FRESH MARKETS & FLOATING MARKETS

A large number of fresh markets can still be found in the capital. One of the more popular markets, Pak Khlong Talat, more commonly known as the Flower Market, is a fresh market that sells all kinds of produce including flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables. Also visit the floating market, a traditional mode of buying and selling that used to be commonly found in any riverside town or city canal like Bangkok In floating markets, vendors paddle sampans down waterways to sell their produce. Today these floating markets have moved outside of the city. The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a 1.5 hour drive from Bangkok and is the country’s most colourful and largest floating market. Other lesser know floating markets are the Taling Chan Floating Market in Bangkok and the Bang Khu Wiang Floating in Nonthaburi.

GIVING ALMS

Giving alms is a form of merit making where contributions are provided to monks that walk the streets in the early morning seeking donations in the form of food and other useful products from staunch Buddhists. Waking up early in the morning to view this tradition is well worth the effort as this earmarks the typical Thai way of life. If you’re interested in participating, feel free to consult the hotel or guesthouse you are staying in. Hotel staff should be able to tell you where the nearest temples are located and which routes the monks take within the hotel’s vicinity in order to make your offerings.

CULTURE EXPLORATIONS DESTINATION: HOME STAYS & COOKING

For the ultimate cultural experience, nothing beats a home stay. In Bangkok, perhaps one of the best places to experience traditional Thai living is at the award-winning Rose Garden Resort and home to The Thai Village and Cultural Centre. The shows here portray captivating scenes of every life in rural Thailand and provide a vivid introduction to Thai living. The Rose Garden also offers Thai cooking Classes. For a more earthy and homey experience, The Thai House is a good alternative. Both the Rose Garden and The Thai House are also to hold a limited number of guests in their traditional Thai houses therefore advance booking should be made. Other recommended cooking schools are Oriental Thai Cooking School, the Blue Elephant Cooking School and Bai Pai Thai Cooking School. However most hotels do offer Thai Cooking. However, most hotels do offer Thai Cooking classes therefore be sure to check if the hotel you’re booked at offer such courses.