The Damnern Saduak and Phetchaburi from Hua Hin
The Damnern Saduak and
Phetchaburi from Hua Hin
Even Thailand’s famous floating market at Damnern Saduak is within reach of Hua Hin. The market
of all Thai markets is a feast for the eyes and taste buds. Combining this with the former
hillside residence of the Rama Kings and voila, a great day out!
WHY THIS TOUR?
Thailand’s Floating Market has been widely displayed as the sole and most happening water-based market in the country. Named after the town it is located in, the Damnern Saduak is the master of all floating markets, honouring a lifelong tradition of trading everything from food, vegetables and household goods to those residents living along the many canals and waterways.
En route, the former residences of Siamese royalty at Phetchaburi complete a day that shows off the sights and sounds of what makes Thailand such an in-demand destination.
TRAIL ITINERARY
07:00 - 18:00
We leave very early in the morning from your hotel in Hua Hin / Cha-am with the first sun rays rising from the east. The reason for this early departure is not to miss the Damnern Saduak at its peak operation as it operates until around 11 in the morning.
The route will take us along sugar cane small villages and factories, one of the primary agricultural resources of this region. But our morning goal will be the long tail boat pier near the floating market where skilled captains navigate with ease and precision through the canals, passing plantation and teak wooden houses. We end right at the heart of the floating market. Mainly women paddle with their merchandise through the canals, selling fresh fruit and Thai snacks to those interested in getting a taste of Thailand. Optional (not included), you can join these skilled tradeswomen in a paddling boat and become a part of an ancient piece of Thai market history. Numerous shops, selling everything under the sun, offer a chance to get some great souvenirs, t-shirts or local handicrafts for the home front.
Our driver for the day welcomes you back in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle and will head out to Phetchaburi, the former capital of the province and a favourite spot of King Mongkut, the fifth king of the Rama Dynasty. His iconic summer palace – called Khao Wang, the situation on top of a hill in the downtown Phetchaburi, can be seen from afar and offers fine vistas of the region, the river and the mountains that border with neighbouring Myanmar. Once at the top, your guide will point out the mix of architectonical influences that made this palace worth visiting; from neo-classical elements to influences that link Thai and Chinese styles, this summer retreat has it all.
Leaving nothing but our footprints behind, it is time to head back to your Hua Hin / Cha-am resort where you will arrive back at around 6 pm. A wonderful, fun-filled day comes to an end.