Food•Thailand•Travel

Bangkok’s Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is sorely underrated and here’s why

14 March, 2017 by Marie Stella No Comments

If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok and intend to visit a floating market, you’ve probably heard of the same few: Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa, Taling Chan, etc.

*Pictured: People riding on canoes in the river* | Image by **Arnie Chou** via **Pexels**

Floating markets like these are popular tourist attractions and, while more costly, are more expansive.

Khlong Lat Mayom, on the other hand, is more of a local market and comprises 10 floating vendors at the very most.

*Pictured: Entrance of Khlong Lat Mayom floating market*

But what Khlong Lat Mayom floating market lacks in size, it makes up for in its authenticity and richness.

As it’s located near Taling Chan floating market, it might be wise to consider tackling both markets in one morning.

At first glance, there wasn’t much to look at. I chanced upon some clothes, art pieces, bath items and decorations, but didn’t feel inclined to buy any.

But not long after, I came across a quaint soup stall that served some of the most flavourful soups I’ve had.

*Pictured: Woman serving soup behind the counter*

To put it into perspective, there’s a condiments bar at every table, yet it’s completely unnecessary to use.

*Pictured: Condiments placed in husk holders*

Each serving is rather small, at 50 baht (AUD2) each, but its size can be vouched for as you’d want to leave some room for sampling the variety of other foods anyway.

*Pictured: Beef noodle soup served in small husk bowls*

Nevertheless, you can always insist on eating soup to your heart’s content and purchase another small bowl—I won’t tell on you.

Lunging further into the neck of the floating market, I discovered more souvenirs, keepsakes and tidbits.

I ended off the floating market excursion with, dare I say, the best meal I had in Bangkok.

My dad ordered some roast pork at 200 grams for 100 baht (AUD4), which featured a light yet crispy skin, perfect with tender meat.

*Pictured: Roast pork served on a banana leaf plate*

It’s not overtly salty either, which just makes it harder to hold back from binging.

Was more phad thai really necessary? Probably not. Was it worth the calories? Absolutely.

The noodles were coated in a sauce that was sweet yet had a pleasant zestiness to it. Each plate, served in humongous portions, was 60 baht (AUD2.40).

Truth be told, it was so good that it put the other phad thais to shame.