Monday, March 28, 2011

Amphawa Floating Market, Thailand

 Amphawa was not in our list (itinerary) at first. It was a last minute decision, so we didn't do much research about this place.., we arrived at Amphawa around 12.00pm when most of the market are still not open...Finally we found that Amphawa only operates in the late evening, it comes to life about 4.30pm (Friday to Sunday) when the waterway become jam packed with traders and shoppers.So bad also, that the taxi driver do not know much about this floating market. The common problem among the taxi driver in Bangkok " communication"..most of them speak Thai only..just a few can speak English..

We just not so lucky this time... Maybe next time..

Operating day: Friday - Sunday
Operating time: 15.00 - 20.00

It is an afternoon floating market by the canal near Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram (parking area is available). On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, during 12.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m., the Amphawa Canal is occupied by vendors who pack their boats with food and drinks, such as fried sea mussel, noodles, coffee, O-liang (iced black coffee), sweets, etc
Transport
By Bus
Take the Bangkok – Ratchaburi – Damnoen Saduak bus to get off at Amphawa Market

By OTHER
By car: Take Highway 35 (Thon Buri – Pak Tho) to Km 63. Drive through the town of Samut Songkhram to take Highway 325 (Samut Songkhram – Bang Phae). At Km 36-37, take a left turn toward the King Rama II Memorial Park. The Market is near the King Rama II Memorial Park
 
Reference
http://www.tourismthailand.org/


 









"There is a small elevated pedestrian bridge over the canal but unfortunately it does not offer the best vantage point for the keen photographer. A far better option in my opinion is to get out on the water in a small boat which can be hired for a few Baht.
Finding your way to Amphawa floating market is not too difficult as it is clearly signposted from Highway 325 heading north.
Turn left onto route 6006 and follow the road over the canal bridge. There is plenty of parking nearby to the entrance(GPS: 13.42.44 and 99.95.68.93) for which a small charge is made.
Please note however that the small roads around the market do get very busy and traffic jams are frequent."
Source: Thailand Blogs--- http://www.thailand-blogs.com/2010/09/18/thailand-floating-markets/ 

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Chatuchak Weekend Market

The Chatuchak Weekend Market is the biggest open air market in Thailand.It's the place to go for a great deal on hand made and factory produced decorative and fashion items, furniture, paintings, pets, gardening tools, second hand book, souvenirs...anything ..you name it.
Located on Phahol Yothin Road, the market features about 8,000 shops. It was brainchild of the late prime minister Plaek Pibul Songgram, who wanted to set up a flea market to boost the economy.
On weekends the place is jam packed, and that partly what makes the experience so fascinating . But the market is also open at other, quieter times to cater to specialized market. For instance, on Wednesdays and Thursdays more than 800 shops sell plants and horticultural supplies. Nursery owners often come late Tuesday night to take their pick before the general public arrives. 
From Friday afternoon to the wee hours of Saturday morning the market is a clothes hound's delight. To get wholesale prices buyers can choose at least two of any clothing item.
Whether at these special times or on the weekend, shop till you drop is the order of the day at Chatuchak . And don't forget to practice you bargaining skills.

BTS: Mor Chit Station
MRT: Chatuchak Station
Bus and Taxi also available ...

Source: Bangkok's Secret, Bangkok Tourism Division

Note: For those who are looking for Onitsuka Tiger, Chatuchak is the right place for u..In KL the price  would be RM 300+++, but here @ Chatuchak...you will be Surprise!!!!!...Please include this in your must buy list..