Fascinating how the floating market operates. Also called the Venice of Asia, this market easily lands in travelogues and blogs about Thailand. You ride a boat and buy all sorts of products from the side of the waterways or from peddlers on boats.
These photos were taken last week when C. and O. were still here in Thailand with me. Funny thing to happen during our trip to the floating market was, we all forgot our money at the hostel. After paying the 1,000 baht boat rent, we were penniless, so we just sat back, relaxed, and became perhaps the most stingy tourists ever who went to this market.
But it was a good decision nonetheless because later last week, we went to the famous bargain market in Chatuchak, where we bought bags of knickknacks and pasalubong for very good deals (that’ll be another post).
So many fruit vendors float in the market. Later on, we had a taste of the Thai mango. So sweet (but I think nothing beats the sweet, tender, juicy Philippine mangoes in Cebu and Bohol).
And since we weren’t buying anything, I just took photos of the vendors who I imagine as water warriors.
Another thing to catch one’s attention is the poverty by the water as the boat turns away from tourist’s den that is the floating market. Thus, this trip to the floating market could stir a well of feelings.
Despite the fertility that water symbolizes, there is an obvious scarcity of basic needs and wants in the area. The place is beautiful, but with people living in dilapidated house, I’m not sure how other tourists could enjoy the place (or perhaps I’m just acting like Siddharta Gautama).
Our last week’s trips are to the temples (Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Arun among others), the Chao Phraya river, Chatuchak market, Grand Palace, Jim Thompson museum, and Siam’s malls.