floating markets of thailand

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FLOATING MARKETS OF THAILAND To understand the concept of floating markets in Thailand, we have to first understand its place in the transportation history of Thailand. Transportation in Thailand The main mode of transportation before the 1800s were mainly water based which was common in most premodern eras. It was natural and practical for communities to be established along rivers for transportational and economical reasons. The extensive river and canal (khlong) networks facilitated the movements of people and goods. And the local people started floating markets along the canals (khlongs) which eventually became popular trading spots. But during 1800s and after the 1900s, the modernization of the Thailnd as a whole took place that included the transportational system. Today many forms of transportation exist including water, road, rail and air. Types of Floating Markets Floating markets nowadays serves mainly as tourist attraction to highlight riverside shopping. With the decline of water based transportation, floating markets are not necessarily found along ©2015 by Thesigan Nadarajan

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Page 1: Floating Markets of Thailand

 FLOATING MARKETS OF THAILAND 

          

  To understand the concept of floating markets in Thailand, we have to first understand its place                               in the transportation history of Thailand.  Transportation in Thailand The main mode of transportation         before the 1800s were mainly water           based which was common in most           pre­modern eras. It was natural and           practical for communities to be         established along rivers for       transportational and economical     reasons. The extensive river and         canal (khlong) networks facilitated       the movements of people and goods.           And the local people started floating markets along the canals                   (khlongs) which eventually became popular trading spots. But               during 1800s and after the 1900s, the modernization of the                   Thailnd as a whole took place that included the transportational                   system. Today many forms of transportation exist including               water, road, rail and air.   Types of Floating Markets  Floating markets nowadays serves mainly as tourist attraction to                 highlight riverside shopping. With the decline of water based                 transportation, floating markets are not necessarily found along               

 ©2015 by Thesigan Nadarajan 

Page 2: Floating Markets of Thailand

 FLOATING MARKETS OF THAILAND 

rivers or khlongs. Many are land based now. An example would be the Hua Hin Sam Pkan Nam                                   floating market. Shops are build around a pond with boats stationed along their sides.   Others like this hundred year old ancient market is found along a canal with                           

shaky wooden bridges.     Though the waters are       muddy brown, it still       retains its unspoilt natural       rural image. It's eroding       tin roofs rusted by rain and           sun still gives shelter to         this active floating market.   

 Charms of Floating Markets 

Whatever type of floating markets, they still have their                 individual charms. Imagine sitting under a row of leafy trees                   by a riverside and having a leisurely breakfast in comparison                   to sitting by a roadside stall engulfed in carbon monoxide and                     dust. Which would you prefer?  And I assure you       the cuisine can be       very delicious with     a homemade   

touch. It’s not just food but a variety of interesting                   sights can be found here. Where else can you eat                   

succulent roasted chicken while watching         monks receiving their alms from         their boats. What about seeing         colorful koi swimming up to you           to receive food from your         hands.   Besides you might get to enjoy           a mini zoo or shop around for             gifts.  

 ©2015 by Thesigan Nadarajan 

Page 3: Floating Markets of Thailand

 FLOATING MARKETS OF THAILAND 

  

            

 If you are travelling in Thailand, you should take time to visit selected floating markets just to                                 enjoy their environment, local culture and to relax.            

 ©2015 by Thesigan Nadarajan