I dont know how many of you have been to Floating Market in Bangkok before but during my recent trip to Bangkok, I visited it. And I got conned because we had to pay a massive amount of 400 baht (RM 40) per person, literally a daylight robbery to me. Mind you that was already a discounted price after a long bargain. Initial price was charged at 550 baht (RM 55). Siao.
[Long post ahead]
Nevertheless, for those who want to be amid the peaceful atmosphere and observe the traditional ways of life by the water, Bangkok has quite a lot to offer. It is also undeniable that one of the most visited tourist sites around Bangkok is the infamous Floating Market.
Early in the morning on Day 2 before we hopped into the taxi.
The same taxi driver who drove us to the hotel from the airport on Day 1.
This uncle damn smart lor coz he gave us his name card before dropping us off at the hotel. So we contacted him the following day to arrange for transport to the Floating Market.
Getting to the Floating Market takes between one and a half to over two hours from Bangkok depending on traffic conditions. Since we opted for a taxi ride so that we could travel using a faster route instead of taking the bus (which takes double the time to reach the market), we incurred a total fare of 2000 baht (RM200).
Getting all excited for the boat ride.
Happy faces. ;)
The original Floating Market Damnoen Saduak is so popular numerous markets have been developed around Bangkok for tourists to enjoy and are located 110 kilometres from Bangkok in Ratchaburi province.
This was the first stall we stopped at...
...where Suzanne bought a set of chopstick souvenirs.
Then along the way, we met this sweet looking girl selling another type of Thai handicraft souvenirs.
Different sorts of bags dangled from the top.
The weather began to turn humid when it was almost noon. So hot it caused us to sweat like pigs.
Plus, I cant help but wonder how these boats can move around so smoothly without crashing into each other.
Shared a coconut with one of the girls.
Somehow I didnt bother to haggle with the sellers simply because I wasnt interested with anything at all.
Rempah-ratus.
After for about 30 minutes of monotonous ride, we asked the boatman to stop and let us walk around to see if we could scout for food and grab some souvenirs.
That's the portrait of the Thai king.
None of us got ourselves any food except for Caryn who bought two pieces of this Thai version of apam balik. Sorry, I've no idea what they call this.
All I can recall is it's super sweeeeeeeeeeeet. For people with a sweet tooth, this is the one for you. Strongly recommended. Heh.
I almost got myself this springroll a.k.a popiah though but I wasn't exactly hungry.
Roughly 20 minutes later, we got back into the boat and headed back to the jetty.
It's ironic how I could still put on a smile because frankly speaking, I think going to the Floating Market was a total turn off. Not that I didnt enjoy it a wee bit at all though.
Total damage : Taxi fare + Boat ride = 800 baht (RM 80)
Now, the only question that remains is - Is it worth spending half a day minimum on a tour to and around the Floating Market? What I would say to that is if you have sufficient time, and have looked at the pictures and feel it would be of interest. Then it's definitely a must go.
Right, I gotta get ready for youth cell soon.
Stay tuned for the next update. ;)
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