★★★Excellent day trip. Rut looked after as very well and provided us with lots of information!
★★★★★Excellent day out with Pooh and Mr Kai the driver.
★★★★★Very unique experience. Totally recommended.
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About 1.5 hours, according to the itinerary, including the paddle boat ride, a guided walk and free time. The rest of the 7.5-hour day is the coach ride, Maeklong Railway Market and lunch.
The 6:30 from River City. On the listed timings it reaches the floating market around 10am. The 9:00 departure gets there from 10:30 at the earliest and the 10:30 from about noon, when most boat vendors have gone.
Yes, lunch is listed as included, along with drinking water. Snacks you buy at the markets, such as mango sticky rice or boat noodles, are extra.
Free cancellation runs up to 24 hours before departure. Changes made less than 24 hours before carry a steep fee, so if you are unsure, cancel early and rebook.
Ready to book
Both markets in one day: the Maeklong train squeezing through the stalls, then a paddle boat into the floating market. Lunch included.
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