A few miles South and west of Bangkok is the village of Samut Songkhram where we enjoyed experiencing the rural life of Thailand. Since this village is close to the ocean our first stop was at the fish market. You cannot imagine all the different gifts from the sea! Snapper, tilapia, crabs, prawns, huge squid, live clams live catfish and so much more! Next to the fish was the fresh produce with vegetables and herbs I've never heard of! Pink eggs (pickled), chicken, duck, meats and more!!
The next stop was the floating market. Farmers started this tradition to bring their goods to market to trade with other farmers. Then they started bringing food to cook and share, then the tourist and locals wanted in on it and it grew! Everyone is selling from their boats - trinkets, fried bananas cooked while you watch, fresh fruit cut and prepared while you watch, fish, vegetables and more! Booths are set up on shore too selling clothes, carvings etc.
The third market we visited was also very unique. It grew up along a railroad track that is used by a train only three times a day. The vendors set their wares and foods along either side of the rail, cover the booth with a canvas lean-to to keep out the sun and when the train arrives or departs they move the canvas lean-to back away from the train, roll the foods or goods back from the track and wait for the train to pass before moving it all back into place. It was fun to watch but don't blink! It happens quickly!
The coconut tree is very important to the Thai people as every part of can be used for something. One part that is unusual is the syrup from the flower. It is gathered much like maple syrup, boiled down over a wood burning stove, cooled and sold at market. It tastes like a very mild molasses. Following this demonstration we rode in a paddle boat around the coconut farm then got into a long-tail boat for a 45 minute ride down the river and back to the village.
On the way back to Bangkok we visited a 1553 temple held together by the roots of a ficus tree and the home of King Rama II who had a love for the arts, including puppets made from cow hide in a lacy and ornate fashion.
Dinner tonight was on a repurposed wooden river rice barge where we saw many beautiful sites lite up and shining on the river.
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