Yesterday, heading back from Cha Am we stopped at the world famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi. Perhaps the most well touted floating market for Bangkok Tourists. Have been there several times over the years. Always been packed with tourists. Parking lots full of buses and commuter vans. Many, many tour groups and an incredible number of vendors, all shapes and sizes selling anything that doesn’t move, and, a few things that do.
Well, that was then and this is now. Empty parking lots. Side stalls all shut down. Stuff covered in tarpaulins. Few boats selling stuff. Few customers and nobody buying anything. The few boats that were there occupied by the elderly. Almost like a well, I’ve got nothing better to do with my time than sit in a boat all day attitude.
To be honest, I expected far more activity than I saw. I did expect there was a good bit of local trade accomplished. No. The Market is dead. A tourist trap without any tourists. Another Covid casualty.
one entrance banner
first boats
a bit further
a few more boats
some farm goods for sale