Thailand — Damnoen Saduak Floating Market; Part 1

There are over a dozen (fifteen according to Google AI) floating markets in and around Bangkok. But the most famous, Damnoen Saduak, is located about 65 driving miles/105 kilometers from our base, Solitaire Hotel, in Bangkok. We’re going to explore that market for the rest of this week and next, culminating in a video compilation in next week’s Fun Photo Friday (which would make that a Fun Video Friday, right?). The modes of transportation to get to and from the market are paddle boats and long-tail boats. We went the long-tail route, and I’m here to tell you that some of these boats have some serious power. It’s not uncommon to see massive, repurposed car and truck engines, without any gearing, in a direct-drive configuration delivering sometimes considerable horsepower to a single propeller. The whole contraption is gimbled, easily allowing 90º of travel to either side for making tight hairpin corners in the constrained waterways. And, yes, these boats are even drag raced.

But, not to worry. There are speed limits in the market, and you’re in for a more leisurely pace than what I just alluded to in the description above.

Before you get to the main market you’ll pass by several long, low, open buildings acting as storefronts for everything from hand-woven crafts to the ubiquitous and touristy CCC (Cheap Crap from China).

Along the way you’ll pass lots of jungle growth, waterside restaurants, and even houses.

The closer one gets to the main floating market area, the more stands one encounters:

These stands also get more elaborate, as you can see here — high ceilings and bright lighting:

Unfortunately, CCC seems to abound, often in far greater quantity than local arts and crafts:

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