The center of Thailand is a flat area, with the country’s main river Chao Praya and its main tributaries: Ping, Nan, Yom, Wang. The river network is complemented by many irrigation canals that bring water to the rice fields. In this article we will talk about the floating markets, but before visiting them you should know the basic rules of trade in Thailand.
The rivers and canals of Thailand form a unified transport network that Thais have been using for centuries. People use them not only to visit each other, but to deliver food and other useful and necessary things for life. This is what led to the emergence of such a unique phenomenon as floating markets in Thailand.
The Floating Market in Thailand is a spectacular sight. Its peculiarity is that the whole river is just teeming with boats, one part of which is transport and the other part is floating stalls, restaurants, artisans’ workshops. Camping stoves, where the deliciously flavorful Chinese dishes are cooked, are often set up right on small boats. To get a snack, all you have to do is wave your hand and it will float right up to you. Thai souvenirs, flowers, clothes, food, exotic fruits and spices are traded in roughly the same way. The atmosphere at the floating market in Thailand is such that it is quite possible to fall into a slight frenzy of wanting to buy everything in a row.
The floating market in Thailand is such that you can fall into a slight frenzy of wanting to buy everything.
Thailand has quite a few floating markets that have become part of the local heritage. The largest market is the “central” market, which is a must visit. It is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. It is located far enough from the center Bangkok – 109 kilometers, so you should be thoroughly prepared for the trip and leave just before sunrise. The market starts at 11 am and by about 3 pm the market slowly “dissolves”, breaking up into separate boats, rushing home. It is at this market you can buy the original spices, incense, Thai souvenirs and fruits.
It is at this market you can buy original spices, incense, Thai souvenirs and fruits.
By the way, if you are wondering “Can I take fruit out of Thailand?” – We want to make you happy, it is possible to take out fruit, except for one single thing – durian. However, it is advisable to know how to do it properly.
There is a Floating Market in Pattaya, and it was organized relatively recently – in 2008. It is located only 10 kilometers from the center. To get there you need to get to Sukhumvit Street. Typically, there are up to 70 floating stores, whose main products are jewelry, leather goods, souvenirs made of stone and wood, Thai antiques. Traditionally they sell fruit and there are always floating eateries.
The Thais have long appreciated the interest of tourists (especially Russians in Thailand) in these markets, so the prices are set at twice as high as in the usual “land” stores, such as the Night Market in Pattaya. Here you can feel free to haggle, which is even welcomed. Often in these markets it is difficult to get rid of the vendors, literally. They hook the buyer’s boat with a pug and diligently hold it until you buy something. It’s like the Bedouins in Egypt, by God.
Video tour of the floating market in Bangkok
Read More:- The Floating Market in Pattaya – What's so interesting and how to get there?.
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