Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (Damnoen Saduak District, Thailand)

It is a market located in the Damnoen Saduak District of Ratchaburi Province, approximately 100 kilometres (62 miles) south-west of Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. In 1866, the 35-kilometre-long Damnoen Saduak Canal was constructed by order of King Rama IV to connect the Mae Klong and Tha Chin Rivers. Following the completion of the canal, a large number of traders flocked to the canal with their boats, which led to the emergence of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in subsequent years.

The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market has become a major attraction for tourists from all over the world, particularly local visitors. It is widely regarded as the most famous floating market. The market consists of a labyrinth of narrow canals. Female traders, typically dressed in traditional blue peasant blouses and wearing wide-brimmed straw hats, sell their wares from small wooden boats known as sampans. The boats are usually laden with appetising, colourful vegetables and fruits. There are also boat vendors offering local delicacies. One of the most typical dishes sold is Boat Noodles (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ). As the market area is covered by a roof, you can shop there easily at any time of the day. The market is busiest in the morning and remains active until midday. If you prefer a quieter shopping experience, you may opt for other times of the day. If you wish, you can also take an authentic boat trip through this floating market.

The floating market, a visual feast for the eyes, consists of three smaller markets: Ton Khem, Hia Kui and Khun Phitak. Ton Khem, located on Khlong Damnoen Saduak, is the largest market. Hia Kui lies alongside it. Along the banks of this canal, there are souvenir shops selling goods to large tour groups. The Khun Phitak market, meanwhile, is situated approximately 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) south of the Hia Kui market. This market is the smallest yet the most crowded of the three.

The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, with its vibrant and fascinating scenes, has even featured in several films. The most famous of these are “The Man with the Golden Gun”, starring Roger Moore as James Bond, and the 2008 film “Bangkok Dangerous”, starring Nicolas Cage.