Amphawa Floating Market

AMPHAWA is the place Thai tourists come to experience a floating market.  Just less than 2 hours drive from downtown Bangkok, Aphawa floating market is an experience and different from the equally famous and picturesque Damneon Saduak which is nearby.  Unlike the latter, this floating market doesn't start to get going until the late afternoon and last till late evening.

Amphawan: early morning alms giving and evening fireflies cruise

 Touring the market is better done by foot than riding the boat.  Walking through its canal, you will experience a number of vendors with their food stalls along the river. Real good food indeed --- grilled fresh seafood, noodles, etc.  Grab your seats facing the river and you will see the food vendors down the river in their boats preparing food. They cook or grill your food as you order.  People cooking in the boats have a pully system hooked up or a server with a basket or tray attached to a long pole where they put the cook food to delivery your food to a central server up your platform waiting to deliver your food to your table.They are not pricy. For instance a plateful of grilled fresh scallops (of about 6 pieces) is sold at Bhat 40 (or US$1.20) and it comes with a sweet but spicy sauce. We had grilled squid and fish too.  We were five in the group and spent only Baht 750 (US25) for our meal less the cold beer and drinks which we paid separately to another vendor nearby.  There are other bigger (and more comfortable) restaurants in the canal that offer real kitchen-cooked food and cuisine.

There are many stores along the canal which double up as either hotels or private residences of local people. The place is generally crowded but peaceful. The trick is to come early and save yourself from the heat of the day.

In the early morning, starting at 5am, monks row up and down the canal collecting food during their alms round.  You ought to be there early in the morning to witness this tradition. You can do your own offerings and buy your goods already packed in small plastic bag for Baht 40 (US$1.20), The vendors will just be too willing to teach you how the offering is made ---  go on barefoot and kneel, raise your offering to the level of your head, hand your offering to the monk by putting it their metal container, do the "WAI" (putting your hands together as in praying)  with your head slightly bowing. . . monk will recite his prayers and moves on.  You can also make your offering with cash.  Some monks acknowledge your offering with a small souvenir given you in return.

Alms to Monks

Monks come walking or by boat for early morning alms

All monks go out for alms everyday around 5am to 6am. They carry their bowl with both hands and close to the belly. In practice, the monks walk in straight line one by one.  The oldest one or the temple "abbot" leads the monks.   The other one follow (all in barefoot)  by seniority age spent in Buddhist community. Thai women, kneeling, or Thai men, standing, put food inside the monk's bowl. The women cannot touch the monk or his belongings.  The monks do not thank for the food as they give opportunity for the laypeople to do good deeds and earn merits.  Giving out for alms is called "Bin Tha Bat".

Boat ride and Rates
Boats for hire are readily available in the board walk. Normal commercial boat fare is Baht 60 per person for an evening firefly cruise which starts at 7:30 pm right at the board walk of the Floating Market.  Private boat for an hour to see the fireflies costs Bhat 600 (US$20) for the whole boat which can seat 12 persons. Boat hire prices vary depending on where you want to go and for how long.  Here are the published prices ($1=Baht 30):
                 (1) Evening firefly cruising     - Baht 60 per person or Baht 600 for the whole boat
                 (2)  4 hour cruise on the Maeklong River including up to 9 temple stops - private charter
                           Baht  900
                 (3) 2 hour cruise on the Meeklong River with up to 5 temple stops - Baht 50 per person or
                           Bhat 400 Baht privater; Baht 900 charter
                 (4) Tour Temple Wat Chulamani and Nature Cruise - Baht 50 per person or Baht 500 for
                             private charter
You can also do your advance reservation through Tel 086-7622775
       
Hotels
The are plenty of hotels lined up in the Amphawa floating market itself.  It is best to reserve ahead through the internet especially during peak season.  

