When people think of Thailand, many immediately think of floating markets.

Narrow boats, tropical fruit, steaming food stalls, and women in straw hats. I had this image in my mind too when I came to Thailand. To be honest, I was thinking especially of scenes from an old James Bond film, in which Roger Moore as 007 races through narrow, crowded canals in a souped-up longtail boat. That’s exactly what I was looking for—and didn’t find.

It was just a movie set.

The reality is different.

Floating markets have played an important role for centuries.

Back then, there were no proper roads, and much of life revolved around the many canals. The regular markets, where food, everyday essentials and simple meals were sold, also played an important role. The famous boat noodle soup was one of them.

Those days are mostly gone, however. Markets still frequented mainly by locals can be found in a few parts of the city that retain a more agricultural character, such as west of the Chao Phraya, usually on weekends.

Since James Bond, a thriving floating market industry has also sprung up. These markets are staged specifically for visitors, and tourists are sometimes even taken there by shuttle. A well-known example is the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which some people also call the James Bond Market.

If you’re mainly looking to take beautiful photos of lots of vendor boats and women wearing wide straw hats, this market is a good choice.

But you should know that they often sell generic tourist souvenirs there, which you can find in many other places in Bangkok.

There are still a few markets, though, that cater mainly to locals. They’re usually held on weekends.

Many families from Bangkok come here for a short day trip.

You’ll also see boats selling things like vegetables from nearby gardens. And you can definitely enjoy a good meal there.

One particularly lovely example is the “Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market” on the western side of the Chao Phraya, which I enjoy visiting myself. I usually grab something delicious to eat at one of the many stalls or in a little restaurant by the canal. I often pick up a small souvenir from one of the handicraft stalls, too.

I even got my hair cut there once for free.

It was a promotional event, and with my half-bald head, there isn’t much left to ruin anyway.

You can also take short canal boat tours from this market. They’re much cheaper than many of the tours offered by the big operators on the Chao Phraya. Most importantly, you’ll still see real everyday life along the canals—not anything artificially dressed up.

My second-favorite market on a canal is Bang Nam Phueng Market on the peninsula of Bang Krachao, known as Bangkok’s Green Lung. It may not be a classic floating market straight out of an old picture book, but it’s a fantastic local weekend market on a canal. You’ll find a few boats there, too.

The best part is the surroundings.

The area is wonderful to explore by bike.

You can drive through lush greenery, take in the surroundings and enjoy a relaxed visit to the market.

The market is especially famous for its delicious desserts, made from traditional Mon recipes. Afterwards, you can enjoy them at a picnic in the nearby park.