Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

The floating market was a colorful and interesting glimpse into local life.

We took a longtail boat through the canals filled with small flat boats paddled by mature ladies who were ready to bargain at a moment's notice. You floated along and admired all of the goods.

It was fascinating to watch the exchanges. The photo above shows a man purchasing fried bananas. The lady merchant has a little bucket attached to the pole. She fulfills the man's order and places it in the bucket, using the pole to hand it to him. He then removes the purchase and exchanges the contents of the bucket from the fried banana to the money he owes. The merchant pulls the bucket back towards her and the transaction is complete.

The Damneon Saduak floating market is one of the only floating markets in Thailand that caters specifically to the local Thai people and not to the tourists. The visit to this market provided a unique glimpse into Thai life and their beautiful goods.