The many rivers and canals in the central plain of Thailand were the blood vessels of local communities in the old days. People’s life relied on canals and rivers – housing, trading, commuting and so on. The floating markets were the trading place of the communities where people came to trade and barter on food, fruits, cloths and other essentials.
There are countless floating markets throughout the country, many within a couple of hours of Bangkok. The most famous is Damnoen Saduak floating market, just over 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. This buzzing market is at its best in the early morning before the crowds arrive and the heat of the day builds up. The colorfully clad merchants paddle along congested canals in sturdy canoes laden with fresh fruit and vegetables to sell to shoppers on the banks. There is lots of chatter, activity, sight and shopping to fill up your morning in this wonderfully exotic market.