Floating market Damnoensaduak
Tambon Damnoen Saduak, Amphoe Damnoen Saduak, Changwat Ratchaburi
As recently as several centuries ago, Thailand’s numerous canals and rivers served as the country’s key transport arteries and their banks were humming with activity. Although many things have changed since then, the traditional floating markets are a vivid reminder of those times and have long become Thailand’s trademark. The most famous one in region is the Damnoensaduak, located in the Ratchaburi province within 100 kilometers from Bangkok. It is one of the most picturesque places in the capital’s surrounding area and a place where one can feel the true spirit of the old Asia.
Even if you are not planning on shopping, the Damnoensaduak is well worth a visit. Moreover, it’s not generally possible to find a good bargain on the floating market, as its prices are much higher than in capital’s shops and malls. However, a visit to the market is not only about buying: Damnoensaduak is a truly original, vivid and captivating spectacle, which presents a plethora of emotions and impressions. Its special atmosphere, created by an amazing whirl of colors, shapes, sounds and scents, reigns supreme there.
Damnoensaduak is formed from traditional houses on piles, which are clustered along the canal, and features national Thai dishes that cooked in special ovens in boats, bright colors and an inimitable aroma of spices and perfumes that soar through the air. The market’s most impressive spectacles however, are the dozens of wooden canoes that are filled with exotic fruits and vegetables. These float in a typical Asian huddle in order to reach the interested buyers.
You can find anything you could possibly want on the floating market. In addition to great variety of fresh tropical fruits and vegetables, it offers famous Thai spices, roots, aromatic oils, flowers, traditional clothes and original handmade souvenirs. Thailand has always been famous for its hand craftsmanship: local artisans create many beautiful items forged from silver, tin and bamboo. They are made with meticulous attention to detail, a keen sense of style and incredible patience. If you want to see a ware at a closer proximity, you need only make a sign to the seller and he will come to your boat.
The floating market Damnoensaduak is open from the early morning until the evening, but trade gradually calms down in the afternoon. It is better to come there earlier (between 7-8 am) in order to avoid crowds of visitors and to go boating along the canal, when there are just a few people there.
Getting there. The cheapest and the most convenient way is to take a route bus; these depart from the Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal every half an hour, starting at 6 am, and go directly to the market.
