What: Damnoen Saduak, a real floating market—not some random guy in a boat with found objects
Why: Because we were so disappointed after Gilligan took us on a 20 second tour
Hordes of tourists, a kaleidoscope of fruit, impossibly tight waterways, nerve-wrackingly flat boats, and one overly enthusiastic man with a python all coagulate into the nucleus of one of Thailand's most famous floating markets. What was once the location for an actual exchange of goods between locals has now become a source of revenue for the tourist industry as people pay a few dollars to ride along the canals, or khlongs, while trying out local foods and picking up last-minute souvenirs.
As you cruise the canal, men and women in various boats slice fresh mango before packaging it for purchase. Want to sip coconut milk?... just hail a boat over. Need some hot soup?... find the boat with a stove. How about a hat?.... there's a boat for that, too. Alongside the canal, stilts support small shops flooded with Thai souvenirs. If you're in need of a large painting, and you would like to purchase it while riding in a tiny boat, then you're in luck.
My favorite stilt-supported "shop" wasn't very fancy and didn't have much pizzazz. What it did have, though, was a man in a lawn chair and a python. Behind him was a sign that read:
Photo Big Snake
(No Dangerous)
... and so begins a series of sightings and experiences throughout my travels I call, Not A Good Idea.
The main stretch of the canal
A very small kitchen!
Notice the pot... on top of the stove... in the boat...
To make sure things are precise, he even as a scale!
My dream boat—bananas, bananas, and more bananas
This boy was washing the dishes in the canal. I decided not to get anything from a bowl after that.
A canal-side store—just float up and point to what you want!
Wave an arm if you need a hat
Looks a little uncomfortable
Do you see the snake across his lap?
Not a good idea.
1 comments:
The sign says, "No dangerous." I'm not sure what you were afraid of.
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