Wish You Were Here: The Floating Markets of Bangkok

Once known as the Venice of Asia due to its extensive network of canals, Bangkok in its hey day played host to several floating markets. Though some of the main waterways have since been filled to make way for roads some floating markets do exist in surrounding provinces and are popular tourist attractions.

In the past most communities in Thailand were formed on the banks of the rivers. The network so crisscrossing via canals and rivers served as transport routes. One of Thailand's most popular rivers the Chao Phraya River basin saw a surge in the number of floating markets that used the river as its base.

Many people travel the network of canals by boat which are laden with goods such as fruit, clothes, hats, vegetables and food offering their merchandise to river dwellers and tourists. A former way of life for Thais present day floating markets are more a novel form of tourist entertainment.

Boats are available for personal hire and visitors can traverse the canals observing local life. The vendors offer an array of trinkets and souvenirs. One of the major attractions of the floating market is the food that is cooked on the narrow boats and served directly to people on the canal.

Amphawa is an entire neighborhood which turns in to  floating market on the weekend and is easily the most popular market with locals. Several people swap Bangkok life for a day in Amphawa and explore the little stores while sampling the local cuisine served from the boats. 

Located an hour and a half's drive away from Bangkok is Damnoen Saduak, another popular floating market which witnesses hordes of tourists descend on the market on organized tours. Not suitable if you want to escape the crowds and do your own thing.

Khlong Lat Mayom in southern Bangkok is the most beautiful with lots of greenery and more relaxed with less hustle and bustle of the previously mentioned markets.

An ideal excursion for visitors to Bangkok, a day on a boat at a floating market offers travellers a glimpse of colourful life on the water at its best.

Text and photographs by Tina Edward Gunawardhana