I.  My friends suggested this hotel right at the Amphawa floating market:
                       Thanijha Healthy Resort
                        261 Anphawa Samutsongkhram Thailand 75110
                        Tel.+66  034-725511; +66 089-1045444
                         www.thanicha.com

This hotel has ample parking space for its clients. It has a restaurant fronting the river where breakfast of hotel guests is served daily. Non-holiday published room rates are as follows (all in Baht with exchange rate of US$1 = Bhat 30):

                                     Friday                 Saturday               Sunday & Weekday
Standard                       1,590                  1,690                          1,390
Deluxe                          1,890                  1,900                          1,690
Family Room                3, 190                 3,390                          2,490
Family Suite                 3,590                  3,790                          3,190
Mini                              1,500                  1,000                          800
Extra Bed                         500 for all rooms; 250 for child (6-12 years old)
(above rates include breakfast, tax and service charge)                 

II. Our group stayed at Yao In Chan Hotel, located approximately 4 km away from the floating market.  We are happy with its facilities (free WIFI) and service. Hotel is very clean and relaxing.  Hotel opened 6 months ago and has only 11 rooms --- 6 rooms beside its lagoon, 3 rooms on the second floor and two-rooms (which can room 6 persons) adjacent to each other in a cottage-type unit near the pool.  All rooms, except the cottage,  have spacious balcony. Most rooms come with two twin-sized beds. Hotel is very exclusive and family-run. Son, PUN is the front office manager.  He is speaks English well and is very amiable. The mother has a small art gallery behind and all rooms are fitted with her paintings.  The Father served our welcome drink in our room and gets up early morning to attend to guests going to the floating market to see the monks. Rooms are equipped with huge flat TV with cable and English channels, ice bucket,  coffee maker with coffee and tea bags and a small refrigerator with complimentary water, soft drinks, snacks (Kitkat, chips, etc). Hotel has spacious parking across the street. Hotel has very good review and is highly recommended. Weekend Rate per night: Baht 2500 ($83)with breakfast (american or thai). Rate is lower on weekdays. Note: Hotel does not have a regular restaurant for lunch or dinner. No room service either. Only cash payments.  You can reserve through internet or call Pun:
                          Yao In Chan Hotel
                           95 Moo7, Ban Prok
                           Amper Muang Somutsongkorn
                           Amphawa 75000, Thailand
                           Tel. +66 34-712-175; mobile (Pun) +66 82-363-2880
                             www.facebook.com/yaoinchan

Yao In Chan Hotel - good for a relaxing weekend

                             

III,  The Grace Amphawa Resort - located also near Yao in Chan Hotel or roughly 6 kilometers to the Amphawa Floating Market.   This luxury resort is clean and facing the Mae Krong River.  Rooms are equipped with jacuzzi, television, refrigerator, hot water shower and western style toilets.  The resort offer free wifi internet access. It has a restaurant, swimming pool, club house and Thai massage.  Published room rates are as follows (all in Thai Baht - US$1 = Baht 30):

                                           Sunday to Friday              Saturday and Long Weekend
 Deluxe River Wing               2,500                                         3,500
River Wing                            2,000                                          2,500
Deluxe Canel                         2,000                                          2,400
Superior                                 1,500                                          1,600
(2 person occupancy; extra bed Baht 500 per person; rates include breakfast)

To book or make reservations (look for Ms. Pen)

                               The Grace Amphawa
                               26 M. 8 T. Banprok Samutsongkhram
                               Samutsongkhram, Thailand 75000
                               Tel. 086-365-9522; 086-365-9511
                                www.thegraceamphawa.com

Parking in Amphawa Floating Market:
Use the parking area of Thanijha Hotel. Its free but closes at 10pm.  Area has other paid-parking facilities.

Options on how to go to Amphawa:
1.  Driving will take approximately 2 hours. Good highway. You can stop at road side for sea salt, dried fish and other local products.
2.  Day trip is possible. Take a taxi from Bangkok. You can contract them at the rate of Baht 1500 to 2000 ($50 to $67) inclusive of toll fees. You can leave Bangkok early in the morning and return the same day.
3.  Use passengers vans from Victory Monument.  Inquire on schedule and rates.

Other places of interest in Amphawa: (located about  2 minutes before the Amphawa Floating Market)

           Bencharong Wares 
           Ban Pinsuwan Benjarong
           32/1 Moo 7, Bangchang, Amphawa
           Samutsongkram 75110
           Tel. 034-751322
           Email: sun_ya_sweet@hotmail.com

Bencharong wares are ceramic enameld with 5 colors.

Place is famous for the Benjarong porcelain which has unique design and patterns, a combination of Chinese and Thai artistry.  The manufacturing shop is open each day, except Sunday, until 5pm.  Store however is open 7 days a week and up to 6pm.


