Damnoen Floating Market: DIY or Tour

Are you planning for a trip to Damnoen Saduak, Thailand's famous floating market, but is unsure whether to book a tour in Khao San or to do it yourself?

Here's a guide for you.





Tour booked in Khao San
PROS
- It would end up cheaper if you'll include the cost of the long tail boat, especially if you're traveling alone
- It's more convenient, *sometimes* they have a tour guide.
- They'll pick you up at your hotel.


CONS
- You'll arrive at the market quite late (around 10am), and market is only until 11.
- You'll only be given 20 minutes free time to go around, not enough time to eat (check out what's available here)
- Quality of tour agency is a hit or miss. Sometimes, the vans they use have defective aircons.
- There will be mandatory stops, and some are just shops where you're expected to buy.

Related post: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: It's the ice cream, and more

Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
PROS
- You'll be there early, way before the hordes of tourists arrive from Bangkok. If you leave Bangkok at 6AM, you'll be there by 8AM with enough time to take pictures without disruptions, and it's mostly just locals in the market.
- You'll have all the time to go around.
- You'll have enough time to sample all (OK, at least most hehe) of the available food. Noodles for breakfast, then ice cream then sticky mango rice, then ice cream again. Repeat for lunch.


CONS
- It may end up expensive if you'll take the long tail boat tour on your own. The tour brings you around the community outside of the market and would show you the daily lives of the locals. 
- You may end up walking a lot if you're unwilling to pay for local transport, just like what we did.
- No opportunity to stop by the shops along the way.


Read about my DIY trip here: DIY Damnoen Saduak Flaoting Market