Thailand

Known for its floating market, Damnoen Saduak is a major must-visit city in western Thailand. Here's what you need to know about this destination:.

You've probably seen those photos of boats lined along a canal, carrying a colorful load of fruits, vegetables, and goods, with women wearing straw hats at the helm. That's what's known as a "floating market," an authentic portrayal of urban life in Thailand. To fully appreciate it, a trip there is worth it. Head towards Damnoen Saduak, a district in the west and the capital of Ratchaburi province. You'll visit protected areas rich in wildlife, admire the work of wood sculptors proudly holding onto their traditional craftsmanship. But the highlight of the trip is crossing the most famous floating market in the suburbs of Bangkok.

History

The establishment of the klong was ordered by Rama IV and completed in 1868. For your information, canals are a cornerstone of Bangkok's historical urban planning. These waterways were used to transport agricultural products to major cities when road traffic was still unknown. The Damnoen Saduak Klong is 35 kilometers long and branches out into 200 channels. It connects the Tcha Chin River and the Mae Klong River. The most famous artery of the canal is the Damnoen Saduak floating market.

Modern city

With a population of 93,264, Damnoen Saduak is the largest city in Ratchaburi, a province in western Thailand. Its population is spread across 13 sub-districts and 105 villages.

Must-visit places

Damnoen Saduak floating market

Damnoen Saduak's most famous attraction is its colorful, lively, and flavorful market. The market's opening serves a purely touristic purpose: to showcase a facet of old Bangkok, one of boats and narrow canals. If Damnoen Saduak floating market enjoys immense popularity, it's because it's open all week, while others are held only on weekends.

Goods stalls are joyfully swayed on the water. Negotiating for fruits, clothes, or Thai masks on a wooden boat… Admit it, it's a bit picturesque. Playing along, the vendors wear straw hats and brightly colored dresses. At dawn, they go to nearby farms to collect products and load them onto boats. Consequently, you'll have the opportunity to consume fresh and local products. The market is one of the best places to enjoy Thai gastronomic specialties. The only drawback, if any, is the abundance of souvenir shops, which has somewhat deprived the klong of its authenticity.

Gift ideas to buy on-site: handmade shawls, hats, traditional jewelry, sculptures, paintings, candles, and much more.

Religious and cultural heritage

Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité cathedral

This charming Roman Catholic church stands near the mouth of the canal on Mae Klong. Built by a French evangelist, it can be called a small masterpiece of Gothic art.

The Royal Thai handicraft center company

Woodcarving enthusiasts will not be disappointed to step into this shop-museum. The visit gives a measure of the talent and skill of the artisans, as well as the long process needed to create artistic pieces. Woodworking is mastered to perfection, and you can find incredible souvenirs.

Practical information

When to visit Damnoen Saduak?

The floating market is open from 6 a.m. to noon. It is advisable to come early in the morning when the klong wakes up and the banks are not yet crowded. At around 9:30 a.m., tourist boats start pouring in from everywhere, making traffic extremely difficult.

How to get there?

Located in Ratchaburi, Damnoen Saduak is at 25 km from Samut Songkram and about a hundred kilometers from Bangkok.

Public buses from Bangkok's Sai Tai Mai station offer trips to Damnoen Saduak. With your Sawa’Discovery travel agency, you'll enjoy a private vehicle with a driver to take you to the floating market city.

You'll love…

• having a continental breakfast;
• taking a pleasure boat ride on the Klong;
• admiring the teakwood buildings lining the banks;
• exploring the nearby Amphawa floating market;