February 2013
Updated on 8 March 2013

Rose Garden Riverside (SAMPRAN RIVERSIDE)

SAMPRAN RIVERSIDE
an eco-cultural destination since 1962

SAMPRAN is a wholesome resort for the young and old

Sampran Riverside (formerly known as Rose Garden Riverside) is a family-run resort an hour away from Bangkok, where visitors can experience authentic Thai way of life. Considered as one of Bangkok's "must see" attractions, SAMPRAN is located in a 70-acre riverside property that offers its visitors unique facilities that include a 4-star riverside hotel with 160 rooms, 6 antique Thai houses, an authentic Thai SPA, 4 restaurants, an organic farm, a weekend farmers' market and a uniquely-designed Thai Village Cultural Center.  Back in 1962, the business started as a supplier of roses to the Bangkok flower markets.

1. How to go to SAMPRAN.
              SAMPRAN is located by the Ta-Chine River in Bangkok's neighboring province of Nakhon Pathom.  It is approximately 30 kilometers from Bangkok City and takes about 1 hour drive through a nicely-paved highway.  Driving your own vehicle is advantageous as you can stop along the way for some fresh fruits and produce.  Local tour operators also offer half day trip to SAMPRAN or a taxi can be rented from Bangkok.

Floating market

2.  What to see.

Thai Village - this unique village is where most daily activities take place.  In the mornings, villages teach Thai arts and crafts at different workshops around the village.  In the a afternoon, the villages all join to perform the THAI VILLAGE SHOW, a 40-minute cultural show.

Antique Thai Houses and restaurants

Four-star hotel

Four-star family hotel - located beside the river, the hotel has complete facilities --- meeting rooms, restaurants, swimming pool.   


Restaurants - Four restaurants operate inside the resort. (1) Vanda Pavillion beside the lake; (2) Inn Chan Restaurant located beside the river with one of its part "floating" on the river; (3) Rim Nam Restaurant located inside the hotel; and (4) Kao Gaeng Cafeteria located along the souvenir shops.

Six antique Thai houses, Chinese Mansion, Organic farm field, Rim Klong Market, small floating market, souvenir shops.

3. What to do.

a. Morning activities - "Living the Thai Culture" (Arts and craft workshops) - daily from 10am to 12noon - Thai music and dance, garland making and fruit carving, traditional pottery, Thai martial arts, silk processing, traditional weaving, umbrella painting, bamboo dancing, Thai herbal pavillion and rice farming.

b. Afternoon activities - Thai Cultural Show - daily 13:30 and 14:45;  elephant demonstration - daily at 14:30 and 15:30.

Elephant demonstration and rides

Cultural show including Thai boxing demo

c. Additional activities - organic farm tour, thai cooking class, river cruise, herbal product workshop, elephant ride for children and adults, snake petting,






4. Fees

a. Entrance and Parking - FREE
b. Elephant ride - Baht 120 (approx. US$4.00) for adults and 50% off for children
c. Cultural show in an air-conditioned native pavillion - Baht 550 per person (approx. US$18)
d. Baby elephant photo op - Bhat 40 per person ($1.35)

5. Contact information

SAMPRAN RIVERSIDE
Km. 32 Pet Kasem Road, Sampran
Nakorn Pathom 73110
Tel. (034) 322 544, 225, 205
www.sampranriverside.com

King's Summer Palace in Ayuthaya

BANG PA-IN PALACE IN AYUTHAYA

Just an hour's drive from Bangkok (90 kilometers)  is Ayuthaya, an ancient Siamese capital for over 400 years famous for its temple ruins and summer palaces. Among the "must-see" attractions in Authaya is the Bang-In Palace, a former Royal Summer Residence, which represents a fine example of Thai architecture. This Royal Palace at Bang-In has history dating back in the 17th century. But today, the Palace is used occasionally by the Royal Family as a residence and for holding receptions and banquets.

Similar to most Thai royal palaces, the compound of this Summer Palace is divided into two sections --- the Outer and the Inner Palace.  Whereas the Outer consists of buildings for public and ceremonial uses, the Inner Palace is reserved for the King and his immediate family.


1. Visitng hours to the Palace  is 8:00 am to 3:30 pm everyday, including weekends and public holidays.

2.  Entrance ticket per person  is Baht 100 (approx. US$3.50).  Local visitors (Thai) pay less.

3. Rental of electric cart which rides 4 persons is Baht 400 (approx. US$ 14). Palace grounds are walkable but because of the huge area of the Palace, the use of electric car (golf cart) is advisable especially when the sun is out.  Any adult may drive the electric car but are asked to strictly follow driving and parking rules.

