DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET

At a distance of 113 km from Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a floating market on Damneon Canal in Ratchaburi area of Thailand. It is the most famous floating market in Thailand and among the must visit places in Bangkok.

Situated on Damneon Canal, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of Thailand's oldest and most unique traditions. Damnoen Saduak is the straightest and longest canal in Thailand which was built on royal initiative as King Rama IV of Thailand wanted to link the Mae Klong River with Chinese river ways to support transportation and trade. It was finished and opened to the public in 1868. The canal is 32 kilometers long and has more than 200 branches.

The floating market comprises three smaller markets namely Ton Khem, Hia Kui, and Khun Phitak. Ton Khem is the largest market and is on Khlong Damnoen Saduak. Hia Kui is parallel to Khlong Damnoen Saduak and has souvenir shops on the canals banks to sell goods to larger tour groups. Khun Phitak is about 2 km south of Hia Kui and is the smallest and least crowded market. The floating market consists of a maze of narrow canals and can be navigated by boat. Female traders, often wearing traditional mo hom apparel with wide-brimmed straw hats use small wooden boats to sell organic vegetables, fruits, fresh coconut juice and local food cooked from floating kitchens.

Every day many Thai and foreign tourists throng to this place to shop, eat, and absorb the atmosphere of Thailand water markets that have been like this for over 100 years. Even though the prices are high, a guided boat tour of Damnoen Saduak market will give you an insight into a bygone way of life in Thailand. The market is often the busiest in the morning around 7 am to 9 am, and is active until noon.

Timings: 7 AM - 12 PM

Entry: 200 - 300 Baht for Row Boat and 600 - 800 Baht for Motor Boat