Mae Klong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Go on an early morning trip at 7:30 am to Samut Songkhram province, about 1 hour from Bangkok.
Visit Thailand's off-the-beaten-path Mae Klong Railway Market, one of the largest fresh seafood markets.
Walk along the vendor stalls set up on the railway tracks, as long as the train is not coming. Notice how, whenever the train approaches, the vendors scramble to remove their awnings and produce to a safe distance.
Arrive at Ratchaburi's famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, built along the straightest and longest canal in Thailand.
See local women dressed in baggy pants, long-tail shirts, and straw hats paddling up and down the river or making their way through the more crowded sections while selling their wares. Watch 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 that are available for sale.
