Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Amphawa & Damnoen Saduak: Floating Markets, Fireflies & Fried Things on Sticks Thailand isn’t just temples and tuk-tuks. It’s also a place where shopping on water is totally normal, and dessert for breakfast is encouraged. If you’re ready for a day (and night) of floating feasts, chaotic canals, and glowing bugs, buckle up. We’re diving into the Amphawa and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market combo extravaganza. First Stop: Amphawa, Where the River Parties Begin Located about 90 km from Bangkok, Amphawa is where city folk escape to eat, shop, and float their worries away. Unlike its more touristy cousin Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa is more popular with locals, which means better prices and fewer people yelling “Special price for you!” Here’s what to do when you get there: Eat like you’ve never heard of cholesterol: Grilled prawns, crab omelets, coconut ice cream, and fried squid on skewers. If it can be cooked and served from a boat, it’s here. Shop along the canal: Think vintage cloth...

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: Where the Fruit Comes to You (on a Boat!) Guest writer: Happy Hippo Let’s talk about one of Thailand’s most delightfully chaotic experiences: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Picture this: you’re on a narrow wooden boat, bumping elbows with tourists, dodging selfie sticks, and a Thai granny in a straw hat paddles up to you, trying to sell you a coconut, some mango sticky rice, and possibly a hat shaped like a fruit. Welcome to the floating market circus you didn’t know you needed. How to Get There (Hint: Not by Floating) So, Damnoen Saduak is about 100 km southwest of Bangkok. That’s around 1.5 to 2 hours if you’re in a car, or 3 hours if your local bus driver insists on stopping for noodles every 20 minutes. The easiest ways to get there are: Group tour vans : Cheap, fast, full of sweaty tourists who will later photobomb all your shots. Private car : A bit pricier but more comfortable. Also, no awkward van small talk. DIY adventure : Bus to Damnoen Sad...