Floating markets in Thailand are commonplace for residents and a cool and unique experience for tourists. One of the most famous and beloved of them is the Damanoan market, which is also one of the oldest preserved floating markets (more than a hundred years old). The market managed to maintain its status and to this day attracts hundreds and even thousands of people every day who come to shop, eat and above all to soak up the lively atmosphere in the place.
A little history - The market is built on a long and straight canal, actually the longest and straightest in Thailand. The canal was built by King Rama IV, who aimed to promote transportation and trade routes in the region. It stretches for no less than 4 km and has over 32 branches. The main road used to be home to a local market called Lad Plee. In the 30s, the Tourism Board of Thailand decided to turn the place into a tourist hub, and that's how the market grew, commercialized, and basically started operate in its current form.
What's inside - The floating market is built like a labyrinth spring. It contains 3 small markets - Ton Khem, Hia Kui and Khun Phitak, with the first being the largest and most central of them. Hia Kui, the equivalent of the main market, mainly sells souvenirs, in wholesale quantities for groups and is therefore very busy. In contrast, Khun Phitak, which is located in the south, is smaller and quieter.
The market has diverse goods, from a local production line. You will find jewelry, clothes, scarves, handicrafts, toys... in short, there is a lot to buy. The market is considered a good place during the trip to choose gifts and souvenirs.
As in a good Thai market, there is also a lot of delicious food. You will find, among other things, floating stands of pancakes, noodles and spring rolls straight from the fire and traditional coconut ice cream, which you can take away and continue walking. In addition, many stalls will offer you tropical and exotic fruits that you doubt you have tasted or seen before.
Canal cruise - For those who want to experience a little more of Thai culture, guided canal cruise services are offered around the market area. On the cruise, you can observe authentic houseboats beyond the market stalls and meet up close the daily life of the residents. There are also tours that include tastings of traditional food, exotic fruits and refreshing drinks along the way.
How to get there - Damanuan market is about 100 km from Bangkok, in a province called Ratchaburi. You can get there by driving about an hour and a half from the city. If you are not rent a car, you can take a bus (the southern line) that goes to the market every day, from the main terminal of the city. Other bus routes are from Bangkok towards Phetchaburi, Hua Hin, Ratchaburi and Prachuap Kiri Khan, from which you will need to get off at the Bang Pae junction and change to a local bus that goes towards the market every 10 minutes.
Hours of operation and prices - The Damanoan market is defined as a morning market, it is open from 12:00 to 7:00. Keep in mind that the busiest hours are between 7:00 and 9:00, when the locals crowd the place. A one-hour tour will usually be enough to go through the market.
The recommended way to travel there is with a qualified local guide who will explain about the place and if you wish will also take you to the nearby temples. If you are interested in an independent and cheaper option, you can choose to rent a pedal boat for 150 baht for half an hour.
In most of the stalls you will see lovely women dressed in traditional farming clothing called mo hom (striped shirt and straw hat) from a small wooden boat offering goods straight from the farm. Don't let their magic confuse you! Since this is a very touristy place, the prices are high, sometimes even by tens of percent, so it's worth bargaining before buying. It usually works here.
