Don Wai Floating Market

Don Wai Floating Market sits on the Tha Chin River in Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom, behind Wat Don Wai. It is a working riverside market where local vendors sell produce, Thai meals, seafood, sweets and souvenirs. Look for pot-stewed duck, sweet-and-salty carp and Thai desserts, then take a boat trip along the river. Much of the market is under a roof, so you can browse in sun or rain. The market is known more for its food and local trade than for a fully floating layout.

A riverside market behind Wat Don Wai

Don Wai is on the Tha Chin River in Bang Krathuek, Sam Phran District, in Nakhon Pathom province. The market stands behind Wat Don Wai, with stalls arranged along the riverbank. Boats are part of the scene, but this is not a market made up entirely of floating stalls: vendors also trade from the shore, and boats carry people and produce.

The market began in the early 20th century as a trading place for pomelo and jackfruit. Today it remains a local place to shop for food, farm produce and souvenirs. Many stalls are under a roof, giving you cover as you browse in hot or wet weather.

What to eat and do

Food is a main reason to come. Stalls sell fruit and vegetables alongside cooked Thai dishes, seafood, drinks and desserts. Look for pot-stewed duck, sweet-and-salty carp and Thai sweets from the Lim Heng Ki shop. The market also has long-established restaurants, so there is more to explore than the boat stalls alone.

For a break from browsing, take a boat ride along the Tha Chin River. The market’s riverside setting and the Thai architecture around Wat Don Wai add to the visit. Weekdays tend to be quieter; arriving early can also help you avoid the midday heat. Bring small cash for purchases, and be ready to use gestures when ordering if communication in Thai is difficult.