4. Visitors are advised to follow a dress code.  Shorts and sleeveless shirts are unacceptable. However, visitors may borrow cover clothes with a deposit of Baht200 (US$7).

5.  Cameras are allowed except in some parts of the Chinese-style two-storey mansion with ornamented tiled floors, massive ebony furniture, gold, silver and porcelain jars and wares.

6.  There is a Snack Bar located at the entrance/exit of the Palace where you can eat and buy some local souvenir items.  Try their fruit juices. You can also find the toilets in the same building.

7.  Touring the whole palace complex will usually take at least an hour and a half.

8.  Contact telephone of the Palace is (035) 261 548; (035) 261-044.

9. Ayuthaya tour is also  available through local tour companies.  The tour brings you on air conditioned bus to Bang-In palace and return is on a boat.  The tour visits to three fascinating temples - Wat Mahathat, Wat Lokayasutharam and Wat Na Phra Mane.  The Tour starts from the River City Shopping Complex at 7:30am and returns at approximately 3:30 pm.  Tour companies charge different prices but most will charge Baht 1800 ($60) per person and Baht 1300 ($44) per child (between 3-10 years old). Fee includes a seat in an air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking guide, admission fees, buffet lunch on board.  Check the internet for Asia Web Direct for your tour booking.
   
10 Other places to see near Bang Pa-In Palace is he Ayuthaya Historical Park where you find four temples --- Wat Phra Ram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana.

11. Elephant ride is also available in the area. 
 

Reclining buddah (Phra Budhasaiyart)

January 2013

River Cruise in Bangkok

THE RICE BARGE CRUISE on Chao Phaya River (Bangkok River)

The Express Boat

Daily two-hour trip (from 2:30 - 4:30 pm)  starts by Express boat from River City Pier. It passes through various canals (klongs) and temples. The tour gives you a glimpse into Bangkok's early history. It passes through the Chinatown, the flower market at Pak Klang, the majestic Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) ,the Memorial Bridge, the Royal Thai Navy, Chinese Shrine and the Grand Palace.  The cruise also passes through a local floating market and briefly stops at a spot where you can feed fishes (fish food sold in the boat at Baht 20 per pack). The English-speaking tour guide enlightens you with information on the surrounding places during the cruise.

Feeding fishes is fun

Temples all the way

the majestic WAT ARUN

The second part of the tour will allow you to embark a converted rice barge and enjoy a Thai fruit buffet along with ice-cold cocktails and local Thai rum.  Shortly after embarking, the boat staff distributes cool towels and non-alcoholic Mai Tai cocktails to all the  passenger before presenting the table of Thai fruits  consisting of rambutan, pomelo, mango, mangosteen, dragon fruit, pineapple, guava, papaya, watermelon and some local sweets.  The boat brings you back at the River City Pier where most passengers disembark.  The same boat moves on to China Town from the River City Pier.  Therefore, passengers who wish to go to China Town need not disembark at the River City Pier.

Buffet of fresh fruits is offered at the RICE BARGE

1. Buying your Tour Tickets.   You have three (3) options to get your tour tickets, namely:
               Option 1:  Use the internet and access the website of AsiaWebDirect Tours (http://www.asiawebdirect.com) or email tour@asiawebdirect.com.  The system will allow you to reserve and purchase your seats using your credit card at least two days before your intended travel.  You will receive a confirmation of your purchase plus your reference voucher with number in your email. Present this voucher at the ticketing counter at River City Pier and you will given your boarding pass.
         In the event that you would want to purchase your tickets on the day of your travel, you can call the Customer Service (+66 2 694 5771) which is operated 24 hours, 7 days a week.  The English-speaking account officer will call the boat company and if seats are available, he or she will allow you to purchase your ticket on-line and give you the reservation voucher by email.

             Option 2: You may go directly to the River City Pier and purchase your ticket directly from the boat company ticketing desk which is located near the embarkation gate at the Pier.  This option is not recommended during peak season as you run the risk of not being able to get a ticket.

