Damneon Saduak Floating Market
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The Damneon Sadauk Floating Market is a vibrant cultural hub nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, renowned for its kaleidoscope of colors, exotic aromas, and bustling atmosphere. Situated along the tranquil waters of the Danneon River, this market embodies the timeless tradition of riverine commerce, where local vendors and artisans converge to showcase their wares aboard intricately crafted wooden boats. As dawn breaks, the market springs to life with a symphony of sounds: vendors hawking their goods, the gentle lapping of water against boat hulls, and the chatter of bargaining voices echoing through the air. The scene is a feast for the senses, with stalls brimming with an array of fresh produce, aromatic spices, handcrafted textiles, and traditional handicrafts, each offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Southeast Asian culture. Navigating through the maze of boats, visitors are treated to a sensory journey like no other. They can sample exotic fruits and street food delicacies, watch skilled artisans at work, or even embark on a leisurely boat ride to explore the hidden corners of the market. The Danneon Sadauk Floating Market isn't just a marketplace; it's a cultural immersion, where every interaction tells a story and every purchase fosters a connection between buyer and seller. But beyond its vibrant commerce, the market also serves as a vital social hub, where locals gather to catch up with friends, share stories, and celebrate life's simple pleasures. Whether it's savoring a steaming bowl of noodle soup at a makeshift waterfront eatery or simply watching the world drift by from the comfort of a boat, visitors are invited to slow down, embrace the moment, and immerse themselves in the rhythm of riverine life. As the sun sets and the market begins to wind down, the sense of community lingers, leaving visitors with memories that will last a lifetime. The Danneon Sadauk Floating Market isn't just a place to shop—it's an experience that captures the essence of Southeast Asia's vibrant culture and leaves a lasting impression on all who had visited the place 23rd, June 1996 Our Maiden Voyage to Damneon Sadauk 1. The signage Our model with the signage of that time
2. Refuse collector boat Canal cleaning on water
3. A typical morning scene This is the most authentic scene with the normal market functioning with little locals patronage. Most important - No Tourist
4. Customers standing and lining up the banks on both sides Incidentally, the right bank had alarger crowd, this was a transition stage with loading and unloading
5. Overall view Wonderful sight, we were the only visitors seated on the left bank 6 A birds eye view from above Got this picture standing on the bridge overlooking the canal
8 . We were looking for the enticing type of food to pass byWhile i snapped away at the more crowded exchange centre
9. Food chosen at last See how unhurried and leisure life was
10. As time passed we were joined by some Caucasians Not coconuts! We were having transaction with the half hidden boat closer to bank
11 . Getting a share of how the view was from here
12 A good view Good piling up at the wholesale corner - our girls enjoying their breakfast - business in the canal picking up
14. More memories of that morning by the canal
15. Enjoying breakfast
16. Raw cockroaches
9th May 2001 Next trip - Peng Su, Joh lin and Blue Teoh 19-2- 1Raw cockroaches Signage on the bridge only English and the huge signage in Thai removed
19-2- 2 Business was still very authentically rural
19-2- 4 Having breakfast on the bank A privilege that we all enjoyed
19-2- 7 Busy market scene Almost no tourit yet, very authentic and real Floating Market
19-2- 8 Oh No! Departmental shop on the bank Very unbecoming of a Floating Market
19-2- 9 Peeled fruit for touirst
19-2- 10 Back to some scenes of real market
19-2- 11 Yes, this was another
9-2- 12 A good variety of offerings
19-2- 13 Authentic Thai food - curry
19-2- 14 Same boat another angle
19-2- 15 Squeezing past one another now
19-2- 16 Collected quite a few shots of the food on offer
19-2- 17 Here noodles with hot soup
19-2- 18 OK Bananas - quite common
19-2- 19 Thai durian were they in season?
19-2- 20 Fresh prawns too
19-2- 21 I suppose Thai family buys the whole fruits back and cut themselves
19-2- 22 I cannot make this out
19-2- 23 Dried stuff
19-2- 24 Shaved Coconut
22nd February 2010 Our Next visit 19-3- 1 Huge parking area for tour buses Our tiny van parked in another area
19-3- 2 More signage New services for tourist
19-3- 3 Seated facilities under shed Signs of infusion by foreigners
19-3- 4 An old practice Hawker's food still seen among the many boats with fruits
19-3- 5 That old charm of double parking Serving fruits as against selling only raw fruits
19-3- 6 PAEW passenger service Group cruise with high capacity seating instead of dedicated boat for private use
19-3- 7 A barricade Wondering what was that meant for?
