We were on our way to Khao Kho and driver suggested this place as it was on the way. I was ok with it as I’ve wanted to go to one in Bangkok, but most floating markets open on weekends. So this was a pleasant surprise.
I didn’t think of the 200 baht per person as a rip off at first, but after reading some of the reviews, I have some reservation. I just take it as an entrance fee into this tourist place with a 5 min boat ride.
But food and souvenirs are quite cheap inside. The same elephant pants that I bought in Bangkok 200 baht, after some bargaining. Here, it’s 100 baht. Some keychains 10 baht. I bought a few to give out. The food stall that we went to.... the staff is ok, recommend us some food. But of course, we looked around other tables at what the locals are eating, and kind of like ordered about the same. Of course, they would push for the fish and prawns, so it depends on how you refused.
Lots of snacks to buy and try. Oh, and we did the fish therapy. 99 baht for 20 mins, she cleaned your feet before you soak them into a fish tank where the fish would come and nibble at your skin. Therapeutic! After that, she would wipe your feet dry with towels.
Touristy place, non authentic floating market. No boat is floating in the small pond area, other than the tourist boat which charge 200 Baht per person. At the entrance, they tell everyone to buy a “entrance ticket” which includes the tourist boat ride & a show, else you can’t get in. While Thai citizens walk right thru’ no tickets or entrance fee. There are better floating market to go for a better tourist experiences.
The show/ performance is about Ayothaya battle with Burmese invaders.
We tried to visit this floating market, as usually floating market in Thailand is very interesting, with planty of very traditional food items. when we arrived at the entrance, we were told that foreign tourists need to pay 200 Baht! Local visitors do not need to pay. So we just walked off. We had been to Damnoen Saduak which was a great floating market and it is free! As tourist, we patronise the stalls. Why should we still be charged! Go to other floating markets!
We hired a Tuk-Tuk driver/guide for the day. I gave her a list of places I wanted to visit. We would have been fine if we had stuck to the list. She strongly urged us to visit the market – a total waste of time and money!
We waited in the line for the boat for a longer period of time than the boat ride itself.
We were lured with the promise of riding through the ruins on an elephant. Thirty minutes for about $25 USD each. The elephant clearly did not want to take us where the driver directed. He had to hit it with a stick, and turn its head with a metal hook – extremely cruel!
A one point the elephant veered off towards the entrance to a Wat and the driver did not tug at its head with the hook. Probably the only kindness the elephant experienced each day was from the lady who feed it some bananas.
When we got off the elephant, he screamed at us and called us things we could not understand because he wanted a bigger tip.
We visited an authentic Floating Market earlier in the trip. It was a tourist trap, but at least it was authentic and interesting. This one was a total rip off.
Total waste of time and money. It’s not a floating market in the real sense. If your tour options list this as one of the places, it’s no good for sure. Ayutthaya is beautiful, but this place feels like a Scam!
