Pracha Rat Floating Market, Bang Bai Mai — Local services in Surat Thani Province

Hidden Gem, off the banana pancake trail.

This market is one of the reasons why we love to travel through 'real' Thailand and avoid the mass tourist places. This floating market is very low key, lovely tranquil and a true hidden gem.

An elevated walkway lined by food stalls leads over several small canals. The walkway goes in a large circle, which makes it easy to navigate. The food sold is a mix of the usual street food sold at night markets, but also some less know dishes such as fried pork belly on a drawstring, khao Yam, etc. Plenty of seating options are provided throughout the market, making it easy to buy food here and there and eat your way from start to finish. Prices are very reasonable (normal Thai pricing, no tourist prices here). One of the highlights is a tour on the wooden boat through the canal. It's 20B per person if you share, or 100B for a private tour. It takes about 15 minutes and is a very relaxing experience.

The market is only open on Sundays, when we visited around 1pm there were only a few other visitors and almost no foreigners. Hopefully this place will stay unique, and not be spoiled by...

Really nice little market, well worth taking a look. You should arrive early as it gets very busy and very hot. Ideally arrive before 9am or even earlier. I recommend skipping the first part of the market next to the temple, then taking the 20 baht boat trip down the river (jetty is on the right next to the bridge, there is a big green sign). This will drop you off on the far side of the other part of the market, meaning you can walk through this on your way back to the temple. In the main market are lots of traditional Thai snacks, especially sweets, but there is a good mixture of everything all at pretty reasonable prices (especially compared to Bangkok). Help the people out and try anything that is popular or looks...

Really nice little 'Floating market' seems like a floating village in the middle of the jungle well worth looking. Lovely people and good atmosphere. You should arrive early as it gets very busy and very hot. Ideally arrive between 9am and 10 am. Canoes are available to take people out on the waterway, which is like a small river that curves through the jungle and seems leading to another side of the market. Best part is across the bridge. The short tour by boat is also recommended. Great variety of food, handicrafts (only few stands selling non-food items). Convenient car’s parking in front of the temple at the market entrance. Open on...