For an interesting and easy excursion from Bangkok, I suggest that you visit the Lam Phraya floating market. The floating markets allow visitors to be transported back in time to experience traditional Thai life and culture of a bygone era. Located in Nakhon Pathom province about 75 minutes from Bangkok, Lam Phraya market was created in 1999 with the objective of attracting more tourists to the area. There are larger and more established floating markets in the Bangkok area, but they area not quiet as authentic and are more geared to foreign tourists. I went there on a lazy Sunday morning with four Thai ladies (lucky me). From my recollection, there were only 2-3 other farangs there that day – which is sort of nice, as I don’t like to go to places that are overrun with western tourists. The Floating market was throbbing with activity and was quite colorful - a vast array of fresh vegetables and fruits, traditional snacks and deserts, meals as well as handicrafts were being sold at very reasonable prices. Many of the vendors sold produce from their longtail boats. I enjoyed a simple but very delicious vegetarian Pad Thai plate for about 40 baht.

The most popular and largest floating market is at Damneon Saduak in Rachaburi province.

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