            Option 3:  Call the boat company directly and do your reservations:

                                    A CHAO PHAYA CHARTERED CO. LTD
                                   292 Ratchawong Road, Chakrawat
                                   Sumphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
                                   Tel. (662) 622 7657-61; 223 8064; 222-8679
                                   www.wanfahcruise.com or reservation@wanfah.in.th

2. Prices of tickets
             a. Tickets purchased through the internet: Baht 870 per person ($29)
             b. Tickets purchased at the gate (in River City Pier) : Baht 1000 per person ($34) 

3. Dinner Cruise is available with WAN FAH Dinner Cruise. The boat will take you on a dinner cruise night along the Chao Phraya River. The boat passes through the Oriental Mandarin Hotel and the Shangrila Hotel to pick up dinners.  You can call the same company above for reservations or queries on prices. (private contact: Weny Adonay Lertsongkram - Tel 082-325330; wenyadonay@yahoo.com)

Boat for the dinner cruise

January 2013

Adventure in Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand.  In and around Kanchanaburi there is plenty to do for the whole family including children. These include the visit to the famous "Bridge of the River Kwai", the Elephant farm, the Tiger Temple and the Mon (Burmese) Village.

1. Travel Itinerary for a two nights , 3-day visit
          Day 1 - Travel by land from Bangkok to Kanchanburi
                     First stop:   Bridge of the River Kwai (132 km, 2 hours 15 mins)
                     Second stop:  Boutique Raft Resort (60 km, 49 mins)
          Day 2 - Sight Seeing
                     First stop:  The Elephant Village  (approx 25 minutes from Boutique)
                     Second stop:  The Tiger Temple (approx 30 minutes from The Elephant Village)
          Day 3 - Visit to the Mon (Burmese) Village by boat (approx 40 minutes from Boutique)
                     -Travel back to Bangkok (approx 3 hours travel time)

2. The Bridge of the River Kwai is historically known.  According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission:

"The notorious Burma-Siam railway, built by Commonwealth, Dutch and American prisoners of war, was a Japanese project driven by the need for improved communications to support the large Japanese army in Burma. During its construction, approximately 13,000 prisoners of war died and were buried along the railway. An estimated 80,000 to 100,000 civilians also died in the course of the project, chiefly forced labour brought from Malaya and the Dutch East Indies, or conscripted in Siam (Thailand) and Burma. Two labour forces, one based in Siam and the other in Burma worked from opposite ends of the line towards the centre."^[1]

Today, may local and foreign tourists visit the famous bridge which was re-constructed in 1964.  The bridge, which is still usable,  is open to the public to see and move around.  Parking is available on the streets and in paid-parking facilities in the area.  Souvenir stores and food shops surrounds the main entrance to the Bridge.

Beside the bridge you can also visit the Allied War cemeteries and museums.  It has floating restaurants on both sides that offer buffet and ala cart lunches and  caters to visiting tourists. The place has also attracted many tourist because of its Jewelry Market that is famous for its onyx precious stones.  The Jewelry market is located just beside the Bridge of the River Kwai and has restaurants, money changers and ATM machines. Parking area in this market is big enough to accommodate even tourist buses.


3.  Boutique Raft Resort was highly recommended to me by my friends from the UN.  The resort is indeed very nice.  With its friendly staff, the resort is very private and offers good restaurant and lodging facilities.  It has about 9 River Kwai Suite floating rooms located in the banks of River Kwai (plus three other rooms off the river).  It has one Honeymoon Suite (which I luckily got for my family) which is an independent floating room in the river.  It offered large bedroom with tub, fully kitchen facilities (but not sink) and with a uniquely designed private swimming pool in its private balcony. The Honeymoon Suite has two beds (queen)  and one large sofa.

Resort can arrange for your SPA and body massage in your room. Breakfast comes with your room and with a choice of continental, American or Asian breakfast (congee and fruits). You can try taking dinner or lunch at its restaurant overlooking the hanging bridge and the river.  Or, you can consider room service for your meals and enjoy them in your balcony fronting the river itself.   There is also a public swimming pool (beside the Honeymoon Suite) where you can also do your sun bathing. The Resort has nice areas to walk on with picnic tables, swing and dart facilities for everyone. Try walking through the hanging bridge for a nice experience.  Parking is spacious and safe.  Finally, there are good restaurants off the main highway.  Ask the front desk for suggestions and directions.

