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Saturday, June 18, 2016

TRAVEL: Bangkok's Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

One of the exciting and memorable places we've visited in Bangkok during the I Am Nikon x Air Asia Travel Photographer contest is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Read more about I Am Nikon x Air Asia Travel Photographer contest here -- Team Bangkok.


Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is about 3 hours away from the city. Actually, we weren't expecting the 3 hour ride; we all thought that it just an hour away. Anyway, since we all woke up early, we were able to sleep during the long drive. There's not much to see as we exit from the city, its just a long stretch of highway similar to what we see when we travel NLEX (no ricefields though).

This is where the "tourists" (that's us) choose a boat that will take them to the floating market. The market is not visible in this part. These are motor boats so I guess it is safer than riding those boats with paddles. The water is kinda green maybe because of the plants and trees around it. Definitely not a river to swim. ;)


There are plenty of stores that line up the floating market area aside from the sellers on their boats. Most of the sellers on the boats are elderly and sell food. This lady here is selling some noodles.


This lady seller has an interesting mix of colorful souvenirs. She entices possible buyers with her flute. Reminds me greatly of "The Pied Piper of Hamelin."


Here's another lady selling huge pomelos. Bangkok pomelos are known for being sweet and juicy.


Souvenir shirts.


Tie-dyed dresses and lounge pants. Popular prints are the ones with elephants and temples.


These caught my eyes and I even asked our boat driver to stop. Those who love to cook will have a blast buying these dried herbs and spices. I bought some curry powder, saffron, and rock salt.


Here's another old lady selling some rice cakes. Too bad I wasn't able to buy some ...


... and another pomelo seller.


If you are into "art," the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market has a lot of nice paintings. Just avoid haggling too much because most of the sellers find it hard to sell because the "tourists" are just after the experience of just cruising the floating river and taking photos.


And here's another old lady selling longan and rambutan. Being an Asian neighbor, it is interesting to note that most of the fruits in Thailand are the same as what we have here in the Philippines.


So after cruising around the floating market, we head back towards the dock again where our van is waiting for us. These lovely houses made with teak wood are lined up at the residential part of Damnoen Saduak. Mode of transportation here are by boats only since the place is a maze of natural canals. It would have been nice if I have a drone so that I can post a photo of what it looks like from the top.


I'm not sure if the government requires each house or even establishment to place the country's flag where everyone can see it. But I think this is a nice practice as it deepens one's nationalism.


I think that the sellers at the floating market are residents here, too. I had a nice time admiring the wooden houses that I wish we can go back another round. I mean, it is difficult to admire the scenery when you also need to take photos.


The water in the river though are not clear because of the plants and maybe moss and algae. Also, we saw some iguanas or large lizards swimming in and out of the water. A bit scary if you see them up close but they don't really bother people according to our boatman.

This is one of the loveliest house that I saw. I'm glad that its not at the edge of the water like some of the house that we saw. This house is surrounded by plants and fruit trees. I bet it would be a nice experience to sleep at one of the houses here. :)






viva manilena 

9 comments:

  1. This floating market is really nice and i love those wooden houses too. Although it feels scary cruising in that kind of river especially that there are iguanas. Scary!

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  2. I'd love to experience this floating market! I heard read/seen posts about it before and would be very happy to also try it out! :)

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  3. Bangkok is one of my go-to destinations. If I ever make it to Bangkok, I'll surely visit the floating market - sans iguanas hopefully haha!

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  4. I want to visit Bangkok also and experience that. Sarap mag travel!

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  5. we are not able to try it when we are in Thailand, that was a long time ago na. How much it cost worth it ba?

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    1. The boat for 5 pax is ThB 1k ... then you have to rent van from your hotel to the floating market which is around ThB 3k if I'm not mistaken plus pay toll fees pa. But you can haggle naman. The paddle boats are cheaper (300-500).

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  6. Looks like a great destination for all tourists. Bangkok is one of my must visit places and we do plan to go there next year. :)

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  7. I've never been to Thailand bit everyone I know always goes to the Floating Market :)

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  8. OMG! Iguanas? Lizards? I can't be near that waters.. Lol! They are something that I can live without. Hahaha!

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