Bang Bai Mai Pracharath Floating Market (Bang Bai Mai Pracharath Floating Market) was established through the cooperation between residents of Bang Bai Mai Subdistrict and government agencies to revive and preserve the traditional riverside way of life in the area known as "Nai Bang," a network of hundreds of natural canals connected to the Tapee River. This area once served as the community's primary transportation route and still preserves its natural environment and authentic canal-side lifestyle. The market is located along the canal beside Wat Bang Bai Mai, which serves as the center of community activities.

One of the market's unique charms is its peaceful atmosphere that reflects the traditional way of life of local people. Many vendors still use traditional wooden rowing boats to sell fresh vegetables, seasonal fruits, homemade desserts, Southern Thai dishes, and handcrafted products directly along the canal banks. Onshore, visitors will find stalls constructed from natural materials such as bamboo and nipa palm roofing, creating the nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional floating market that has become increasingly rare today.

Signature foods not to be missed include Chaiya Pad Thai, Southern-style rice noodles with curry sauce (Khanom Jeen Nam Ya Tai), grilled fish cakes, Khanom Kho in coconut milk, sticky rice with fish topping, local seafood dishes, and traditional herbal drinks. Visitors can also shop for high-quality local products such as cold-pressed coconut oil, herbal soaps, shrimp paste, homemade chili paste, nipa palm handicrafts, and various locally made souvenirs that beautifully represent the identity and wisdom of the Bang Bai Mai community.

The market's most popular attraction is the traditional rowing boat tour through Khlong Roi Sai, where visitors can admire the spectacular nipa palm tunnel. Dense nipa palms naturally grow along both sides of the canal, with their leaves arching together overhead to form a long green tunnel stretching for several hundred meters. The cool, shaded atmosphere makes it one of the most picturesque spots in Nai Bang. Along the journey, visitors can observe local canal-side life, coconut plantations, fruit orchards, traditional wooden houses, and the rich ecosystem of the nipa forest.

The market also strongly promotes community-based ecotourism by encouraging the reduction of plastic waste and supporting the use of natural biodegradable materials such as banana leaves, areca palm sheaths, coconut shells, and other eco-friendly containers. Income generated from local products, rowing boat services, and tourism activities is distributed directly to community members, making Bang Bai Mai Pracharath Floating Market an excellent example of sustainable tourism that successfully preserves the environment, local culture, and traditional lifestyle.

Located only a few kilometers from downtown Surat Thani, the market is an ideal destination for visitors seeking an authentic floating market experience, nature photography enthusiasts, lovers of Southern Thai cuisine, and travelers interested in learning about the canal-side culture of Southern Thailand. It can also be conveniently combined with other attractions in the Nai Bang area and along the Tapee River within a one-day trip.

• By Private Car: From Surat Thani Provincial Hall, drive across Sri Tapee Bridge toward the "Nai Bang" area. Continue following the road signs for approximately 2–3 kilometers until you reach the entrance to Wat Bang Bai Mai on the left. A spacious parking area is available inside the temple grounds, making access convenient and close to the city center.

• By Tourist Boat: Travelers who enjoy a slow-life experience can charter a long-tail boat from the pier along the Tapee River embankment in downtown Surat Thani. The boat journey offers scenic river views before entering the canal network and arriving directly at the floating market.

• Reserve your rowing boat early: Upon arrival, register for the traditional rowing boat tour immediately, as queues can become long later in the morning, especially on Sundays and public holidays.

• Visit Luang Pho Khao Suk: Before or after exploring the market, stop by Wat Bang Bai Mai to pay respects to Luang Pho Khao Suk, a revered ancient Buddha image worshipped by the local community for generations.

• Bring cash: Most vendors are local community sellers, and some stalls may not accept electronic payments. Carrying cash will make it easier to purchase food, souvenirs, and pay for rowing boat services.

• Bring a reusable shopping bag: The market actively promotes environmentally friendly tourism by reducing plastic waste and encouraging the use of natural packaging. A reusable bag is useful for carrying local products and souvenirs.

• Visit in the morning: The best time to visit is between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, when the weather is cooler, all food stalls are fully open, and the natural light is ideal for photographing the nipa palm tunnel and the floating market atmosphere.

Admission Fee:

• Free admission. There is no entrance fee to the floating market. Visitors only pay for optional rowing boat tours through the nipa palm tunnel and for food or products purchased from local vendors.

Opening Hours:

• Open every Sunday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is recommended to visit between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, when the weather is more comfortable and the widest selection of local food is available.