A century ago, Thailand's waterways were even more developed than its roads. Today, many places in Thailand still maintain the traditional way of life in the countryside by the water. One such place is the Damnoen Saduak floating market, which has a history of over a hundred years.
◦ Damnoen Saduak
The Damnoen Saduak floating market is located in the southwest of Bangkok, about a two-hour drive from the city center. It is situated alongside a canal that was constructed in the 19th century under the rule of King Rama V. With a history spanning over 150 years. Even though there are more tourists now, what really surprises me is the opportunity to interact with the people who live on the long-tail boats and the vendors along the canal. It makes the experience even more special.
◦ Maeklong Railway Market
At the Maeklong Railway Market, the experience goes from being amazing to downright scary. The train, which went straight into the market, was a frightful experience that I'll never forget. If you didn't stand in the right place, you could get run over.
Before the train passed through, there was an announcement, and the shops on both sides quickly packed up their goods that were on the railway tracks. People who were walking on the tracks hurriedly moved to the side and waited for the train to pass. Once the train had departed, it seemed as nothing had happened. The railway tracks once again became a display platform for fresh vegetables, seafood, and meat, just like it was five minutes earlier.
The train arrives at the station eight times a day and stays there for an hour. During this time, passengers heading to Bangkok will board the train early and patiently wait for it to depart. The leisurely pace of the passengers and the vintage feel of the train give me a sense of time travel, as if I have been transported back to early Taiwan.
