There are many floating markets in the canels of Bangkoks' surrounding provinves, but perhaps the most popular is the Damnoen Saduak. Situated some 80km south west of Bangkok in the Ratchaburi province, this vibrant market features man fruit and vegetable laden small boats and are paddled by Thai women wearing bamboo hats.The Damnoen Saduak canal was originally opened in 1868, commissioned by King Rama IV, of the Chakri Dynasty. This was to give waterborne travel access between the Ratchaburi and Samutsakhon provinces.
Damnoen Saduak canal also provides local farmers with adequate water for agricultural purposes. A number of canals were dug to connect with it by local farmers to get water to irrigate their land. As the excellent quality soil along the canal is very fertile, the area has a high potential for producing various kinds of fruits and vegetables.
The Floating Market is routinely crowded with hundreds of vendors and purchasers floating in their small rowing boats selling and buying agricultural products and local food, which are mostly brought from their own nearby orchards.
