Tha Kha Floating Market

The basics

With more locals and fewer tourists than some other floating markets, the Kha Floating Market is a fun place to watch Thais go about their daily lives and to pick up a few authentic food treats. The full range of Thailand’s exotic fruits and vegetables are on display at the Tha Kha Floating Market–chances are you’ll see types of fruit that you don’t recognize. Vendors sell their goods from boats as well as on dry land. Visitors can hire boat services here to explore nearby villages and canals.

While it’s possible to visit the market independently, many travelers like to join guided tours that include the Tha Kha Market alongside other attractions, such as the Maeklong Railway Market and other floating markets.

Things to know before you go

Look out for grilled chicken skewers and fried oyster omelets, which are popular snacks to buy at floating markets. Coconut sugar is a specialty of this region of Thailand, and a great edible souvenir to take back with you. The same selection of souvenirs that you’ll find at some other floating markets can’t be found here. Save your souvenir shopping for another day.

How to get there

The Tha Kha Floating Market is in Samut Songkhram Province, about an hour’s drive from Bangkok. It’s not so convenient to reach by public transit so taking a private vehicle or joining a guided tour is the best way to visit.

When to get there

This market operates on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings, from around 6am until noon. Get there as early as possible to avoid the heat of the day and to find the freshest produce. The market used to only operate during the full moon, and while it’s more regular now, it’s still busiest on those traditional days.

Visit the Maeklong Railway Market

Another market that travelers often visit at the same time as Tha Kha is the Maeklong Railway Market. It’s one of the more unusual markets in Thailand, as the ordinary-looking stalls selling vegetables, fruit, and other Thai food items are all packed up in a hurry when a siren sounds and a passenger train comes trundling through the middle of it.

How much does it cost to go to the Tha Kha Floating Market?

It’s free to enter the Tha Kha Floating Market, but if you want to tour the market by boat, it’ll cost up to US$55 depending on the number of people in your group and the boat. Most guided tours from Bangkok include the boat ride in the tour price.

Is the Tha Kha Floating Market near Bangkok worth it?

Yes. The Tha Kha Floating Market is less touristy and more locally focused, making it a great option for avoiding other often crowded floating markets. It’s smaller than some and is a good place to buy cooked food, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Plus, it’s a convenient half-day trip from Bangkok.

What is the best time to visit the Tha Kha Floating Market?

The Tha Kha Floating Market operates on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings, from around 6am–noon. Get there as early as possible to avoid the heat of the day and to find the freshest produce. Previously, the market only operated during the full moon and bustles with locals on those days.

What do they sell at the Tha Kha Floating Market near Bangkok?

At the Tha Kha Floating Market vendors sell their goods from boats and on dry land. You’ll see fruits and vegetables, including some you might not recognize, along with specialties such as grilled chicken skewers, fried oyster omelets, and coconut sugar. One thing you won’t find is souvenirs.

How do you get to the Tha Kha Floating Market?

Located in Tambon Thaka, the Tha Kha Floating Market is about an hour’s drive from Bangkok and is hard to reach via public transport as it's far from the main road. To get there, you can rent a car, hire a private driver, or join a guided tour.

Can you go to the Tha Kha Floating Market without a tour?

While it’s possible to visit the market on your own, many travelers join guided tours that include the Tha Kha Market alongside other attractions, such as the Maeklong Railway Market and other floating markets. Most tours from Bangkok provide roundtrip transportation.