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Floating markets are dime a dozen in Thailand. But on a trip to Bangkok, the bustling Thailand capital, one of the major attractions on the outskirts is the floating market of Damnoen Saduak. On a busy day teeming with tourists across the world, Damnoen Saduak offers a unique sight of a market that prospered in and around a network of inland waterways that characterise Thailand. Antique Buddha statues, swords, masks or lip-smacking Thai street food prepared by the women on boats, Damnoen Saduak is a tourist's delight to shop, savour Thai delicacies or simply laze around in your boat taking photographs as your boatman steers you around. Damnoen Saduak is one of the largest floating markets in Thailand. In fact, a trip to Bangkok is never complete without a visit to this market that has developed over time in the nation criss-crossed by canals. Bangkok's inland waterways are its major attraction earning it the sobriquet Venice of the East. Damnoen Saduak is in Ratchaburi province, about 80 km southwest of Bangkok. Take any of the bus tours that take you to Damnoen Saduak. A taxi ride is possible too, but it will burn a modest hole in your pocket. Damnoen Saduak was actually the name of the canal dug during the time of King Rama IV by the military men. Rama IV, or King Mongkut (1851-1868), was the fourth monarch of Siam (Thailand). He was highly revered. For trade and economic prosperity, the king had dug the canals and linked the Rivers Taachin in Samutsakorn Province and Maklong in Samutsongkram Province. On either sides of the canal are several modest dwellings where people live. They are mostly farmers. The area is not squeaky clean, it is rather putrid in some places, but then this floating market has a flavour of its own. The floating market is open from 8 am till around noon. It is a vibrant sight as many vendors sell their products — from vegetables, fruits and fast food to antique pieces and hats. Thai women row their boats, brimming with products or farm produce, to your boat and persuade you to buy them. On the banks there are bigger shops. Thai men standing with scary looking pythons wrapped round their neck and hands, alongside the shops, offer another interesting sight at Damnoen Saduak. You can anchor your boat on the banks, disembark and go atop the over bridge and take splendid and colourful pictures of the floating market teeming with boats, Thai women vendors in traditional flat-topped hats, myriad products for sale and tourists across the world. The sight of enterprising Thai women paddling along the canal is one you savour and come back with as a wonderful memory of this little Venice. Besides traditional boats, the long-tailed motor-powered boats are now quite popular and tourists most likely would ride in one of those. Damnoen Saduak is a rural area with thousands of small plantations and quite famous for its vegetables. The floating market is a focal point for people, who reach there by canal to barter their farm produce in exchange of consumer goods from the city. Besides the canal area, the place has many beach restaurants where one can relish the local seafood or a meal with a difference while watching a glorious sunset. There is also a museum in Damnoen Saduak set in natural surroundings, containing artefacts from the old period. A huge cave with beautiful rock formations inside is also another place to visit. Wat Charoen or the Fish Temple here is alive with fish of many shapes, sizes and variety. One can feed the fish here. Tam Kang Cow is another lovely setting where at 6 pm you can see the sleeping bats awaken and fly out of a cave in countless numbers. It is a wonder and a must see here. For the young couples or honeymooners, the place offers a romantic resort for stay in a natural setting. It is called Baan Sukchoke. From the resort you can hire a boat or tuk-tuk and visit the floating market and other tourist attractions. The small wooden bungalows surrounding a pond are a bit rickety, but those who have stayed there say they are clean and comfortable. The pond is connected to the canal and the water is beautifully floodlit at night. An outdoor restaurant here attracts all visitors. Damnoen Saduak should not be missed on a trip to Bangkok.
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