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Bangkok Travelbug September 14 Wat Lam Phaya floating market August 27, 2014 |
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About Nakhon Pathom Nakhon Pathom is considered the cradle of Buddhism and the centre of Dvaravati, a Buddhist civilization that existed from 7th – 11th C AD. The province is home to the ancient Phra Pathom Chedi, a famous landmark in Nakhon Pathom city and the first religious landmark signifying the introduction of Buddhism in Thailand. The Tha Chin River, a tributary of the Chao Phraya flows through this province before entering the Gulf of Thailand at Samut Sakhon and there are several old markets on the banks of the Tha Chin. Nakhon Pathom is largely agricultural engaging in the cultivation of fruits, vegetable and rice. Tourist other attractions include places like Rose Garden, the crocodile and elephant farm. However, we decided to go off the beaten track and visit a market that’s way up north in Amphoe Bang Len about 24 km north of the highway leading to the city. It was a pleasant drive along a country through rice fields and canals before we reached Wat Lam Phaya. 
Rice field on the road to Bang Len Table of contents Wat Lam Phaya floating market Wat Lam Phaya floating market was set up in 2001 by local officials and Wat Lam Phaya to help the people in the area market their agricultural produce. This place is non-touristy with a very local flavour. The first thing that caught our eye was this. 
First impression There’s even a museum about the floating market but unfortunately it wasn’t open. Still we could see some of the exhibits in the open space below. 
There are rows of shops on the banks of the Tha Chin selling rattan work, mats, cushions, fish, fruits, lots of fruits and toys. 
Kids’ delight The atmosphere by the Tha Chin is very pleasant. Visitors can sit in one of these huts by the river and have their lunch. 
By the Tha Chin Next we crossed a short bridge to the shops on pontoons floating in the river. It was a different world altogether. Here’s where the real stuff is sold, food, food and more food. I could almost taste the crackling crust on that slab of crispy roast pork. 
Some of the food available That was enough to make us stop for lunch. 
Our lunch We had satay, pad thai, oysters fried in batter and desert. After lunch we strolled down the row of shops on the pontoons. There were lots of deserts and snacks. 
Tempting Thai deserts 
Crispy Thai snacks Besides the stalls on the pontoons, there were also boats anchored to the pontoons. I wonder how they got these boats under the walkway. 
Boat vendors There is also a boat service on the Tha Chin to three temples nearby. The rates are as listed on the board. Visitors usually take the boat to these temples to pray and make merit. You can just go along for the ride. 
Boat service Wat Lam Phaya – Wat Suk Departure times: 1030 hours, 1230 hours, 1430 hours Fare: adult 60 baht, children 20 baht Wat Lam Phaya – Wat Bang Phasi Departure times: 1100 hours, 1330 hours Fare: adult 60 baht, children 20 baht Wat Lam Phaya – Wat Bang Phra Departure times: 1130 hours, 1400 hours Fare: adult 80 baht, children 30 baht Spend a relaxing afternoon on the banks of the Tha Chin feeding fish or just enjoying the scenery. 
Feeding fish 
He looks like he’s been here for a long time Table of contents Map to Wat Lam Phaya floating market View Wat Lam Phaya floating market in a larger map Address Wat Lam Phaya floating market Wat Lam Phaya Tambon Lam Phaya Amphoe Bang Len Nakhon Pathom Opening hours The Wat Lam Phaya floating market is open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 0800 – 1700 hours. Admission is free How to get to there By car Cross the Chao Phraya at the Phra Pin Klao Bridge near Sanam Luang and get on Boromrachanani Road. This leads on to highway 338 and to Mahidol University at a place called Salaya. Go round the university and take the highway Nakhon Pathom 3004 that goes due north. Continue along this road till you get to Wat Lam Phaya. Along some stretches of the Google map, this road is also known as Krungnon – Chonthanom Road and then highway 5032. Table of contents My thanks My thanks to Lim Siew Hwei for taking the wheel to Nakhon Pathom. Table of contents Next month We visit old markets in Nakhon Pathom, Bang Luang market and Tha Na market If you enjoyed reading this e-zine, please forward it to a friend. If you received this from a friend and found it interesting, please subscribe at Bangkok Travelbug. What you think of the Bangkok Travelbug? We love to hear from you What other subscribers have said Till next month then. Eric Lim Tour Bangkok Legacies Find us on Facebook Copyright@2008-2014 Tour Bangkok Legacies All rights reserved |
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