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Floating
markets in and around Bangkok offer the tourist a
picture-postcard image of the traditional Thai way of life.
Small wooden boats laden with fruits, flowers, vegetables and
other produce from nearby orchards and communities make a
colorful and bustling scene at market time.
The most popular Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is in Ratchaburi
province, 80 km southwest of Bangkok. It is one of the largest
and most popular floating markets. The market is active in the
mornings only, from 6.00 am to 11.00 am. The lively and colorful
images of boat vendors trading their agricultural products is
one of the most fascinating and endearing images. To get to the
market itself, take a boat from Potchawan Landing or Seri Khemi
Kaset Landing.
Tha Kha Floating Market is about 10 km
beyond Damnoen Saduak. It
can easily be reached from Samut Songkhram by minibuses. The
market is active from 6.00 am to 12.00 am on weekends only. Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market is in Bang Kruai district of
Nonthaburi province that can be reached by boat from Tha Chang
Pier near the Grand Palace. The market operates from 4.00 am
until late morning.
There are also some interesting floating markets in Bangkok
itself. The Taling Chan floating market is a weekend market in
front of Taling Chan district office. Another one is the Wat Sai
market in Bangkok's Thonburi area.
The best way to fully appreciate a floating market is to hire a
long-tailed boat for the day. A tour along the klongs also gives
you an appreciation of Thai homes and gardens. Don't forget to
get up real early for a trip to see the markets.
Floating markets play an important role in the tourism
development of the nation. So, efforts are being made to revive
the old markets and reorganize them.
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