19-3- 8 My Goodness! departmental stores on the bank! Very unorthodox
19-3- 9 Souvenir shops appeared Clear sign of foreign intrusion, creating different needs created alien market to dilute and disrupting local lifestyle
19-3- 10 Well dressed stall leeper Waiting for orders
19-3- 11 Mixed offerings - fruits and foods Traditional hawkers with lean times
19-3- 12 So was the mixed crowd Less involved with eating and more clicking away
19-3- 13 For once, my own picture appears Passenger's boats joining the jam. Good picture -more onlookers and less patrons
19-3- 14 Staring a short series showing mummy's participation Where is the "floating" Market? So little representation.
19-3- 15 Another scene More passenger's boats and less hawkers
19-3- 16 Must be a canal boat stop Clear winds of changes
19-3- 17 Looking more like a tour centre Traditionally dress models
19-3- 18 The human crowd
19-3- 19 Oh No! only certain segment of canal with bussiness The sparse and empty zone appearing - right under the signage "Floating Market"
19-3- 20 Clear sign of loosing its old charm
19-3- 21 As we floated along Only a stone throw from the "epicentre"
19-3- 22 The next few pictures about fellow travellers Kwai Loh eating
19-3- 23 Real Tourist
19-3- 24 On lookers
19-3- 25 This is a local on her way out
19-3- 26 Our Group photo
19-3- 27 Still looking for patron in an unlikely spot
19-3- 28 Long haul transporters
19-3- 29 Back to departure point End of our survey
19-3- 30 Our driver Waiting for us
The tour bussiness was obviously interfering with local tradition and the additional sales of souvenirs was not sustainable. At that we saw the change in mood but did not foresee the decline in attractions when less local were discontinuing their patronage of the old traditional market 3rd May2016 -15 years apart 19-4- 1 Souvenirs shop better organised Better and larger shops
19-4- 2 The market participants - vanished Empty banks and plenty of empty boats too
19-4- 3 Plying the canal an occasional or isolated vendor
19-4- 5 Focus point shrunk to a short stretch of banks Empty cafe
19-4- 6 Every operator or canal side sho[s Very very low volume of traffic
19-4- 7 They even extended lean-to as covers against hot sun Again thin crowd
19-4- 8 Looks like main bussiness - "Canal Tour" To see what?
19-4- 9 Well ornate boat packed with souvenirs What was pulling the crowd? the obsoleted publicity
19-4- 10 No tinge of rural mood Highly commercialised
19-4- 11 All along the canal Emptiness
19-4- 12 Further out beyond the spot on spot Original rural Thai lifestyle has forgo the needs and existence of a market
19-4- 13 More obvious at night Life have to go on
13th January 2023 - The final conformation 19-5- 1 What to do with the boats and erected structure? All signage clearly erased - actually cleared out
14th May 2023 19-6- 1 A normal Thai canal Bridge stripped clean off signage
After perusing the newly added images, I find myself grappling with conflicting emotions regarding the concept of a Floating Market. On one hand, as a somewhat selfish individual, I am relieved to possess a substantial collection of scenes capturing a bygone era. However, I am equally disheartened by the loss of an iconic Thai lifestyle that the Floating Market epitomized. This locale was once a standout attraction, offering visitors an authentic taste of Thai culture through its unique market style. The gradual decline and ultimate disappearance of this way of life raise intriguing questions for those familiar with the area. Yet, it evokes a sense of melancholy for those who missed the opportunity to witness and participate in its glory days The demise of this social hub is a profound loss, leaving behind only remnants and symbolic displays of its former vibrancy. I consider myself fortunate to have dedicated numerous hours over time to witness the Floating Market's ascent to fame and its eventual decline. It is saddening to witness the dismantling of such a cherished social tradition, leaving behind mere structures
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Yes! 13 A transaction ! - That much
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