talaat nahm (ตลาดน้ำ)

Thai. ‘Water market’. A floating market where people trade from boats. These markets have a rich history dating back to the Ayutthaya and early Rattanakosin periods, when canals connected communities and merchants navigated boats laden with produce, seafood, and goods. Floating markets were not just centers of commerce but also lively social hubs. With the expansion of road networks in the 20th century, floating markets saw a decline in significance, and many faded from prominence. However, although these markets are no longer the commercial hubs they once were, they have in recent decades experienced a revival, now primarily serving as cultural and tourist attractions. While some still cater to local populations, many offer visitors a nostalgic glimpse into Thailand's riverine heritage, showcasing traditional wooden boats filled with tropical fruits, grilled seafood, coconut pancakes, and guay tiyaw reua (fig.), literally ‘boat rice noodles’,  an original dish that has it roots in this waterborne commerce. Floating markets are still found throughout the country and on the Bangkok canals, such as Talaat Nahm Khwan-Riam, i.e. Khwan-Riam Floating Market (fig.), on Khlong Saen Saeb. The floating market most visited  by foreign tourists is Damnoen Saduak in the province Ratchaburi (map - fig.). Less touristy are the floating markets of Sai Noi in Nonthaburi; Bang Phli in Samut Prakan, which besides a floating market is also home to Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai (map - fig.), a temple related to the Legend of the Five Floating Buddha Statues; and those in Samut Songkhram, including the daily talaat nahm ‘amphawaa’, and the talaat nahm ‘tha kha’ and talaat nahm ‘bang noi’, which open only a few times per month, on dates determined by the traditional lunar calendar. The Ayodhaya Floating Market or Talaat Nahm Ayodhaya (ตลาดน้ำอโยธยา) in Ayutthaya (map - fig.) is visited by mostly Thai tourists and on a regular basis the organizers put on a cultural show, both on land and in boats, featuring historical events from the Ayutthaya Period, with actors dressed as warriors (fig.). Floating markets were promoted during the campaign for the 1971 Visit ASEAN Year, which resulted in the publication of a postage stamp (fig.) in that year, and are also regularly promoted during certain events or in shopping malls (vdo). Also talaat thong nahm. See THEMATIC STREET LIGHT (1) and (2), WATCH VIDEO (1), (2) and (3), and VIDEO (EN). 回