THA KHA FLOATING MARKET & RAILWAY MARKET SAMUT SONGKRAM
Full Day Tour
Thailand is home to numerous floating makets. Infact, historically Bangkok has been known as the Venice of the East.
Sadly, many of klongs (canals) have been paved over in recent times to accommodate the rapid urban development of the city. Consequently, much of the traditional life style along the waterways has disappeared.
At present, floating markets are few and far between. The most picturesque of those that remain is the Damnoen Saduak Floating market in Ratchaburi province which achieved fame in the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun”. This market is situated 120 km southwest of Bangkok and is open every day until about 11.00 am. The Damnoen Saduak Floating market, with its abundance of souvenir shops, attracts foreign tourists from all over the world.
Bangkok's quieter Thaling Chan Floating Market is open all day on weekends.
If you are seeking an authentic floating market, free of souvenir shops, you should visit the Tha Kha Floating Market (named after the native long water grass: Ya- Kha).
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The Tha Kha floating Market is a genuine, non-tourist commercial market and is situated between the sleepy town of Samut Songkram province, about 100 km southwest of Bangkok and Ratchaburi’s favorite Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
The Tha Kha floating Market opens 6 times a month, following the 2nd, 7th, and 12th days of the waxing and waning of the moon in the Thai lunar calendar. More recently this market has opened for business every Saturday and Sunday from 6.00 a.m. to noon.
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Our adventure starts in Bangkok at 7.30 am. After a 1 hour drive, we will arrive in Samut Songkram to explore an unusual Market : Railway Market in the Mae Klong community.
We can walk along the tracks (unless, of course, a train comes through). You will know when a train is about to arrive when the vendors scramble to remove quickly their awnings and shift their produce to a safe distance- but too close to the railways. Don’t close your eyes !
A 20 minute drive through lush coconut plantations, past some traditional Thai houses will bring us to the Tha Kha Floating Market.
Here you will see many local Thai women dressed in baggy pants, long-tail shirts, and straw hats paddling up and down the canals. Historically, these women would meet to trade their agricultural produce and sell various goods to their neighbours. Let’s try some delicious Thai food and local sweets - incredible just a few Baht !
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Here you will also have the chance to ride in a wooden boat paddling through the many small subsidiary canals.
Instead of hearing the din of vendors selling souvenirs, you will be lulled by the melodies of the local birds, re-invigorated by the fresh country air and soothed by the serenity of coconut trees, floating lotuses in the canals and the natural beauty of the local Thai houses.
Our boat will take us to visit the Thai house where King Rama V
(Chulalongkorn) oversaw the abolishment of slavery in 1904 A.D. A haunting pillar used to chain recalcitrant slaves still exists at this site. These days, the villagers contentedly manufacture palm sugar and you are welcome to see the making process of traditional palm sugar.
On our return to Bangkok, we will visit the nearby Royal Thai Handicraft center before having lunch at a local floating restaurant by the river. Here you can watch a demonstration of intricate teak wood carving and see the beautiful finished products, including a wide range of furniture and home decorations which are for sale.
COST : 155 USD for 1-2 persons
Includes:
- Specialist English-speaking Thai Guide
- Private car and driver
- Private wooden boat
Excludes:
- Cost of lunch and drinks
- Other options you may elect to pursue at your own expense
- Tips