Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

There are many floating markets throughout Thailand, many within a couple of hours drive of Bangkok. There are colorfully clad merchants at these lively markets paddling their goods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, along congested canals in sturdy canoes to sell to shoppers on the banks. These markets are busy with lots of chatter and activity.  Bargaining is common at these markets but don’t expect to get the price down more than 10 percent.  Many of the floating markets are open only weekends, so plan your trip accordingly.  For a history of Floating Markets in Thailand click here...

The most famous of the floating markets is Damnoen Saduak and is located about 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. Damnoen Saduak is actually the name of the canal dug in the reign of King Rama IV (mid 1800’s). The canal was constructed to connect the Taachin River in Samutsakorn Province and Maeklong River in Samutsongkram Province together and allow for easier transport of goods along the waterways  .

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market has been developed primarily for foreign tourists to get a taste of the floating market culture in a short period of time.  The market is open 7 days a week, making it more convenient for the tourist who are not on a normal work week.  In this market the roles of sellers and buyers have been reversed where the tourists are giving a boat tour and most of the vendors are along the edge of the canals of the city. This buzzing market is best ti visit in the early morning before the crowds arrive and the heat of the day builds up.

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