Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

February 10th, 2008

My first weekend ever in Thailand was a stop in Bangkok with friends after a week in Cambodia, in August 2005.

I'd heard that the floating market wasn't far from Bangkok, and when I saw a billboard advertising boat rides out to the floating market, I decided to rent one. What I didn't know was that the famous floating market was actually a few hours away by bus, and after winding through Bangkok's canals for a while, we pulled up to an old woman in a little boat full of junk who quickly came paddling over. The driver pointed at her, telling me, "Here. Floating market." I'm not sure how he expected me to be pleased but that obviously wasn't part of the package. I bought him a beer from the old lady and we headed back.

On a return trip in May, 2006, I did make it down the actual Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and wasn't disappointed then.

When I left Thailand for India in November, things had officially came to an end with May and I, but we did meet again after I got back to Bangkok and she said she'd always wanted to visit the floating market, so we took the bus ride down and stayed at a nice guesthouse by the canal that arranged boat rides as part of the room fee.

I guess years ago, it was more of a community market but has now been geared more towards tourists, making the boat loads of food less colourful, but it's still a fun trip with lots to see. There's nothing to complain about a day on a boat gliding through the canals, eating treats like mini coconut pancakes, dumplings, fried bananas, mango, guava, cherry-apples, and pho soup.

There are certainly more amazing things to do with your time in Thailand, but a day at the floating market is still nice!