Six Floating Markets That You Must Visit Before They Disappear From The Face Of The Earth

While some of us dread the weekly trip to the grocery market, many of us actually love being in the supermarket. But imagine buying vegetables as you float slowly on a boat in the river. Can buying fresh produce get any more relaxing? Floating markets are an interesting feature of several Asian countries. The concept has become so popular that even IKEA organized a floating market in London once to promote their products. Though these markets started as an important part of the local community, it has become a huge tourist attraction over the years. Thousands of tourists come to experience various floating markets in Asia each year. Here are some of the best floating markets that you might want to visit:

Amphawa And Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand

 The Amphawa floating market is one of the most authentic floating markets in the world right now. The place is almost 72 km from Bangkok, hence it is not frequented much by travelers so most of its customers are locals. Open from 4 PM to 9 PM, the place is incredibly popular, and the market has expanded a lot in recent years. In fact, the shops have extended to nearby buildings. If you plan to visit Amphawa, there is one more activity that you can do after visiting the market in the evening. There are boat rides arranged at night where tourists can see fireflies especially on waxing moon nights. Another floating market in the country, the Damnoen Saduak floating market, is 100 km from Bangkok, is one of the most popular floating markets in the whole world which welcomes a huge volume of tourists every year. The energy here is palpable, and despite the huge crowd, it is a must to visit the place.

Lok Baintan Floating Market, Indonesia

The floating market of Lok Baintan is in the Indonesian city of Banjarmasin. It is situated in the southern part of the area and located on a delta. It is often called the River City. The various waterways of the city might remind you of Venice but in a more rustic state. The waterways are used for traveling, and several local houses are built on stilts along the riverbanks. The market is located about an hour from the center of the city. The market has been a landmark of the area for years and reflects the local culture. For years, the market has been functional where buyers and sellers both meet each other in boats.

Floating Market In Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands of Australia are yet to come under the tourist radar. It is still largely unexplored and hence smaller in scale compared to the floating markets of Asia. The amazingly blue and clean waters make this place even more attractive. The underwater reefs are often visible due to the clear water. Hence, travelers get to taste a bit of local culture while they take in the picturesque surroundings.

Inle Lake Floating Market, Myanmar

The beautiful market at Inle Lake, Myanmar is special in so many ways. The locals here sell handmade local utility items like carvings, textiles, cheroots, tools, and ornaments which tourists can take home as souvenirs. But they also sell everyday things which also makes this floating market popular among locals. The land location of the market constantly changes and rotates among Nyaungshwe, Heho, Taunggyi, Minethauk, and Shwenyaung. Of course, it looks more attractive when the market happens in the lake itself.

Mekong Delta Floating Markets, Vietnam

The Mekong Delta floating markets are famous around the world. Motorized boats run along the waterways and it is the busiest and biggest markets in the region. The Mekong Delta area is great for tourists but you need to be an early riser in order to get to this place. There are two markets here – Phung Hiep and Cai Cai Rang. The latter has been declared a National Intangible Heritage, but both are still worth the visit!

Dal Lake Floating Market, India

The beautiful state of Kashmir boasts of its very own floating market in the Dal Lake. The main fresh produce from this market are tomatoes, cucumbers, water chestnuts, lotus roots, and flowers. The lake is a huge attraction for tourists, and there are shikaras or small boat rides available for them. Houseboat stays are also quite popular here.

These traditional markets are big attractions today, but they were initially born out of a need. Who knows what will be the fate of these places in the future, considering the state of our environment these days? Hence, visit them before they disappear.