The concept of floating markets has been around for a very long time and are one of the highlights of visiting Bangkok. It gives you a glimpse of Thailand’s cultural and traditional communities.
History
Central Thailand is in the wet lowlands of big river valleys, thereby making Bangkok a jungle area before human development occurred. Hence, the people living on either side would normally use boats as their main form of transport, rather than make their way through the dense jungles that once stood there.
Then & Now
Previously, boats were used for trading – bringing goods from those who produced them and selling to those on the other side. As Bangkok grew and soon became the capital of Thailand, the jungle area was drained, and roads built in its place. However, to the people of Bangkok, the method of using the boats to transport goods would have still been most convenient. Thereby making the floating markets part of their historical culture.
Types of floating markets
There are several types of floating markets, most famous two being Amphawa and Damnoen Saduak. There are vendors who provide a more personalized service where they bring food to certain resorts in cities such as Sathorn in Bangkok. And if you are staying here, the best way to visit these floating markets is to book a good Sathorn hotel in Bangkok such as the Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel where they will assist you with a tour of the different floating markets within the vicinity.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+
