After a bit more than an hour driving from Bangkok we arrive at an unusual market situated on railway track (known as "Talad Romhoop" or "market with closed umbrellas" among the locals). Watch merchants quickly fold their stall covers and move their products away from the tracks when the train is arriving. Then, see them skilfully roll tables and baskets back into position in seconds and resume their business as usual after the train leaves.
We then visit the popular Damnoen Saduak floating market in the nearby Ratchaburi province. This very old floating market is where villagers came to buy and sell their farm produce. It is open daily and in present days it is mainly visited by tourists, many of the boats are used to sell souvenirs. The market came about after a manmade canal was dug in the reign of King Rama IV to facilitate transportation by boats in the area. This canal was later named Damnoen Saduak, meaning "convenient travel". Highlight of this market is the variety of local snacks, tropical fruits, and the famous "boat noodles".
When possible we also visit Tha Kha floating market, one of the hidden gems around Bangkok. It is highly recommended to plan your tour for the weekend as then this market is open. An authentic floating market that has served the local community for 30 years. Originally, the market was where fishermen and farmers came to exchange their goods. After the trip to the market, we will go on a rowing boat to visit a coconut sugar farm and explore the beautiful countryside around this market.
When Tha Kha is visited the included boat tour will be done here, else it will be done at Damnoen Saduak.
You will be enjoying a delicious freshly cooked Thai lunch. If you still feel full from the snacks at the floating market we can also have lunch after the cave.
We then take you to the most beautiful cave in Ratchaburi - Tham Khao Bin which extends 300 metres from the mouth. The cave's main features are formations of stalactite and stalagmite enhanced by spectacular lighting. The interior of the cave is separated into eight rooms, each with particular theme on different things one wants in life, such as wealth, happiness, and longevity. It is easy to explore this cave as not much climbing is needed, but please be aware that it does get hot and humid inside.
We will pass the salt farms on the way to the markets and can make a stop when interested. Do note that salt harvesting is seasonal and is best seen during dry season (usually Feb - May).
This private tour from Bangkok is organised exclusively for you, no others will join. You will be in trusted hands with our professional driver and English speaking licensed tour guide.
JC –
We had a great time at the markets. The railway market was so unique and interesting. We loved watching the train come through and seeing how the vendors adjust and move everything out of the way. The floating market was amazing! Another must-do experience in Thailand. We really enjoyed our private boat ride, trying some of the foods, and shopping. Our guide, Air, went above and beyond to accommodate my mother and her mobility issues for the boat ride. We could not have asked for a better guide for 3 days of touring. She is phenomenal! We enjoyed the cave tour, even though it was so hot and humid in there! We knew this beforehand and were prepared but it was quite an experience. Our driver (who was also amazing) provided cold wet towels, which were so refreshing and appreciated! The lunch stop at the end was amusing and fun! Overall, this was an awesome day and we loved this tour. We will absolutely use BKK on future tours and recommend them to all our friends.
John G. –
Nothing is too much trouble. Well organised trips with the personal touch, luxury trips. Cold drinks & towels when you return to your transport. Very informative throughout your trip. Top lunch all included. Ms Air & the driver Mr A are great friendly people.
Nicola L. –
The Markets and Tham Khao Bin cave tour was fantastic; an excellent blend of beautiful sights and fun experiences. The railway market portion is truly a one of a kind must-see experience, the floating market provides an excellent place for trying delicious food as well as buying some nice souvenirs, and the cave is amazing inside and definitely worth the trip out to it.
Carol –
Thanks for a wonderful experience in Thailand. We got to do more than was expected. The cave visit (khao Bin) the train ride, we even got a gift from the conductor!!!! the market visit, the lunch at cabbage and c….., the palm sugar factory and the boat ride, the ride was truly private, just the four of us,and the staff: A driver and and a tour guide both so knowledgeable and professional. Can’t ask for anything more. I will definitely recommend BKK and I will call you if I visit Thailand again. Thanks.
Dubberley –
An excellent tour with Ms Onn to get out of the busy Bangkok city and see some amazing places on a full day tour. Travel is about experiences and this tour gives plenty of experiences! Well worth lots of driving to see the sights along the way as well as the main highlights railway market, floating market, and Tham Khao Bin cave.
Stephanie –
We had a tour with Ms Oi! She was amazing and so knowledgeable. We started off at the railway market and learned so much in the first 30 minutes and knew right then it was going to be a great day! Then the famous floating market which is common for tourists, but still a great time. The best surprise was the Khao Bin cave, it was really hot, but amazing to see. It felt like we were alone, it was empty and Oi said it was only visited by locals. My favorite tour!