Thailand
The Mahasawat Canal, stretching over a length of 28 km, once hosted a significant volume of cargo traffic. It features a floating market and picturesque farm landscapes.
Cruise tourism is booming in Bangkok, the capital and most visited destination in Thailand. Located 30 km on the outskirts of the city, the Mahasawat Canal beckons for a boat trip to delve into the country's commercial past. In the past, agricultural goods and produce delivered to the capital's customers were transported along this waterway, which could be described as a floating market avant la lettre. As the boat glides through the water, rice fields, coconut trees, and lotus flowers succeed each other, offering a striking tableau of traditional rural life. A prime itinerary for those seeking to discover a new facet of Bangkok, with its suburban landscapes shaped by peri-urban agriculture.
History
The canals, or "klongs," bear witness to the social and cultural life of Bangkok. The foundation of the Mahasawat Canal dates back approximately 150 years, during the reign of Rama IV. At that time, no roads or rails served the capital. The canal thus played a major economic role as a waterway for the transfer of consumer products, such as rice and vegetables, to the City of Angels. According to some chroniclers, the concept of the floating market in Thailand originated from the Mahasawat Canal. Geographically, the canal starts from the Chao Praya River and flows into the Tha Chin River.
Boat trip along the Mahasawat Canal
Cruising along the canal is a delightful experience, one of the highlights for travelers during their stay in Thailand. The Mahasawat Canal connects Bangok Noi with the Tha Chin River and spans approximately 28 km in length. As you paddle along, thoughts drift to the bustling atmosphere that once thrived in this part of the country, before roads triumphed over river traffic. It must have been an endless procession of brightly colored boats. Today, you still encounter local farmers aboard their boats transporting various goods, which will be sold at markets in Bangkok, such as the Don Wai Market.
Approaching the banks, beautiful agricultural landscapes beg to be photographed: the green of the rice fields, the pristine white of the lotus, the heady inflorescence of orchids, and rows of coconut trees, elements of Bangkok's and its suburbs' landscape heritage.
Agricultural tourism
Along the canal, numerous stops are essential for admiring the scenery. A first stop is justified for inspecting orchid farms. More than twenty species of orchids can be found here. Cultivated according to organic farming requirements, orchids are the flagship products exported by the primary sector. They come in all sizes and colors. Recommended by travel guides, the Thassanee farm is worth a visit. You can witness a harvesting day or purchase a beautiful basket of flowers.
Further on, a second stop is necessary to visit a lotus farm. A cousin of the water lily, lotus grows abundantly along the rivers of Bangkok. It's best to arrive in the afternoon when the flowers open and shine in intense white or blue. Enthusiasts can bring back bouquets of dried lotus to France.
Exploring Don Wai market
The boat excursion along the Mahasawat Canal inevitably passes through Don Wai Market. Located west of Bangkok city, near the Tha Chin River, it is a prime example of a floating market, where lined boats display fresh local produce. Unfortunately, it is still relatively unknown to European tourists. For tasting the best Thai specialties, this is the place to go. Unanimously praised by gourmets is the vegetable noodle soup served with duck. Rice cakes, made from sesame seeds and minced pork, melt deliciously in the mouth. Banana chips and mango leaves are also very common.
A stopover at Wat Suwannaram Ratchaworawihan (Wat Suwan)
Apart from the boat ride, you can enjoy a moment of contemplation at Wat Suwannaram Temple, located near the junction between Bangkok Noi and Mahasawat. Only the original structure built during the Ayutthaya era (15th-16th century) remains, with its delicately curved roof resembling a Chinese junk. From the restoration project decreed by King Rama III in the 19th century, the royal temple has preserved splendid mural frescoes dated and signed by Luang Wichijesda and Luang Seniborirak, depicting the legend of Mahanitapa Jataka for posterity. Locals associate the temple with a haunted image. Ghosts were purportedly seen on the bell tower and playground of the temple's school, the wandering souls of imprisoned warriors executed by King Taksin during the conflict between Siam and Burma. It is thus a site of great historical value housing masterpieces of Rattanakosin art.
Climate
The Mahasawat Canal flows through the suburbs of Bangkok, where a tropical climate predominates. Avoid taking a trip between May and October, as continuous rains can cause floods, making navigation difficult. It is safer to plan the excursion between November and February.
How to get there?
To enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Mahasawat Canal, tourists can take a bus or train from Bangkok. However, it is most convenient to contact a tour operator directly who offers boat tours along the canal.
