The mention of "Ratchaburi" to tourists brings to mind the famous floating market that symbolizes the livelihood of the people - and Ratchaburi.
An ancient city, Ratchaburi connects to other provinces via the Damnoen Saduak Canal, more famously known as the Floating Market. The canal connects with the Tha Cheen River at Baan Paew, in Samut Sakhon and Mae Klong River at Bang Kondhi in Samut Songkhram.
The 32-kilometer Damnoen Saduak Canal covers some 200 sub-canals, but the heart of the Floating Market is around Klong Bodhi Huk, Klong Khun Pitak and Klong Ton Kem floating markets. However, Klong Bodhi Huk is the busiest with boat vendors selling their wares - even on Buddhist days - starting as early as 5 in the morning. If you come 6 hours later the place is deserted.
The road approach along Sukhapibarn 1, around Pojjawan pier, makes Klong Ton Kem Floating Market the most accessible. This market spreads over an entire area lined with shops selling souvenirs. Shoppers can join in the most hustle and bustle of the market either by boat, or on foot, taking the boat to the other side of the Damnoen Saduak Canal.
A psychedelic fusion of vegetables, fruits, traditional sweets, beverages, straw hats and the vendors themselves contribute to the colorful and noisy backdrop of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. What's more important, is the market is environmentally-friendly - boats must switch off their engines before being allowed into the "business area."
Tourists can use the boat rental service that costs between 100 and 400 baht per trip, depending on the size and condition of the boat. The trip lasts for one-and-a-half hours with a local guide to point out the daily routines and lifestyles of folk living along the canal.
Of particular welcome, is the warmth of hospitality portrayed by the local people. When boats arrive at the house where palm sugar is made, tourists are offered complimentary palm juice courtesy of the local people.
During the course of the excursion, tourists may stop anywhere along the wayto try some food or buy souvenirs. The canal pulsates with the clamor of traffic with selling and buying taking place amid sounds of chattering and bargaining.
Caught up in such a unique atmosphere, not found in the city, one-and-a-half-hours passes quickly, undoubtedly exhorting many tourists to make plans for a second visit.
The best time to visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is between 7 and 10 a.m. Before the sun gets too hot. At other times, particularly in the afternoon, tourists should find a wide-brimmed hat to ward off the strong rays of the sun.
