Lat Chado market is a traditional canal side market which is located some 55 km northwest of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand [1350-1767 century]. [Ayutthaya itself attracts many tourists and is probably the most famous day trip from Bangkok].
After the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese in 1767, some Thai and Mon people settled in this area, which became known as “Baan Chakarat” or, more popularly “Baan Lat Chado”, in recognition of the abundance of Chado fish in the area. Chado (Channa micropeltes) is similar to snakehead fish but is larger and has different coloured stripes.
The Lat Chado markets came into being over 100 years ago when the Lat Chado community and its neighboring village, Nong Nam Yai, was first visited by a group of Chinese trader on houseboats. As trading increased, a floating market developed which eventually re-located to the canal bank in more permanent structures built on elevated wooden pillars.
These two villages currently have a combined population of approximately 8,000.
The Lat Chado traditional market has recently become more accessible to tourists desiring to experience traditional Thai culture, having been officially “opened” in February 2009 under the collaboration of the Lat Chado Municipality and its residents. Prior to that, in 2007, the Lat Chado Market was honoured by the Association of Siamese Architects for the best preserved wooden buildings in Thailand.
In this community you will gain a fascinating insight into the traditional way of life of these people, which provides a welcoming and relaxing relief to the hustle and bustle of the surrounding cities.
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Your day will start at 9 am when you will be escorted by private car north to Ayutthaya province – about a 1.5 hour drive.
The drive is pleasant and you will observe on both sides of the road rice paddy fields among the verdant natural surroundings.
The first attraction you will see is the traditional sermon pavilion of Wat [Temple] Lat Chado that was built of solid teak over 100 years ago. As you enter the market, you will see Thailand’s longest E-shaped wooden balcony of the Wat Lat Chado primary school, which is approximately 240 metres long.
This small market features quaint old-fashioned wooden shophouses on either side of a U-shaped walk way and offers a wide range of traditional foods and Thai sweets, shops, and rare handicrafts as well as the local farmer museum which was designed to display the unique history of the local people - their culture and wisdom.
We will then take a motor boat ride along the canal where you can experience the charm and unspoiled character of the Lat Chado community.
For lunch you may wish to taste some of the local delicacies - pork noodle soup from the local restaurant at just 50 cents a dish !
On our return, you may like to visit the ruined temples of Ayutthaya. This unconquerable city was accorded world heritage listing by UNESCO in 1991.
If you have already visited the rich culture of Ayutthaya, you might like to experience another glimpse of traditional Thai culture in the Thai-Yuan Local Cultural Center in the Sao Hai District, Sara Buri province. Here you will find secluded traditional Thai style houses on the serene banks of the Pa-Sak river. A hidden place to unwind and relax !
Cost : 155 USD for 1-2 person
Includes:
- Specialist English-speaking Thai Guide
- Private car and driver
- Private motorised boat for a canal tour
- All entrance tickets
Excludes:
- Cost of lunch and drinks
- Other options you may elect to pursue at your own expense
- Tips