Enjoying the cool breeze & sound of the river in the hammock



The floating Honeymoon Suite

Contact: info@boutiqueraft-riverkwai.com

Tel. +66 34 634 191

Address: 413 Moo 3, Wangkajae, Saiyok, Kanchanaburi, Thailand 71150

4.  The Elephant Farm (Mahawangchang Elephant Camp) is approximately 25 minutes drive from Boutique Raft Resort.  The Farm offers several activities --- elephant riding (at Baht 200 or US$ 7.00 per person per hour); elephant bathing (Baht 300 per person); elephant show; and bamboo rafting.  Elephant feed (banana) is Baht 20 per bag. 

www.mahawangchangelephantcamp.com
198 Moo. 6 Wangkajea Saiyok, Kanchanaburi 71150
Tel. 087-7477912; 085-2626078; 081-3787380

5.  The Tiger Temple (Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yannasampanno Foresty Monastery) is a wild life sanctuary in a monastery who propagates Buddhism.  The Tiger Temple has five areas for the public to see --- the Tiger Canyon (tigers are taken her for their afternoon exercise from 1-3:45 pm); the Tiger Walking way; the Dhamma Plaza; the Tiger Falls; and the Tiger Island Area.  Entrance fee per person is Baht 600 (US$20) per person. The Temple is open daily from 12pm to 3:15pm.  Selling of entrance tickets is close by 3:15pm.

Free photos with tigers at the Tiger Canyon.  Lines may be long during peak travel season.  Persons wishing to have photos with the tigers are quietly guided individually within the area of about 15 tigers by trained staff.  Hand over your camera to your guide as she/he will take charge of taking your photo.  Visitors are advised not to wear "bright color" (red or orange) outfits as these would attract the tigers.

Contact Information:  www.TigerTemple.org

Tel. no. 034-531 557

6.  The Mon (Burmese) Village is accessible through a 45-minute boat travel from Boutique Resort to River Kwai Jungle Raft Resort,  a unique eco-floating resort that is reputed for its unique natural surroundings with no electricity in the whole resort.  The visit to the Mon Village will allow you to see the actual housing and living conditions in the Village.  The Village also offers its visitors with a small souvenir shop, elephant ride, a temple, meeting room and sight of a cliff walking through its thick forest.

We arranged our boat to the Mon Village through Boutique Resort (front desk)  at the rental cost of Baht 1500 (US$50) for three-hours.  Each boat can accommodate eight persons.

Contact information:  www.RiverKwaiJungleRafts.com

                                   River Kwai Jungle Rafts

                                   Baan Tahsao, Amphor Saiyoke, Kanchanaburi 70150, Thailand

                                  

                                   Bangkok Sales and Reservation Office

                                   133/48 Ratchaprarop So1 12, Ratchaprarop Road

                                   Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400

                                   Tel. +662 642 5497

Things to come back for in our next trip:

1. The 7-stepped waterfall of Erewan National Park where one can hike, swim and discover the beautiful jungle of Thailand.

2. The Lawa Cave which we may have visited on our way to the Mon Village.  Entrance to the Cave is Baht 200  (US$7.00)  per person.

3. The Hellfire Pass and Memorial Museum, very impressive and moving experience on the war history.

4. Various beautiful temples like "wat tham suea" and "wat ban tam", both located on a mountain with a fantastic view over the River Kwai.

5. The Elephant's World, a sanctuary of sick, old, disabled, abused, illegal and street elephants (www.elephantworld.org) run by a non-profit organization. You can join the "All Day Visit" program with elephants who enjoy their own natural environment until their last breath. Activities include feeding and bathing elephants, preparing and cooking sticky rice for old elephants, gathering and planting food for the elephants (banana trees, sugarcane, banagrass), etc.

December 2012

Elephant Ride in Thailand



The Elephant Village at Ratchaburi is just 5 minutes away from the Damneon Saduak Floating Market.* It features a baby elephant show but most people go there for an elephant ride for approximately 30 minutes in the jugles and in the water.  Each elephant has a master and follows a path through the jungle where you see monkeys and fruit trees. An elephant can accomodate up to two persons plus the master. The ride is bumpy and the elephant sometimes stops to poo (and sometimes smelly).  Elephant ride is recommended for the adventurous, young or old.

Elephant ride per person is Baht 600 (approximately US$20).  Tickets are purchased from the main store of Village which is located at the entrance.  You can also buy bananas there to feed the elephants and the monkey.

