After visiting Safari World yesterday, today was another full day outdoors. We set off in the morning to visit the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. We drove for a while away from Bangkok city after picking up passengers for today’s tour. We were dropped off at a canal from where we boarded long-tail boats which would take us to the floating market. We cruised through the canal passing by many wooden houses on stilts and seeing the residents go about their everyday life by the water.
We then reached the heart of the floating market and saw what that was all about. It was like a busy water-highway filled with floating shops. Small wooden boats were piled high with colorful tropical fruits, vegetables, and fresh flowers, navigated expertly by vendors in traditional straw hats. There were also many floating eateries which were dishing out local delicacies, all prepared fresh in front of you, right then and there. We didn’t really buy anything there, but it was great to experience the unique sights and sounds of this historic trading hub.
We then headed out to see a couple of temples. The temple grounds featured intricate golden spires and serene statues that provided a peaceful break from the morning’s excitement. Our next stop was Rose Garden.
At the Rose Garden, we saw a show which gave us a glimpse of Thai culture. It covered everything from their everyday life, chores, and folk songs to the traditional Thai wedding ceremony. The performers wore beautiful silk costumes, and the rhythmic music perfectly set the stage for these stories.
The Rose Garden also had a beautiful lake, and as we were walking around it, we actually saw orchids naturally growing on their tree hosts. The vibrant purple and white petals stood out against the deep green foliage, showcasing Thailand’s rich botanical diversity.
We also saw Thai craftsmen working on local handicrafts: weaving delicate fabrics and performing intricate woodwork. Everything was very beautiful and showed a high level of detail. Watching the artists work with such patience and precision gave us a real appreciation for Thai artistry.
We then headed to see the Elephant Show and the Crocodile Show before heading back to Bangkok in the evening.
Our plan now was to visit MBK Center (Mahboonkrong), one of Bangkok’s most famous and massive shopping malls. We took the BTS Skytrain from E3 Nana station, which was just a short walk from our hotel. The elevated train ride offered a great view of the city’s skyline as we moved through the Sukhumvit area. We got off at the W1 National Stadium station and took the exit which led us straight into Tokyu Department Store inside MBK.
MBK is a labyrinth of over 2,000 shops selling everything from electronics and fashion to furniture. We couldn’t complete even seeing all the stores and shops inside, and it was getting late, so we decided to go for dinner. We found a great Lebanese restaurant a short walk away from our hotel. This was our last night in Bangkok, and after a great dinner, we walked back to the hotel to pack for the next day.
🛏️ Ambassador Hotel
🚇 Nana to National Stadium Station
🚇 National Stadium Station to Nana