The romantic vision of a city with canals always leads us, almost automatically, to think of places like Venice or Amsterdam. However, the city of Bangkok and its floating markets, which add to the romantic picture of the canals a good dose of oriental exoticism.
Of the many floating markets that one can find in Thailand, those in Bangkok are undoubtedly the most famous. And it is not just another tourist attraction, in reality they are live and active shopping centers attended by the inhabitants of the houses that rise near the canals, allowing the traveler to take the pulse of the daily life of Thais.
The floating markets are made up of a multitude of small wooden boats laden with fruit, flowers and other products. They are manned by women dressed in blue. In Bangkok and its surroundings you can visit several of them, here are the most famous:
- Bang khu wiang, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 17 p.m. It is accessed after a half-hour boat trip, departing from Chang Pier, near the Royal Palace. It is neither the largest nor the most famous but perhaps the most traditional.
- Damnoen Saduak, It is undoubtedly the most famous floating market in Thailand. It is far from the city, about 100 kilometers, but all the agencies organize excursions, which can also be booked from the hotel. It is very oriented to receive tourists and therefore has lost some of its authenticity, but it is a visit full of color.
- Saphan lek. In the city's Chinatown. It is reached by boat from the Rachawong pier and in it, among many other things, you can find all kinds of traditional Chinese medicine products.
- Taling chan. It is the perfect alternative to Damnoen Saduak: it is closer to the city center and not as crowded with tourists. They walk through its channels floating food stalls, where you can taste Thai cuisine in the most appropriate environment.