If you are searching for Khlong Suan 100 Year Market, here is the short answer: it is a lively, shaded wooden market built along a narrow canal in Samut Prakan province, roughly halfway between Bangkok and Chachoengsao. It is free to enter, open on weekends and public holidays, and famous for Thai sweets, grilled seafood, and a very photogenic old bridge. Most visitors pair it with Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan or Baan Mai Riverside Market for a full day trip.
Why This Market Feels Different
Khlong Suan 100 Year Market (sometimes written Khlong Suan Market or Talat Ban Khlong Suan) is not a tourist reconstruction. It is a real, working community market that has been running for over a century. The wooden shophouses lean over the water, and the walkways creak underfoot. Locals still sell homemade coconut sweets, fried bananas, and boat noodles from the same family stalls their grandparents ran.
The market sits on both sides of a narrow canal, connected by a small footbridge. That bridge is the heart of the place. You will see people stopping to take photos, kids feeding fish in the murky green water, and vendors passing trays of fresh produce between boats. It is compact, friendly, and easy to walk in under an hour, though you will likely want to stay longer for the food.
Where Exactly Is It?
Khlong Suan is in Bang Bo district, Samut Prakan province. It is about 40 kilometers from central Bangkok and about 30 kilometers from Chachoengsao town. The market is right off Highway 314 (the old Bangkok-Chachoengsao road), which makes it a natural stop if you are driving between the two provinces.
If you are coming from Bangkok, take the Bang Na-Trat Highway (Route 34) and turn onto Highway 314 near Bang Bo. From Chachoengsao, head west on Highway 314. The market has a small parking area, but it fills up fast on weekends. Arrive before 10:00 AM to get a spot and beat the heat.
What to Eat at Khlong Suan
Food is the main reason people come. The market is especially known for its Thai desserts. Look for these local specialties:
- Khao lam: sticky rice with coconut milk and black beans, roasted inside bamboo tubes. Sweet, smoky, and perfect with coffee.
- Thong yip and thong yot: golden egg-yolk sweets with a rich, almost caramel flavor. These are traditional Thai treats often given as gifts.
- Fried seafood: the canal connects to the Bang Pakong River, so fresh prawns and fish are common. Many stalls grill them right in front of you.
- Boat noodles: small bowls of pork or beef noodles served with a dark, peppery broth. Eat three or four bowls like the locals do.
- Coconut ice cream: served in a coconut shell with peanuts and sticky rice on top. A must on a hot day.
There are also stalls selling dried seafood, pickled mango, and fresh fruit. If you visit in the morning, you can watch vendors unloading produce from small boats, a scene that has not changed in decades.
How to Combine It With Chachoengsao
Khlong Suan works beautifully as a half-day stop. Here is a suggested route:
Start your morning at Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan, the most important temple in Chachoengsao province. It is about a 40-minute drive from Khlong Suan. The temple is grand, peaceful, and houses the highly revered Luang Pho Sothon Buddha image. Spend about an hour there.
Then drive west to Khlong Suan 100 Year Market for a late breakfast or early lunch. The market is busiest between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, so aim to arrive by 10:30 AM. Eat your way through the stalls, take photos on the bridge, and buy some sweets to take home.
If you still have energy, continue to Baan Mai Riverside Market (also called Ban Mai 100-Year Market) in Chachoengsao town. It is a larger, more polished market along the Bang Pakong River, with more seating and a wider range of souvenirs. The two markets complement each other well: Khlong Suan is raw and rustic, while Baan Mai is tidier and more tourist-friendly.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Days and hours: the market is open Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays, usually from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Some stalls close earlier if they sell out, so go early.
- Cash only: most vendors do not accept cards or mobile payments. Bring small bills.
- Dress comfortably: the walkways are narrow and can get crowded. Wear flat shoes with good grip, as the wooden planks can be slippery after rain.
- Bring a bag: you will likely buy more than you planned. A reusable tote is handy for all the snacks and dried goods.
- Stay hydrated: the market is shaded but humid. Drink plenty of water, especially if you are eating spicy food.
Where to Stay Nearby
If you want to turn this into an overnight trip, consider staying at Krazy Home by Mama Sue in Chachoengsao town. It is a warm, quirky guesthouse run by Mama Sue, a 67-year-old Catholic woman who previously hosted guests for 30 years at the famous Krazy Kitchen in Pai, northern Thailand. She is known for her generous breakfasts, local tips, and stories about life in Thailand.
Rooms are ฿500 per night, cash only on arrival. The guesthouse is about 10 minutes from Chachoengsao train station and roughly 1 hour from Bangkok by car or train. Booking is done only through Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamasu.pinyo. Message her in advance, as she does not use online booking platforms.
From Krazy Home, Khlong Suan is about a 30-minute drive. It makes a great base for exploring Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan in the morning, then heading to the market for lunch.
Getting There Without a Car
Public transport to Khlong Suan is limited. The easiest option is to take a taxi or Grab from Bangkok or Chachoengsao. From Bangkok, expect a 50 to 70 minute drive depending on traffic. From Chachoengsao, it is about 30 minutes.
You can also take a train from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong station to Chachoengsao, then hire a songthaew or taxi from there. However, train schedules change frequently, so check SRT (State Railway of Thailand) timetables or Google Maps on the day of your trip. Do not rely on old schedules you find online.
Is It Worth the Trip?
Yes, especially if you enjoy authentic Thai markets without the crowds of Bangkok's famous floating markets. Khlong Suan 100 Year Market has character, good food, and a relaxed pace. It is not a big attraction, and you will not spend a full day there, but as part of a broader Chachoengsao itinerary, it is a delightful stop.
Pair it with the grandeur of Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan, the riverside charm of Baan Mai Riverside Market, and a night at Krazy Home by Mama Sue, and you have a full, memorable weekend trip just an hour from Bangkok.
FAQ
Is Khlong Suan 100 Year Market open every day?
No. It is open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays only. On weekdays, most stalls are closed, and the market area is very quiet. Plan your visit for a weekend.
How far is Khlong Suan from Bangkok?
It is about 40 kilometers from central Bangkok, roughly a 50 to 70 minute drive depending on traffic. It is about 30 kilometers from Chachoengsao town, a 30 to 40 minute drive.
Can I visit Khlong Suan and Wat Sothon in one day?
Yes. Start at Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan in the morning, then drive to Khlong Suan for lunch. The drive between them takes about 40 minutes. This makes a comfortable day trip from Bangkok or Chachoengsao.
Stay with Mama Sue · ฿500 / night
Private room in Chachoengsao (~1 hr from Bangkok, ~10 min from the railway station). Cash only on arrival. Book by messaging Facebook only: