Floating Markets
The next and last posts from our trip are all about Thailand and while not everything, are the best highlights from our trip.
Most people, in some form, have come across the sandy beaches of Thailand under clear blue skies, the ordainment temples and the bustling city of Bangkok whether in images or from friends whom have visited the country.One thing that stuck out to me, partly because it was also featured in one of my favourite TV shows, departures, are the floating markets that I once told myself I would have to see while in Thailand.
Of course, being with Yuki’s family they made that happen. Yuki’s cousin took us toto Amphawa Floating Market. Although not as big or as famous as the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, it was still great to get out of the city.
The market itself is mostly on the shores these days probably for convenience. We wrote some postcards to send to some friends and family back home. I don’t remember ever having done that before. Then we walked up and down along the canal bank. There were a few coach boats moored in the water but there wasn’t much activity other than a few vendors crowded in one spot. From the photos on the post cards, it’s evident that this market can be a very busy place, we just came during the day.
Amphawa Floating Market, the boats congregate at one spot. Thailand
Yuki tells me that we weren’t there at the opportune time, weekends and evenings are best. The last time she was here with high school friends when they went to see fireflies from a boat too.
The second floating market was just across the highway from Yuki’s residence. We’d gotten off the canal boats from downtown there several times and knew there was a market but didn’t see the sign that it was a floating market until we went to check it out one evening. Yuki’s little neighbourhood, like most neighbourhoods in Bangkok, have daily morning and evening markets. This floating market was just like that except it was centred around the canal on temple grounds.
Wat Bangpeng and the floating market there, Thailand
This one also didn’t have much in terms of boats but the atmosphere was good and it proved again that Bangkok is filled with tinny little communities worth exploring. As with any city, going out and looking around can be incredibly beneficial.
