The Damnoen Saduak Floating market and the ride with elephants

The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the Elephant Village are located outside Bangkok. We rented a car to get there, though I think there might be tourist excursions and transportation organized. We also visited a Coconut farm, a carving workshop and store on our way. 

I was reading about the Damnoen Saduak on TripAdvisor before visiting and the tourists’ feedbacks were not very encouraging. However, I think the Floating Market is worth visiting. Yes, you have to see that market, even if prices are excessively high, you can always bargain, or simply enjoy the ride on the narrow boat, without even buying anything… even if the appearance of the water is not inviting. They sell everything there: national clothes, paintings, souvenirs, fruits, hats, useful and unnecessary things. I found the ride an interesting experience, it is colorful, beautiful, loud, exotic and my personal attitude is that you can't miss the only floating markets in the world. Of course, there are local markets where more locals and less tourists go, but time schedule is different for them (they are open mostly in early mornings and only on weekends) which does not always happen to coincide with a tourist's charged program. Other markets are: Taling Chan Market, Bang Ku Wiang Market, Tha Kha. 

You can find cons and pros but places are designed to be seen, consequently it’s a pity to fly 8 hours from Europe and don’t get to see the unique floating markets and have a ride with an elephant and see the jungle.  

Recommended: be informed that the market does not operate as it used in the past and be ready to bargain the prices for boats.