Rating: 1.7/5 (22 votes)

Open Days: Generally open on Friday–Saturday–Sunday (in an evening walking-street style). Schedules may change depending on community/organizer announcements.

Opening Hours: Around 15:00 – 21:00 (some activities may run from 16:00 – 20:00; it’s best to check the latest updates before you go)

 

Wat Sai Floating Market is one of those Thonburi-side Bangkok places that tells the story of change very clearly. Back when waterways were the main arteries of trade, the market zone along Khlong Sanam Chai was once lively with boats and bustling crowds. But as more roads appeared, daily commerce gradually shifted from “water” up onto “land,” and the market quieted down for a time. Today, the area has been revived again as a contemporary attraction that still tries to preserve as much canal-community atmosphere as possible. It suits travelers who want a Bangkok outing that doesn’t feel repetitive, and who want to see Thonburi through a lens that blends local history, old temples, and everyday community rhythm in the same frame.

 

The charm here is not only about being “set up as a floating market.” It is also the feeling that you are walking through a place that used to be an important trading corridor for local people. The market frontage and the canal-side stretch along Khlong Sanam Chai show you commerce in two worlds at once: one side is land-based, easy to stroll and snack through; the other side is water, acting as the backdrop that holds the story together. You feel it in the canal breeze, the sound of people around you, and the weekend energy that brings the area back to life—especially in the evening, when softer light makes the whole walk feel enjoyable without rushing.

 

If you want to experience the “canal life” side more than just walking the market, a good approach is to treat Wat Sai Floating Market as the starting point for a canal-and-temple route in Chom Thong. This neighborhood connects naturally through a continuous story, from Wat Sai itself—an old temple—to nearby temples with real architectural and artistic value. One spot many visitors like to add is the “Tamnak Thong” (Golden Residence) and certain historic elements within Wat Sai that reflect traces of craftsmanship and time. It’s the kind of detail that turns the trip into something more than “eat and leave,” and makes it feel like a small journey with context.

 

Weekends tend to be the liveliest. Locals and visitors mix in a comfortable way, the walkways are manageable, and you can still sense the neighborhood character in how people share the space. One simple trick is to walk slowly enough to catch the details, sample community-style foods that feel freshly made or locally rooted, start with lighter bites, and then decide on a main meal later. That way you can taste more without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re taking photos, stepping slightly away from the main flow of foot traffic helps you avoid blocking people while also giving you a cleaner frame.

 

Another reason people enjoy this area is how easy it is to plan a “market + temples” half-day without crossing the city. Within a short distance you can visit places such as Wat Ratcha Orasaram Ratchaworawihan, known for its distinctive atmosphere and artistry, or Wat Nang Nong Worawihan, which carries the charm of an old neighborhood temple. If you’re more focused on devotion and local religious heritage, continuing on to Wat Nang (Wat Nang Ratchaworawihan) can also fit well. Planning the route this way gives you food, walking, art, and merit-making in one day—without turning it into a frantic checklist.

 

Getting There If you’re driving, Ekachai Road runs directly through the Wat Sai area (including nearby sois), which makes timing flexible and also makes it easy to continue to other temples along the route. On Friday evenings and weekends, it’s wise to allow extra time for heavier traffic, especially around U-turn points and the main entry/exit sois along Ekachai Road.

 

If you’re using public transport, a practical method is to take bus routes such as 43 or 120 from the Wongwian Yai area (as commonly mentioned in local travel guidance), then transfer to a short walk or to a motorcycle taxi/taxi depending on your exact drop-off point. If you’re aiming for the evening market time, transferring for the final stretch can save time and reduce long walking in warm weather.

 

Traveling by water is best for people who want the trip to feel truly “canal-based.” You can hire a boat from Tha Chang Pier, ride along the Chao Phraya River, and then enter connected canals toward the Wat Sai market area. This option requires planning your schedule and cost, but the trade-off is the canal-and-river scenery and the perspective of Bangkok that roads simply cannot give. If you choose this route, it’s best to agree clearly on the route, timing, and price in advance.

 

Because this place sits within a real temple-and-community setting, small courtesies help a lot: keep the area clean, don’t throw trash into the canal, be mindful of noise near residential zones, and if you want to photograph vendors or temple areas, ask politely when appropriate. It makes the trip nicer for you and for everyone who lives and works here.

 

 

A: It is generally announced as open on Friday–Saturday–Sunday in an evening walking-street format, though schedules may change depending on community activities. Check updates before traveling.

 

A: Frequently announced hours are around 15:00–21:00, with some activities running from about 16:00–20:00. If you want a comfortable stroll and nicer light, early evening is ideal.

 

A: A simple and satisfying route is to start with the market in the evening, then combine it with nearby temples such as Wat Sai or Wat Ratcha Orasaram on the same day, so you get community atmosphere, food, and architecture together.

 

A: Yes. Commonly mentioned routes include buses 43 or 120 from the Wongwian Yai area, then a short transfer by walking or local transport depending on your exact drop-off point. Allow extra time on Friday evenings and weekends.

 

A: Yes. You can hire a boat from Tha Chang Pier, travel along the Chao Phraya River, and enter connecting canals toward the market area. Agree on the route, timing, and price clearly in advance.

 

A: Keep the area clean, avoid throwing trash into the canal, be mindful of noise, and respect temple spaces. If you want to photograph vendors or temple areas, ask politely when appropriate.