This is what you get when you order a “roomy vehicle with a driver” in Thailand:
Oh well, it had nice air conditioning, it was comfortable, and we were going to be spending the better part of the day in it since our destinations were about two hours west of Bangkok in the province of Samut Songkram.
Our plans were to go to at least one of Thailand’s famous floating markets, then the famous railway market (more in a minute), and then if we could squeeze it in the Bangkok Flower Market.
First up was the Amphawa floating market. There are tons of floating markets in and around Bangkok (or at least closer) but they have all turned over to become tourist meccas and so they now sell souvenirs from boats. Not what we wanted, we wanted a more authentic experience and so off we went on our day trip to the west in our tour bus.
After a relatively straightforward drive (except for a short detour through the jungles that ended well for everyone) we arrived at the Amphawa Floating Market and were greeted with this happy little vista.
We were in heaven! So off we marched. The market itself lines both sides of the river and there are small foot bridges that let you pass from one side to the other every so often.
This was a real, live, working market where local people were out doing their Saturday shopping. So much to see!
Peppers of a variety unknown to us.
Lunch is served!
