Just 60 kilometres northwest of Bangkok in Bang Len district of Nakhon Pathom, the picturesque Red Lotus Floating Market offers a lovely and inexpensive day trip for the family. Open from 9am to 6pm daily, the main attraction includes a 24 rai (roughly 9 acre) pond filled with lotus flowers and plants.
For a 100 baht fee at the pier (make sure you bring proof of residency, otherwise the fee will be 200 baht), visitors can take a boat service to tour the large pond and get up close with the vibrant water plants and visiting birds. This activity is best in the morning or late afternoon when it is not as hot. You can also opt for a drone service that will take arial photos for 40 baht per picture or 250 baht for unlimited shots. A paddle boat pond with fish feeding enhance the experience for children.
In true Thai style, dining options abound. Shops selling food (and other products) are situated around the pond under shaded walkways. With street art and retro style decor, the setting is very relaxed, and you can enjoy both savory and sweet dishes, including a variety of Thai desserts.
The cosy Red Lotus Café near the market’s entrance features a dining terrace by the lotus pond. Their specialty dishes include Miang Bua, a variation of the traditional Miang Kham snack where the traditional betel leaf used to wrap shallots, peanuts, chili, ginger, lime, dried shrimp, roasted coconut and a tangy sauce, is replaced by an edible pink lotus petal. Delicious!
Getting There
By car, take the Bang Bua Thong-Suphan Buri route to Highway 346 in Pathum Thani. Head to Bang Len district and you should start seeing signs pointing to the Red Lotus Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำทุ่งบัวแดง). See map here. For more information, please call 089-258-9264 or visit the market’s Facebook page.
Image Credit: Karmen Chan and Red Lotus Cafe.
Register your email address here and we’ll notify you when new articles get uploaded.
