Go on an early morning trip at 7.30 am to Samut Songkram province, about 1 hour from Bangkok.

Embark on the vendor’s stalls along the railway tracks. Walk along the tracks (so long as the train doesn’t come). Notice how whenever the train approaches, the vendors scramble to remove their awnings and produce to a safe distance.

Arrive at the favourite Ratchaburi’s Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, built upon the straightest and longest canal in Thailand.

See the local woman dressed in baggy pants, long-tail shirts, and straw hats paddling up and down the river or pulling their way through the more crowded sections selling their wares. See women cooking food and sweets on small stoves and selling various agricultural products. Try some Thai rice noodle soup or typical “Kanom-Krok” and shop on board!

Visit the nearby Royal Thai Handicraft Center before having lunch at a local floating restaurant by the river.

Watch a demonstration of intricate teak wood carving and see the beautiful finished products, including a wide range of furniture and home decorations, which are for sale.