DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET

Description

Essentials about Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in brief

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the epitome of Thai floating markets and the most popular among tourists. If you see a picture of the typical small canals where women with big hats offer their goods from their long boats, it is most likely a picture of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

The location and history of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located in the district of the same name in the Ratchaburi province, about 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. The origin of the market goes back to King Rama IV, who in the 1860s ordered the construction of a canal to connect the Mae Klong and Tha Chin rivers. As a result, many floating markets settled here. In the mid-20th century, many of the floating markets disappeared due to the shift of goods transportation from water to road. The last remaining floating market in the area disappeared in 1967, but was revived as a tourist attraction by the Tourism Corporation of Thailand in 1971.

Damoen Saduak Floating Market consists of a maze of narrow canals (khlongs) traveled by small wooden boats (sampans). The mostly female vendors often wear the traditional market attire of a blue peasant shirt (mo hom) and a wide-brimmed straw hat (ngob). Loaded to the brim with fruits and vegetables, the boats are a very popular photo motif. The produce often comes from the surrounding farms.

The submarkets of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Damoen Saduak Floating Market consists of three smaller submarkets: Ton Khem, Hia Kui and Khun Phitak. Ton Khem is the largest of these and takes place on Khlong Damnoen Saduak. Hia Kui is parallel to Khlong Damnoen Saduak and is known for its many souvenir stores along the waterfront. Khun Phitak is the smallest of the three markets and is located about two kilometers further south.

Visiting Damnoen Saduak Floating Markets

It is best to arrive early in the morning. The market opens at 6 a.m. and until about 9 a.m. you can experience the market hustle and bustle in its most authentic form. Then it is mainly the locals who are out and about. At later hours, the market is taken over by visitors from all over the world and at noon, the hustle and bustle on the canals and on the banks is much greater than in the morning hours.

And another small practical hint: If you visit the market, you should not have breakfast too extensively. After all, Damoen Saduak Floating Market is a true gourmand’s paradise, where you can taste your way through a variety of traditional Thai specialties. Those who prefer a more leisurely meal can also sit down in one of the many small restaurants and cafes along the banks and watch the lively activity on the canals from a distance.

Due to its professional tourist marketing, Damnoen Saduak market is considered by many people to be no longer an authentic tourist trap. Accordingly, prices at the market are often higher and the bargaining leeway of sellers is less than at other markets. Be that as it may, a trip to Damnoen Saduak market is nevertheless an absolutely worthwhile experience and worth the journey for the great photo motifs alone.