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.

DIY Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (Thailand)

For my second task as part of Bangkok 2012 Challenge (details here), I need to go to Damnoen Saduak, Thailand's most famous Floating Market, for less than 300 Baht.

Fruits and assorted Thai food sold in the floating market

Usual tours from Khao San would range from 300 Baht to 600 Baht, and this includes only transportation to and from the floating market plus a 20 minute long-tail boat ride around the community. You would have to pay extra for a paddle boat tour around the actual market (100 - 150 Baht, shared). Since this is only a half-day tour, leaving Khao San at around 7 AM and you'll be back usually at around 1 PM, no lunch is included. That means you'll have to pay for your own food while in the market - and there's plenty to choose from.


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

This is actually my third time to visit the floating market. The first two was through a tour agency booked in Khao San. Since there are plenty of competing tour operators, each trip is different. Some include a trip to the Snake Museum, others stop at various cottage industries (silk, painting, carving, etc).

The best ice cream, served on top of fresh coconut flesh

But my trip to Bangkok would not be complete without a trip to the floating market. I want to go back for one reason: FOOD.

(A listing of all the top picks is blogged here.)

Specifically, I'll travel 110KM from Bangkok in search of the world's most delicious ice cream. Well, almost. But it's so good, I'm literally salivating on the way there, and I usually end up ordering 3 to 5 servings for every visit. In fact, I'm such a fan the ice cream vendor knows me even if I just visit once a year.

So, is it possible to go to Damnoen Saduak under 300 baht?