Kwan Riam Floating Market
Located on the banks of Saen Saeb canal between 2 temples in suburban Bangkok, Kwan Riam Floating Market is the newest addition to Bangkok’s vibrant range of floating markets.
At Kwan Riam Floating Market, you'll find a vast selection of traditional Thai food such as Kuay Tiew Reua (Boat noodle), meat skewers, fried pork belly, Thai tea, and an assortment of Thai desserts. You can even find some clothes and souvenirs to take home! Besides food and shopping, Kwan Riam Floating Market even has some interesting attractions, such as a Thai dance show, horse riding for children, and a tour boat service for visitors to go sightseeing along the canal.
Saen Saep Canal, which runs through Kwan Riam Floating Market was once very important for commerce and communications. However, after the construction of a network of roads around Bangkok, the canal was used a lot less.
Thanks to a long-tail boat service run by a “Family Transporation” firm for over 20 years, commuters can still travel from Phan Fah Bridge (from Ratchadamnoen Avenue) to Bang Kapi in no time (even faster than by car or bus!). Yet, the ferry service from Bang Kapi to Min Buri has not been used regularly on the move. As a result, some parts of the Saen Saep canal is less frantic.
The modern style of this Kwan Riam Floating Market does not make it any less charming. With its location near the ancient temples, Thai people also come here to get blessed by the local monk with holy water. At the entrance near Wat Bamphen Tai, visitors can enjoy the sound from an old man’s accordion as a music background while they stroll along the series of shops.
Kwan Riam Floating Market also offers short boat trips on the San Saeb canal for 20 baht per person. These include a guided tour (in Thai) by teenage students from Wat Bamphen Nuea School. While the sights are limited mainly to housing developments and the odd monitor lizard here and there, it’s definitely a good way to support the local school.
TakeMeTour's Review
Being the newest floating market established in Bangkok. Kwan Riam Floating Market hosts a lot of locals enjoying their day-out on their weekends. At first glance, Kwan Riam Floating Market gives off a more modern vibe with a built-up wooden structure. Still, the market still retains the customs and especially the food that make the floating market experience so unique. While you're there, you'll find ceiling fans blowing cool mist at visitors and hawkers, keeping everyone comfortable and relaxed!
