Once upon a time in Bangkok, when the waterways still served as main transportation routes —the Thai capital was nicknamed “the Venice of Asia”—markets and shops were set up on the water. Fresh produce and made-to-order dishes were sold from small wooden row boats that flocked to a canal, or khlong, in the mornings, beckoning buyers on the shore. There are fewer and fewer around the country today, but there are still a few floating around the city (get it?). 

One is Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market, which is known for its lush atmosphere and mouth-watering food. Located on the outskirts of Bangkok, this market boasts a more authentic experience as it is mostly visited by locals. Look out for two of the market’s signature selections:  pla pao, a salt-crusted grilled fish, and goong ob woon sen, which is shrimp with mung bean noodles.