Hat Yai Floating Market

📍 Location of Hat Yai Floating Market 🚘 Directions to Hat Yai Floating Market

About Hat Yai Floating Market

The floating market in question is not a traditional one, like those found closer to Bangkok. Instead, it is a stationary food market, designed to resemble a floating market for tourists to enjoy and relax. Despite this, it is still a pleasant place to visit. The store owners make an effort to dress in traditional Thai costumes, adding to the authenticity of the experience. The market offers a wide variety of Thai food, with many seating options available. The prices are affordable, even though it is a tourist area. In addition to food, there are many stores selling souvenirs and clothing. Parking is available for a small fee inside a temple carpark.

Unlike other floating markets where you have to board the boats to purchase food, here the boats are stationary. There is plenty of food available for less than 50 Thai Baht. Drinks are served in fanciful containers, adding to the unique experience. Apart from eating, there is also the opportunity to shop. There are plenty of seats available, making it a comfortable place to spend time.

The market is a great place to spend an evening, with diverse food options, colorful displays, and shops. The food offered is diverse, fast, and very good. As you walk along the promenade, gathering a little from here and a little from there, an evening of fun is found. Prices are very reasonable, and the food choice is very good. Tables are provided to sit once you have ordered.

However, some visitors may be disappointed if they are expecting a traditional floating market. The boats are empty and vendors have regular stalls. It is essentially a food market, and some may find it touristy and overpriced.

The market is trying to emulate what is available in Bangkok. It has opened up a new tourist spot. The only shortcoming is that it is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and in the evenings, from 4pm. The good thing is that it is not as hot when open during the day. It's a nice place to walk around, get some cool drinks, and pick up some souvenirs.

Visitors are advised to come with an empty tummy, as there is a variety of food such as tom yam, porridge, chicken balls, sushi, desserts, sausages, steamed squids, drinks, and more. The prices are clearly written at a small signboard in front of the sampan, together with the name of the food. The food is Halal, so Muslim travelers can enjoy it. The sellers are very clean and tidy, and most of them can speak English. There are a few tables and chairs set up along the river for visitors to sit and enjoy the food, but they are often full. There are also many garbage bags around the area to keep it clean.

To reach this place, the best way is to take a Tuk Tuk which costs about 250 to 300 Thai Baht for 2 people. The market is open only on weekends, from 5.30 to 9.30 local time. Upon reaching there, you will see stalls being set up along the road to the floating market, selling food, clothing, accessories, and shoes. A short walk will take you to the river part of the floating market where they sell a wide range of local food. It is recommended to start your journey by 5PM, so you can have a good look at the local floating market scenery. The locals call this place, Khlong hae floating market.