Take a Klong Tour in Bangkok
Looking for a unique way to explore Bangkok, you should consider doing a Klong tour or a longtail boat tour through the klongs (canals) of Thonburi district of Bangkok. This type of tour offers a different look at the smaller river communities or more the water canals to the busy Bangkok street scenes and replaced with a peaceful escape from the busy city streets.
Just across the Chao Phraya River are smaller feeder canals that harken to older neighborhoods with a slow-paced journey and vibe to quiet and hidden parts of Bangkok You’ll find smaller water communities with wooden houses, lush gardens, local restaurants and authentic local life.
If you want to see more authentic places that are beyond the usual tourist spots, I recommend taking a klong tour as a perfect alternative to experience the city’s rich history and charm.
Take a Klong Tours Bangkok: quiet canals, river communities, temples and an authentic part the city
Get ready to glide through Bangkok’s waterways and discover Thonburi’s quiet communities and hidden spots around the water canals, floating markets, unique neighborhoods to explore.
What are the Klongs of Bangkok?
The klongs of Bangkok are an extensive network of canals that once earned the city the nickname “Venice of the East.” Originally built for transportation, trade, and irrigation, these waterways were the lifeline of local communities, with floating markets, stilt houses, and temples lining their banks. While many canals have been filled in to make way for roads, several still exist today, especially on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River. Exploring the klongs offers a glimpse into a slower-paced, traditional way of life that contrasts with the busy streets of modern Bangkok, where locals still use the canals for fishing, bathing, and commuting by boat.
What are the floating markets to explore around Bangkok?
We outline the main floating markets to explore around Bangkok, typically you can get to the markets by car or even take a specialized Long Tail Klong tour that will let you explore the market areas as a fun activity and tour the local communities below:
1. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (Ratchaburi Province)
- Most famous and tourist-oriented market.
- Located about 1.5 hours from Bangkok.
- Known for colorful boats selling fruits, snacks, and souvenirs.
- Best visited early in the morning before the crowds.
2. Amphawa Floating Market (Samut Songkhram Province)
- Popular with locals and less touristy than Damnoen Saduak.
- Best visited in the late afternoon and evening.
- Offers seafood, grilled dishes, desserts, and handicrafts.
- Boat tours available to see fireflies after sunset.
3. Taling Chan Floating Market (Bangkok outskirts)
- Small and easily accessible from central Bangkok.
- Open mainly on weekends.
- Known for fresh seafood cooked on boats and casual atmosphere.
- Offers massage services and garden surroundings.
4. Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market (Phra Pradaeng area)
- A community-based market, quieter and eco-focused.
- Located near the “Green Lung” of Bangkok.
- Features homemade food, herbal products, and handicrafts.
- Good option for cycling combined with a visit.
5. Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market (Bangkok suburbs)
- Local favorite with less emphasis on souvenirs.
- Wide variety of authentic Thai food and snacks.
- Relaxed and friendly vibe, with boat rides offered.
- Great for experiencing a genuine community market feel.
Here’s a video tour to check out this floating market tour in Bangkok below
Enjoying a nice long at a water front restaurant in a Klong
How to find these Klong Tours?
You can easily sign up for these fun canal tours that are offered below to give you a fantastic visit and tour of the hidden and different areas that are accessible by water to visit these floating markets and communities around Bangkok
Here are some of the different tours to choose from:
Bangkok: Longtail Boat Canal Cruise
Hop on a typical Thai long-tail boat to explore Bangkok’s canal life. This 2-hour canal tour gives you the chance to experience a local part of Bangkok.
Bangkok: Bike and Canal Boat Tour with Lunch
Explore local markets, interesting temples, and untouched parts of Bangkok by bike. Savor an authentic Thai lunch by the canal, and take a canal boat ride on one of Bangkok’s famous longtail boats.
From Bangkok: Railway & Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Tour
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, interact with friendly vendors, and purchase the best Thai food and souvenirs, on a half-day tour from Bangkok with transfers.
2 Hrs Private Bangkok Canals Tour by Long-Tail Boat – Guided
Private 2-hour boat tour in Bangkok’s canals! Customize your route through small canals on the west side of Bangkok. Experience with a certified tour guide. From 850 THB/person, depends on group size.
Tips to taking a Klong tour in Bangkok
Here’s a helpfu tip sheet for taking a Klong tour in Bangkok and what to expect.
- Choose the Right Type of Boat
- Long-tail boats are faster and more open, good for covering more ground.
- Smaller wooden boats offer a slower, more traditional experience.
- Book with a Reputable Operator
- Look for tours with good reviews or recommendations.
- Avoid unmarked boats at piers that may overcharge.
- Decide on Tour Length
- Short tours (1–2 hours) give a quick glimpse of canals.
- Longer tours (3–4 hours) include floating markets or temples along the way.
- Best Starting Points
- Popular piers include Tha Chang, Saphan Taksin, and Taling Chan.
- Some tours can also be arranged through hotels.
- Bring Essentials
- Sunscreen, hat, and water for the heat.
- Camera or phone for canal life and stilt houses.
- Small bills for tips or canal-side vendors.
- Time of Day Matters
- Morning tours are cooler and often more lively with locals at markets.
- Late afternoon tours can offer softer light for photography.
- Respect Local Life
- Be mindful of noise when passing homes.
- Ask before taking close-up photos of people.
- Combine with Attractions
- Some tours stop at Wat Arun, floating markets, or artist villages.
- It’s a good way to add cultural stops to your canal journey.
Here’s a fun video tour experience of exploring the klongs of Bangkok below
Further reading on Visiting Bangkok
Check out these other topics to visiting Bangkok below for inspiration to exploring different parts of the city
How to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
A visit to Bangkok’s Chinatown district
Conclusion to Taking a Klong Tour in Bangkok
In conclusion, exploring Bangkok’s many klongs by long tail boat is a captivating and enriching experience that allows you to witness the heart and soul of the city. From the bustling Chao Phraya river, you explore the more quient and hidden canal systems with water communities, iconic temples and colorful floating markets, the river and canal tours offers a unique perspective on the rich cultural heritage and a quieter and thriving side of Bangkok. You’ll enjoy this other aspect of touring Bangkok and seeing a different part of the huge and busy metropolis compared to quiet and sleepy communities, local travel and food explorations to these fantastic markets and communities around the city and far away from crowded tourist attractions.
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