If you forget to bring your camera you can purchase your photo (taken by the Village official photographer) at the end of the elephant ride. Each photo with a frame costs Baht 200 (approximately US$7.00).  By the way, don't forget to give a small tip to your elephant traineer after the good ride.

Finally, while at the Elephant Village, you can also watch a monkey show for 20 minutes at Baht 200 (US$7.00) per person.

(*Damneon Saduak Floating Market is approximately 1.5 hours drive from Bangkok)

November 2012

Floating Market in Thailand - Damneon Saduak

Venture from the exotic and colorful Bangkok on a day trip to the countryside and visit the Damneon Saduak floating markets, one of the most famous floating markets and a major tourist destination in Thailand.  At the floating market, you will see many people move and live beside the canal. It shows the old traditional way of selling vegetables, fruits, etc. from small boats. Don't miss eating the Thai noodle soup on the canal with the locals making fresh noodles in hot pots.  The market also a place where you can get your souvenir items from Thailand.

1.  Location:  The Floating Market at Domnoen Saduak in located in Ratchaburi, Thailand.  Just 93 kilometers from Bangkok, you can reach the floating market in just 1.30 hours drive through a nice highway.

2. Tours:  Many tour companies in Bangkok offer half-day tours to Damneon Saduak. Most hotels can link you up with these private tour operators.  Prices starts from US$70 per person depending on the number of sites to be visited apart from the floating market---Rose Garden Thai Village, Elephant Village, Crocodile farm or the Bridge of the River Kwai in Kanchanburi.

3. The Cheaper Way to do your tour is to consider contracting a taxi which your hotel can arrange for you.  An air conditioned Taxi to Domnoen Saduak will cost you Baht 1800 (or approx. US$60) round trip for the whole day. This cost is inclusive of the services of a driver,  gasoline and toll fees.  Taxi van  can accommodate up to 7 passengers.  You can also consider renting for the whole day an air conditioned  12-seater van for Baht 2600 (or approx. US$87). This price is  inclusive of a driver, gas and tolls.  Of course, a token tip for the driver may be added.

4. Boat Tickets.  There are many establishments offering boat rental or tours to the floating market. Don't be deceived by where your taxi or rented car/van driver will bring you who will offer you boat rental for Baht 2000 to 3000. You can haggle for better prices.  In our case, we managed to get the rate of Baht 600 for the whole boat for eight persons for one and a half hour.  Boat comes with a driver who will guide you through the travel.Tipping is about Baht 100 or US$3.

The main entrance of the market is where you take your boat.  Each boat is marked with a number (remember your boat number so you would know which boat to take  in case you get off from it in the market).   There is ample parking and toilet facilities at the main entrance.  It also has a small lounge for waiting drivers. It is best to call and reserve your boat ahead of time.  I suggest you call Khun Pong at A-NU-RUK at Tel. +66 89 743334 and ask for a boat at Baht 600.  At first he will offer you Baht 2000 per boat but this rate goes down as you haggle.

5. Buying stuff is fun.  Souvenir shops line up along the canals while food and farm vendors in boats paddle near you to offer their products. You can ask your boatman to stop anytime for you to see any of the shops or to purchase anything from among the boat vendors.  Just like many tourist places, vendors  of souvenir items would normally offer products at high prices as they expect tourists to bargain. 

6. From the floating market, you can make a side trip to the nearby Elephant Village which is just about 5 minutes away.  On the way back to Bangkok, try to stop in stalls selling sea salt along the highway. The stalls also sell locally produced fish sauce, shrimp paste and dried fish.

November 2012

Some Updates -

Better deal:  My second trip to the floating market allowed me to explore a cheaper way to  hire a boat to the market.  I went to the first boat terminal (Coke Pier) which I saw after turning from the traffic light of the main highway and got a good deal of only Baht 800 for the whole boat (with capacity of 8 persons) for two hours.  The boat even brought us to the coconut farm, the big temple and the floating market itself.  In fact, you can call in advance to reserve at Tel. 086-5285831 or 082-7201614 and look for Ms. Nam.  The boat terminal isn't as big as the first but it has clean toilets, waiting lounge for drivers, spacious parking and small snack bar.  As usual free cold mineral water is given free after your boat trip.  By the way, don't forget to give a tip to your boat man. Baht 200 for two-hour trip may be reasonable.

December 30, 2012