Floating Markets?

[leisurely]

My parents are coming in May (for the fourth bloody time!) and mummy has indicated that she wants to see a floating market 'like the one on the jacobs advert?' My dad is quite content to go along with anything to keep her quiet. Any suggestions. Would we be better off doing it ourselves (I have a car and we live in the Bangna area) or joining an organised tour? Any suggestions gratefully received.

[BKK90210]

There are 2 big one in Samut Songkhram along route325. One market for the morning and then visit another one in the afternoon.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market - the famous one, is more photogenic, make sure go in the morning. This is where all the tourists go.

Amphawan Floating Market , closer to the city center, next to Wat Amphawan, doesn’t start to get going until the late afternoon. You won’t see as many boat vendors here which means you will get a different kind of photograph, but still very busy. Not many farangs here, mostly thais which means the foods here are cheaper.

It is also more authentic as you won’t find the rows and rows of stalls selling the same tacky souvenirs. The best thing is that it is still relatively unknown among Western tourists as it isn’t featured in Lonely Planet yet. This is where the Thai tourists come to experience a floating market.

Hope this helps a bit

BKK

Edited February 9, 2006 by BKK90210

[Rinrada]

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market - the famous one, is more photogenic, make sure go in the morning. This is where all the tourists go...

Been putting off going to this "naff place " for a long time but went along with some friends about 2 years ago and really enjoyed it...must be getting old something.

Can easily drive up there but make an early start and try to arrive around 9-00am...(still cool)

Easy parking and loads of noodle/restaurants places for yum yums.

Hire a boat and spend the next hour or so drifting up and down the canals with all the local vendors trying to flog you everything from wooden elephants,fruit/vegs,clothes,things to scratch your back with-little hands....etc...and you can wear one of those big daft hats that you see in all the advertiment pics ....

Lots of other markets and temples in the area and all in all not a bad day out.....