In short
- Bring 20, 50, and 100 THB bills to pay boat vendors.
- Motion to vendors to pull up beside your boat to order.
- Look for local specialties like boat noodles and coconut ice cream.
In this article
You will find dozens of small boats cooking and serving food directly on the water. Bring wet wipes and an appetite to try the local dishes prepared right next to your paddle boat in the main canals.
What are boat noodles?
Boat noodles are a traditional noodle soup served directly from a vendor's boat.
These small portions are easy to eat while sitting in a moving boat. Motion to the vendor, and they will pull alongside your boat to pass over the hot bowls.
Which desserts should I try?
Mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream are the most popular sweet treats sold at the market.
Look for vendors slicing fresh mangoes on their wooden boats. The coconut ice cream offers a cold break from the heavy morning heat and humidity.
What fresh fruits are available?
Vendors row boats piled high with fresh tropical fruits grown in the surrounding orchards.
You will see a variety of regional fruits sold by vendors in traditional straw hats. Remember not to touch or sample any goods unless you plan to negotiate or buy.
What food souvenirs can I buy?
Fresh coconut sugar is a local specialty produced at farms surrounding the market canals.
Many boat tours stop at local processing farms where sap from palm trees is boiled into sugar. This fresh coconut sugar makes an excellent edible souvenir to take home.
How do I order and pay for food?
Simply wave to a food vendor to get their attention, and they will row over to you.
Carry small denominations of Thai Baht, like 20, 50, and 100 Baht bills. This makes it easy to pay for small snacks without waiting for change from the vendor.
| Item Type | How to Order | Payment Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Meals (Noodles) | Wave to vendor to pull alongside | Use small Baht bills |
| Desserts & Fruit | Order from boat or walking paths | Exact change speeds up the process |
What should I pack for eating at the market?
Bring wet wipes or hand sanitizer to clean your hands after eating street food.
Since you are eating in a small boat or on the canal banks, you will not find public sinks nearby. You should also bring bottled water to stay hydrated while navigating the busy canals.
Questions travellers ask
Can I eat on the boat?
Yes, many visitors buy food from vendor boats and eat while sitting in their own paddle or long-tail boats.
Do food vendors accept cards?
No, you need cash. Bring 20, 50, and 100 THB bills for buying food, drinks, and souvenirs.
Are there food stalls on land?
Yes, the land-based walking paths have covered stalls selling food alongside souvenirs and clothing.