Afloat in Taling Chan Floating Market, Thailand
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In a land filled with markets and where shopping and bargains are ways of life, Bangkok’s floating markets are a world of their own. Full of life and colour, they are an intrinsic part of the city's culture.
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A riot of colours and flavours greets me when I reach Bangkok's Taling Chan Floating Market, which is open only on weekends.
Near a wooden bridge is this lady with a warm smile, whipping up an exciting dish for the local people who often come here to have their lunch.
The floating markets are part of the landscape of Bangkok and date back to around 1987. In this other Venice of the East, a montage of boats awaits to tempt the taste buds
Sitting in long wooden boats, cooking or grilling a meal, or selling fresh produce, the vendors of Taling Chan offer a glimpse into traditional Thailand culture and and Thai cuisine.
There were just a handful of boats when we arrived but each of them was serving a speciality from sweets to rice to meat to snakes to fish to greens.
Those crawling snakes will soon be lunch.
The colors are a feast for the eyes, too.
It is an experience to watch these men and women in the boats cook a dish in their traditional vessels and serve it fresh to the people.
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This woman in a traditional hat has filled her boat with greens.
Noodles or rice, the dishes are ready to be served. Besides, of course, papaya salad.
Although there are just a handful of floating markets today, Taling Chan is flocked by both locals and tourists and grilled meat is one of the favorites here.
The market is not just accessed by boat – there is an entire road filled with delicacies. Besides food, there are plants, herbs, gift items and even a musical band waiting to entertain you.
stalls selling sticky mango rice, candies, salty soya beans and snacks
Fish is a must-enjoy dish here.
And before you leave, you must end your trip with a taste of the durian fruit, even if it means you are greeted with raised eyebrows. Prized for its supposed aphrodisiac qualities, Durian is banned at most airports for its odor, which many consider offensive
If you are intimidated by Durian, at least try the famed dragon fruit, a speciality in these parts.
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