Damnoen Saduak: A Tourist Trap that will Definitely Float your Boat

Damnoen Saduak is one of the floating markets of Thailand, approximately 100 kilometers (62 mi) southwest of Bangkok. It once played an important role in trading goods, but by now, it has become one of the biggest tourist attractions in Thailand. Some say it is a tourist trap.

History of Damnoen Saduak

In the past, commerce in Thailand was conducted primarily along rivers and canals (or khlongs in Thai). The water network of Bangkok served as the primary means of communication and trade. Because of this, early European visitors called Bangkok the “Venice of the East.”

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi is one of Thailand’s most famous floating markets.Thais and foreign tourists alike travel here to buy souvenirs, try the curious fruis, and absorb the atmosphere of Thailand’s water markets, which have been like this for over a century.

How to get to the floating market from Bangkok?

• Take the BTS Skytrain to Bang Wa Station.

• Catch a cab to Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai).

• From Sai Mai Tai, take bus #78 to Damnoen Saduak.

The journey is around 2 hours, costing about 50 Baht per way.

Alternatively, you can book a day trip to the famous floating market at every receptionist desk in every hotel in Bangkok or at one of the several hundred tour operators in touristy areas like Khao San Road.

Organized tours

What to expect during an organized tour?

The day trip goes as follows: in the morning, a minibus collects the passengers from different hotels, drives them to the attraction, where everyone can explore the market individually, and after lunch, you go to Bangkok, to your hotel. During the day, you can explore the market on foot or on one of the long-tail boats.

The day trip sometimes includes a speedboat trip to the surrounding villages, where you gain an insight into the lives of the people living in the pile houses.
When I was there, I saw an old lady “sweeping” in front of her house. Living in a floating village means collecting garbage and seaweed from the water with a unique tool.

Is Damnoen Saduak worth visiting?

It is the oldest and largest floating market in this region and is a must-see for those wanting to experience Thailand’s true history and culture.
The market is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime photo op. Hundreds of narrowboats are offering their goods to shoppers, who also travel by boat. They are packed with massive piles of exotic fruits and vegetables, souvenirs, and handicraft items. The vendors wear colorful clothes and oversized straw hats as they paddle up and down.

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