Don't miss the beauty and wonders of Thailand and see the amazing and famous floating markets. They are one of the most visited and most photographed attractions. Your visit to Thailand won't be complete without experiencing the floating markets and witnessing the rich culture of Thailand.
Once known as the Venice of Asia, Thailand has maintained their famous markets despite the fact that roads have been filling their canals and waterways. Not only are tourists and locals able to find goods and materials at the markets, they also serve cooked food, yes directly from their boat!
The floating markets of Thailand have been around throughout the centuries. It was started when transportation by water became one of their means of living. Basically different kinds of goods and products are sold aboard a boat. It's Thailand's traditional way of selling their famous products like fruits and vegetables and is also a mirror to their culture and history.
Among Thailand’s most popular markets is Damnoen Saduak, a famous and largest floating market in Ratchaburi which is about an hour and a half drive from Bangkok. Floating markets here are seen every day. At weekends this place is flooded both by the locals and tourists. If you want to avoid the overflowing crowds, go there before 9 am because travelers on an organized trip visit Damneon Saduak by this time. With its picturesque waterways and busy vendors on boats, photographers won't run out of subjects to shot. Damneon Saduak is also a great place to buy souvenirs since many souvenir shops can be found just around the marketplace.
If you do not want to travel that far, the floating market at Talingchan is also a great place to visit. Located just at the west of Bangkok near the Talingchan District office, the floating market here is held every weekend for nine hours from eight in the morning. Travelers can buy vegetables, fruits and flowers fresh from the nearby gardens of Talingchan. This is also a great place for people who love seafood, Talingchan is known for its delicious seafood culinary.
Talingchan is not as crowded as Damneon Saduak but still is a great place to visit when looking for floating markets in Thailand. Aside from the shops on boats, you might want to try their floating restaurants where vendors are seen cooking on their boat just beside the floating restaurant.
Another floating market to visit is the Tha Kha Floating Market, perfect for people who are not fond of a large crowd. It operates from eight to eleven in the morning, so being early would be a great idea if you want to buy more time enjoying the place. Here, boat tours are a lot cheaper compared to Damneon Saduak so if you are a little low on budget you might want to visit here.
It's just the same as Damneon Saduak except that it is not overcrowded with tourists and locals plus there are no souvenir shops here. This will enable tourists to enjoy the place peacefully and marvel at the beauty of environment quietly without the sounds of noisy motors and crowds.
For travelers who are not fond of getting up very early in the morning Amphawa Floating Market would save you from missing the floating market of Thailand. The Amphawa Floating Market located near Samut Songkhram opens in the afternoon. Just like Tha Kha Floating Market, it is not crowded with too much tourists and locals. So if you need space and a peaceful place to enjoy, Amphawa is very much happy to see you there.