Travels
Discover Colorful and Vibrant Floating Markets of Southeast Asia
Traveling to Southeast Asia can be like traveling to a different world for so many people. For those that come from the western side of the world, seeing temples or open-air markets is not a daily occurrence. But there are parts of the world, like in Southeast Asia, where seeing these things has become second nature and ingrained in their daily lives. As a tourist, you probably will want to experience as much as you can when visiting a new country or city. One of the best ways to do that is to see how commerce and daily life happens. And what better way to do that than at a floating market?
There are many floating markets in Southeast Asia. And while no two are alike, and they each offer their own experiences, you want to make sure your plans include seeing the best spots during your trip. Keep reading to hear about five of the best floating markets and villages that need to be a part of your next trip to Southeast Asia!
Cai Rang Floating Market, Vietnam
If you're in the Can Tho city/province, you have to visit the Cai Rang Floating Market in the Mekong Delta. During the very early morning hours, boats start to anchor and create water roadways that smaller boats can weave in and out and purchase goods. There are hundreds of vendors on these boats, selling fruits and drinks. You'll be able to see what they are selling because they will hang their good from a tall mast to attract more customers.
The market is open all day, but is busiest before the heat of the day, from sunrise to about 9 a.m. Coming early also means that you will get the freshest vegetables, fruits and fish! You can eat until your belly is happy and full for an extremely low cost. You can pay and take a small fishing boat to the market, for a more authentic experience than taking a guided tour.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand
Located an hour or so south of Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak is considered by many to be the most famous floating market. In this market, you will find mostly boats full of vegetables and fruits of all colors, which is what makes this such a photographed location. Also, you'll see boats cooking deliciously smelling noodles.
Due to its popularity, the canal that houses the market has a roof overhead so you can visit it any day. You can visit on your own or through a tour company. Damnoen Saduak is known for being very tourist-friendly, so adventuring alone shouldn't cause too much anxiety. When you visit, keep an eye out for prices that are a bit higher than you might expect. Thai culture does include haggling, but when buying from someone never offer a price that is clearly too low. Souvenirs and pre-packaged foods do tend to have a fixed price though.
Aberdeen Floating Village, Hong Kong
In Aberdeen Harbor, you'll find a Floating Village with about 600 junks (a type of Chinese sailing ship with fully battened sails) that are home to nearly 6,000 people. During your visit, one of your top priorities should be trying fresh seafood at one of the traditional boat restaurants. What was once a prosperous fishing port, Aberdeen is still a great place to visit and see how the city's history mixes with modern luxuries. You will definitely see traditional boats anchored and floating next to modern luxury yachts. You will also see those that still live in the harbor dressed traditionally.
Tourists can take a tour of the village on a sampan boat ride (small Chinese wooden boats), seeing how people in the Floating Village go about their daily lives and chores. Due to the ever-changing world, many young people are choosing to take their lives off of the water and to move their families on the land. It's important to see this cultural landmark while it still exists! It is easy to visit Aberdeen Harbor by taking a bus from Hong Kong Station or hailing a taxi.
Floating Vegetable Market on Dal Lake, India
Known as the „jewel in the crown of Kashmir” and located in Jammu and Kashmir, Dal Lake is not only a major player in fishing and water harvesting for the region, but also is an important recreational and tourist spot.
You can stay in one of the many houseboats along the shore and use a shikara boat (a type of wooden boat) to get around the lake and visit floating stores or the shops and markets on land, where you'll find fresh melons and vegetables that grow very well in the lake's conditions. Be sure to visit the ancient temple of Shankaracharya. While you're staying in the area, be sure to bargain so you know you're getting a good price. You will lose your breath when you see the Himalayas in the back and the beautiful blue lake right in front of you.
Lok Baintan Floating Market, Indonesia
Lok Baintan Floating Market is the most popular of the floating markets in the area. You will find here fresh fish, vegetables, and fruits, as well as snacks and traditional sweets. Don't expect to find prices though — this is a marketplace that works mainly off bartering, where most will exchange crops instead of currency. The market is mainly traded by women, and most boats can be found before the midday heat.
To visit as a tourist, it is about a 45-minute boat ride from downtown Banjarmasin and the best time to visit is around 5 a.m. It is definitely worth the early morning start though — you'll find coffees and teas and breakfast pastries for sale.
A visit to any floating market is a must when traveling to Southeast Asia. You will always find the freshest fruits and vegetables, all the seafood you can imagine, and most importantly, you will keep unforgettable memories to take home with you.
Written by: Tim Smith Tags: Asia, China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam
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