Written & Compiled by Wei Ruyu
The 2012 Thai “Sweet Grapes & Best of Damnoen Saduak Festival” (SWEET GRAPE & BEST OF DAMNOEN SADUAK FAIR) will kick off on March 1 at the pier of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. It’s a great opportunity to sample local specialties while also enjoying a variety of Thailand’s promoted OTOP (One Tambon One Product) items in one go. The event will last for a month, running daily from around 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At the plaza of Chotikaram Temple by the pier, there will also be activities such as the Miss Sweet Grapes beauty pageant, sweet grape competitions, and noodle-eating contests.
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The well-established Damnoen Saduak Floating Market has become one of the must-visit attractions for many travelers exploring Thailand. (Image provided by Mook Editor)
Damnoen Saduak in Thailand is a renowned traditional floating market, where numerous boats shuttle along the river, loaded with fresh produce from nearby orchards or other goods. Situated in the agriculturally rich and fertile region of Ratchaburi Province, it boasts naturally superior geographical conditions that are ideal for crop cultivation. The area’s most famous specialties include white malaga grapes, mangoes, coconuts, and sweet oranges.
After attending the festival, it is recommended to take a cruise along the Damnoen Saduak canals to trace the historical routes once traveled by Kings Rama IV and Rama V. During King Rama IV’s reign, a 32-kilometer canal in Damnoen Saduak was dredged, connecting the Mae Klong River and the Tacheen River. Historical evidence also shows that this area was once close to the Thai-Burmese border and served as a bustling trade port and hub for merchants.
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located about 105 kilometers west of Bangkok. You can take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok to Damnoen Saduak, with the journey taking approximately two hours. For more information, you can call the bus station at +66-2435-5031.
● Read More: Weekend Markets in Bangkok Popular with Locals – Taling Chan Floating Market
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