Thailand: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Floating market is a place not to be missed for a first timer who wants to experience trading on a boat. There are a few floating markets in Thailand with Damnoen Saduak as the largest and authentic floating market in the vicinity. On a fine morning, I followed the tour to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market located in Ratchaburi Province on a 1.5-hour van ride.


The floating market is situated along a canal so we were transferred to a long tail boat at a mini jetty before arriving at the exact location. During the boat ride, we passed by many wooden houses built along the river. Folks there just live by the canal. The long tail boat is operated on engine, so be prepared because river water is going to splash on your face when it is speeding.


After a shot ride, we finally arrived at the floating market. We can either walk alongside the canal or take a boat ride at THB 150. For sure, I opted for the latter. The boat woman paddled the boat along the canal and simultaneously we did the shopping and photo shooting on the boat.


The floating market is jam packed with tourist boats. It could be congested and luckily there is no honk on the boat.


There are a lot of boats selling straw hat and souvenir as the target customer is mainly tourist. The boat is fully loaded with all sorts of goods and it makes me wonder how they maintain the balance of the boat. Some of the shopkeepers looked bored. I think they are stuck in a rut.


Besides souvenir, fruits can be seen almost everywhere. Sweet mango is tantalizing and some tourists are eating them on the boat. Driven by curiosity, how this fruit seller reaches the mangoesteen at far end of the boat.


From my observation. this fierce-looking uncle was the only butcher there. He monopoly the meat market.


Something amazed me was cooking on the boat. They somehow managed to load a gas tank into the boat and cook.


Uncle and auntie enjoying their food.


Hard selling.


One hand grilling meatball, one hand paddling boat.


There's gold in the fruits?


Fried banana. Pisang goreng.


Need a fag.


Buying & selling.


Cool boatman.


I need customer.


Row, row, row your boat. Gently down the stream.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily. Life is but a dream.


Goodbye colorful floating market.


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