A floating spectacle - beloved by tourist, this floating market is situated on the Damnoen Saduak canal in Ratchaburi province. The canal runs between the Mae Klong and Tacheen rivers, and stretches for approximately 30 kilometres - not all of it used by the floating market - but much of it host to some form of shop! -
Visit 16th Oct 2008
The main bridge over the canal is best for general
photography, but get in close down at the canal bank for
those once in a lifetime album snaps. Be prepared for a
degree of indifference from you your subject. He/she has had
their picture taken many times before. The women are normally too busy trying to sell, to give you time for a
posed shot, but the traditional straw and bamboo hats atop a well-worn face are
mementoes well after your holiday is over. Smiles are usually in evidence.
Remember that smiling is not a one way thing. Try it. It works wonders, here and
other parts of Thailand.
The floating market starts at 6.00 am and goes on until around 12.00 noon.
A walk along the canal bank - which is also home to market traders - will be
preferable for those not liking boat trips, and is slightly less stressful, or
perhaps not so much 'fun' - as the boat ride. Go on. It's once in a lifetime
experience. It's a floating Market - so float!
The fresh produce is normally very reasonable in price. You get it straight from
the grower or producer. No middleman profit to worry about. You can eat good
Thai food as you shop, for there are boats to sell traditional noodle dishes and
other Thai delicacies - all cooked on a boat while you watch. As always,
the food is superb and the atmosphere at Damnoen Saduak
Floating Market will make it a snack or meal to remember.
The fresh fruit at the Floating market will include Bananas, Pomela, Rose Apple,
Longan, Mangos and if you wish maybe a Durian. (Not a good idea to take the
latter back to your hotel though! Fresh coconut milk from a young coconut it
totally different to what you get from a grizzly old coconut. You probably won't
recognise it either!
Where is it?
It is approximately 80Km from Bangkok along Thonburi-Paktoh H/way No 35 to Samut
Songkhram town.
There is a bus - air conditioned - that leaves from the southern bus terminal
Bangkok, and the journey to the Floating Market takes about 2 hours. (First bus
leaves at around 5.00am).
If in doubt - ask at your hotel - No you do not need a Taxi, but it
may be preferable for some. If - like me - you decide to travel by
taxi to Damnoen Saduak, then make sure that you taxi
driver is aware that you want to be dropped off as near
to the centre as possible. My unsuspecting driver - and
his passenger - were 'guided' into a parking lot by a
local waving a flag.