Ratchaburi’s floating art world
For backpackers having a passion for Thai art, Ratchaburi, one of the Central provinces in Thailand has a unique floating market known as Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Around 40 km from Bangkok lies Ratchaburi reputed for its floating market that not only provides wonderful glimpses of traditional Thai lifestyle to travellers but also introduces them into the exotic world of Thai art and craft.
A view of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market at Ratchaburi
I was in for luck to visit Ratchaburi Floating Market twice and embarked upon to cruise the long tail speed boat along the canal that passes through orchards, traditional teak houses of Thai countryside and traders selling their stuff on flat boats. There is an amazing array of shops lined up on either side of the canal that exhibit artistically crafted handmade products of Thailand that took us into an art sojourn. There are a plethora of Thai art and craft items at the floating market that make the travellers spoilt for choice. For art buffs, this is definitely the destination to head for.
Wooden handicrafts on display
After navigating the water, we strolled through the floating market and gazed in admiration at the astounding range of Thai craft items. We came across several wall décor stuff like elephants embossed on wall plates crowding the shelves of the shops that are quite a common sight. One can get to pick up the fascinating hats of Thailand crafted from bamboo and palm leaves that have multi-purpose utility and are used as elegant hand fans. The fascinating, colourful hand painted Thai umbrellas on fine silk with floral motifs and birds should not be given a miss that make great gift items. These umbrellas are a favouirte for tourists since they can get a good bargain at the floating market. There are umbrellas with painted wooden handles that look like dolls when folded.
Handpainted Thai umbrellas at the floating market
We found a huge array of Khon masks mostly used by performers of traditional dance-drama of Thailand. There are masks of demons, monkeys, lions and other animals at the floating market. The most popular eye-catching items are the numerous handmade wall hangings in black background flaunting an array of elephants being the national animal of Thailand.
Wall hangings flaunting elephants are common
The best-known products at the floating market are the hand bags and purses crafted from Thai silk with elephant motifs woven in golden threads. One can gape at cotton hand bags and pillow covers that have glitzy appliqué work of elephant designs embroidered on it. There are funky jewelleries crafted from stones and beads.
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