We’re lucky to have had pleasant and memorable experience of the place considering we only had the weekend to spare in this trip to Thailand. What better way to start off our weekend than to visit the scene where a classic James Bond chase was filmed 30 years ago.
Totally chaotic and exciting floating market of Thailand
Mr. Rono and I trooped to the tourist attraction situated 110 kms west of Bangkok with some friends to the Damnoem Saduak, more popularly known as the Floating Market. A flurry of activities met us as soon as we got off our rented van. Clearly, it was going to be an exciting day at the market.
The scene surrounding us in the floating market was vibrant with colors, noisy with chatters of hawkers and bargaining customers, definitely touristy and great fun.
We hopped onto one of the flat boats by the short landing place next to the eateries. A young man skillfully navigated our way through the small ‘khlongs’ or canals of the market. Never mind that he can barely speak a word of English to us, we were able to communicate non-verbally through hand signals and facial expressions if we want to go check out some goodies in some of the shops by the side of the canal.
Bargaining onboard our flat boat happens frequently as lots of goodies on display prove irresistable to tourists
It was very interesting to see a range of products being sold not just in the shops by the side but also of peddlers in boats. There are wide array of products sold – vegetables, fruits, souvenirs, household items – just like in any other market except you can get them ‘floating’ about the canals. In case you get hungry, you can even buy noodle soup while being navigated around as your boat and the vendor will skillfully match pace until you get to finish your hot bowl of soup.
Not just noodle soup, you can also get a refreshing cold drink from this lady on a boat here
Be mindful of how you look though because paparazzis, believe it or not, are everywhere. After going round the market, lo and behold, you would probably see your smiling face in a souvenir plate that says “Floating Market” (hence, the paparazzis). It was severely overpriced and they never gave in to my bargaining powers. no matter how hard. We finally bought one souvenir plate (out of the 3 available) for posterity.
Eventually, this souvenir plate was accidentally broken while on display at the house which gave away a trade secret: the photos were simply pasted on to the plate (very skillyfully I must say!) and not really lasered or something. Oh well. At least we get to keep the photo sans the display plate.
