Bangkok’s Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is sorely underrated and here’s why
If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok and intend to visit a floating market, you’ve probably heard of the usual suspects: Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa, Taling Chan, and so on.
Floating markets like these are popular tourist attractions and, while more costly, are more expansive.
Photo by Arnie Chou via Pexels
Khlong Lat Mayom, on the other hand, is more of a quaint local market comprising 10 floating vendors at the very most. 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.
The floating market is unremarkable at first glance. I chanced upon some clothes, art pieces, bath items and decorations, but didn’t feel inclined to buy any. But it wasn’t long before I came across an unassuming soup stall that served some of the tastiest soups I’ve had in my life. From there, my Khlong Lot Mayom escapade only went uphill.
Tables are equipped with self-serve condiments so patrons can customise their soups to their liking. Each serving is rather small, at 50 baht (AUD2) each, but its size can be rationalised as you’d want to leave some room for sampling the variety of other foods. Anyway, if you insist on fixating on one dish amidst the myriad of other options available, you can always purchase another small bowl.
Lunging further into the belly of the floating market, more souvenirs, keepsakes and tidbits await—a prime opportunity to stock up on souvenirs for expecting peers back home.
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, complete with tender meat. My qualm with most crispy roast pork dishes are they’re too salty for my delicate tongue. Instead, this iteration featured a well-rounded world of flavour without an excess of salt. A new challenge was presented: resisting the temptation to binge.
But before we even made a dent in the crispy roast pork, my dad returned from the stalls with what I can only describe as a phad thai so good that it put every other phad thai I’ve had in my life to shame.
The noodles were coated in a sauce that was sweet yet had a pleasant zestiness to it. Each of these heaping plates would only set you back by 60 baht (AUD2.40).
Getting to Khlong Lat Mayom floating market
Address: หมู่ 15 บางระมาด 30, Bang Ramat, Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170
Directions: Take the train to Bang Wa BTS station (S12) then take a cab.
