Thailand

Located southwest of Bangkok, the Damnoen Saduak floating market combines a waterborne excursion with sampling fresh products in a bustling urban atmosphere. Here's the scoop.

Cinema buffs might recall this location from films like "The Man with the Golden Gun" and "Dangerous Bangkok," where merchants' boats fill the scene with a remarkable array of fruits, vegetables, and all sorts of fish. Unlike James Bond evading assassins, navigate the Damnoen Saduak canal in serene tranquility. Discover glimpses of Ratchaburi: stilt houses, boat-restaurants fragrant with meat and soup, a passerby negotiating with a taxiboat driver… A hundred kilometers from the City of Angels, Damnoen Saduak floating market unveils a warm and authentic Thailand.

Historical notes

The construction of Damnoen Saduak Canal dates back to 1866, under King Rama IV's patronage, aiming to establish a navigable waterway connecting Mae Klong and Tha Chin. Completed in 1868, the canal bustled with traffic, transporting agricultural goods from production sites to distribution hubs. This marked the rise of floating markets. To ease navigation, locals dug numerous auxiliary canals. The main market, Lad Plee, thrived at Damnoen Saduak's docking port.

Navigation along this waterway flourished over the years, but by the mid-1960s, the advent of roads threatened its existence. In 1971, commercial traffic on the canal ceased. Lad Plee Market transitioned to a tourist attraction, showcasing the old Bangkok of canals and locks, before cars were commonplace.

Authentic atmosphere

If you plan a day trip to Ratchaburi, don't miss the Damnoen Saduak floating market. The hustle begins as early as 6 a.m. By then, long-tail boats ply the canal's mouth in an endless procession. These vessels carry a rich array of products: tropical fruits, vegetables, seafood, snacks, skewers, and noodle soups with chicken or duck, prepared and enjoyed on site. That's not all—handmade jewelry, textiles, and other crafts bob gracefully on the water.

Observe the stilted buildings lining the banks. There are some cozy restaurants where you can relax and savor local specialties, like rice cakes. Others offer luxury or souvenir shopping.

How to explore Damnoen Saduak floating market?

A boat ride is an excellent way to tour the Damnoen Saduak canal. Many taxiboats gather near the jetty. Hop aboard one of these vessels to explore every corner of the klong.

With that said, Damnoen Saduak canal offers the allure of a leisurely cruise. The heavy traffic slows the pace, allowing cruisers to photograph laden long-tail boats carrying fruits, hats, and meat skewers. How about lunch in a real mobile restaurant gently rocked by the water? The smiles of the merchants disarm all foreigners. It might be apt to say "merchants," as the majority of those involved in floating markets are women. Playing their part, they often wear colorful farmer's shirts and large straw hats to attract tourists.

Practical information

The best time to visit

To avoid crowds, arrive early. "8 a.m." is not too early. Canal traffic is lighter at this time. After 9:30 a.m., congestion sets in, hindering movement from one stall to another.

Nearby attractions

Once done at the floating market, consider visiting "The Garden," a park featuring a lake and beautiful gardens.

Getting there

Damnoen Saduak canal runs through Ratchaburi province, southwest of Bangkok. Renting a private car takes about an hour for the 100-kilometer journey from the metropolis.

Alternatively, take a bus from Bangkok to Ratchaburi. Regional buses depart from Sai Tai Mai station, south of the city. Although slower, this route allows you to appreciate the countryside and is more economical.