Floating markets are like living museums where you can immerse in the local culture and way of life as it once was before the arrival of global consumerism. I was looking forward to my trip to the Damnoen Saduak floating market, and it was definitely a highlight of my trip to Bangkok. Damnoen Saduak is in Ratchaburi, about 109 kilometres south of Bangkok or approximately 2 hours drive.
Totally lively and somewhat chaotic, small 'khlongs' or canals are filled with flat boats piled high with fresh produce, each jockeying for position and paddled by ladies ready to stop and bargain at a moment's notice. It's colourful, noisy, touristy but great fun. As well as produce, you can find many interesting buys like souvenirs, food products and other local goods which are on display, similar to what you might find at any night market in downtown Bangkok. Being somewhat of a postcard junkie I couldn't resist one of the many scenic folders on offer.
During the long-tail motorized boat ride to market, you'll pass orchards, traditional teak houses and local people going about their lives. The ride is extremely fast at first and you can expect to get somewhat wet as boats pass you in the opposite direction, but it slows right down on approach to the market. An experience not to be missed.
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