Floating
Markets
 Several
floating markets ('talaat naam') 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 boats
are inevitably paddled by Thai women in blue farmer's garb
('mor hom') and flat-topped conical hats called 'muak ngob',
which are characteristic to all parts of Thailand. The floating
markets are still important commercial centers for those living
along the banks of 'klongs' with no road access.
Three
floating markets are within reach of Bangkok:
Damnoen
Saduak Floating Market, 80 km southwest of Bangkok in
Ratchaburi province, is one of the largest and most popular
floating markets among tourists. Also known as Klong Lat Phli
Floating Market by the locals, the market is active in the
mornings only, from 6.00 am to 11.00 am. If you want to take
photos without hordes of tourists, get there early.
Air-conditioned
buses leave for Damnoen Saduak every half hour starting at
6.00 am from the southern bus terminal on Boromrat Chonnani
Road, Tel +66 2 434-5557-8. To get to the market itself, take
a boat from Potchawan Landing or Seri Khemi Kaset Landing.
Several smaller and quieter floating markets are located in
Ratchaburi and nearby Samut Songkhram province. The best way
to explore these markets is to hire a long-tailed boat for
around 300 baht an hour, (or less depending on your bargaining
powers).
Tha
Kha Floating Market is about 10 km beyond Damnoen Saduak.
It can easily be reached from Samut Songkhram by minibuses,
which leave every 20 minutes. The market is active from 6.00
am to 12.00 am on weekends only.
Bang
Khu Wiang Floating Market, in Bang Kruai district of Nonthaburi
province, can be reached by boat from Tha Chang Pier near
the Grand Palace. The market operates from 4.00 am until late
morning but the best time to visit is around sunrise. Monks
also come to the market by rowing boat to receive alms from
the villagers.
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