The wife & I are bringing some of the family over for a couple of weeks in April. Before going down to Pattaya/Jomtien we're staying for a day at the Holiday Inn, Silom in Bangkok and they are keen to visit the Floating Market.
It must be nearly 20 years since I went on a trip there and the wife's never been......
Can anyone suggest where to go & get a straightforward boat ride to the Floating Market? Not interested in crocodile farms & other tourist traps en route....

Do you want to visit Talaat Nam floating market in Thonburi or the real one Damnoen Saduck at Ratchaburi Province ?

I think all hotels and agents will offer a half-day 'Floating Market' trip, which can be combined with something else, or not. Early start though!

Early start is correct. Th Damnoen Saduck "Real floating market" is well worth the trip though, i have done it twice the first time we went on our own accord and arrived after 9am, not a very clever move as its pretty much all finished by then, but the second time we went with a tour, booked through a travel agent at Silom Sky Train ( BTS )station, and it was a half day tour and from memory cost 1500b for both of us, like you i didnt want to see crocs, snakes or gems and the tour did not offer this anyway thank god!

You will find that most Hotels. Travel Agents and some shopping malls offer this trip, but make sure you insist on only the floating market, or you will be in for detours you dont want.

Thanks. That's exactly what we want (without the detours!)

get up very early, remember its out of town and sadly some think its not what it used to be, (roads and tesco !!)