| Khlong Nakhon Neung Kate: Historic Floating Market 'The Real Deal' | |||
| UPDATE : 2 March 2010 | |||
| Once referred to as the 'Venice of the East', Bangkok once relied heavily upon its many waterways as a way of transporting large numbers of people and goods across and around the capital. Indeed, communities across the country would often develop alongside rivers and canals since these areas offered promise with regard to economic prospects, particularly through the trade of agricultural products. Most communities located alongside a busy waterway in the kingdom tend to have their own floating market and most of those that are currently still in existence are now over 100 years old. These communities have become increasingly important tourist attractions, as more and more visitors to the kingdom are interested in experiencing the authentic local lifestyle first hand. The only downside regarding this development is that greed has led to the emergence of several 'imitation' markets, as well as some that are only partly authentic. The real deal You can rest assured that the floating market located alongside Khlong Nakhon Neung Kate ('Nakhon Neung Kate Canal') in Chachoengsao province is a genuine example. You'll notice that, fortunately, the shophouse buildings located within the community still retain their original architectural appearance. Likewise, the market's vendors are genuine, too, having worked on the market for many years as their ancestors did before them. In fact, the majority of the folks selling goods at the market appear to be at least 50 years old. Since the market has been an important part of their lives and the life of the community, it's quite common to see the vendors chatting among themselves about aspects of local life. Based in the market's central area is a two-story wooden building that includes an old coffee shop. Sa-Pa Kafae is definitely well worth a visit since it provides an insight into how the local people have used the outlet as a place to socialize over a period of many years. Since many kinds of fruits and vegetables are grown in gardens and orchards located within the community without the use of commercial chemicals and fertilizers, there is plenty of fresh, organic produce for sale. Indeed, the crispy Chinese kale sold here is far cheaper than you would find in urban markets. You'll notice that these items appear to be particularly fresh and since there is an absence of any unpleasant aroma, it's safe to say that these organically produced goods are also totally authentic. If you walk alongside the canal in Chumchon Suan Mamuang ('The community filled with mango orchards'), you'll soon discover that, as its name suggests, mango is the most commonly cultivated commodity in the area. After sampling some of the fruit at the market, I can assure you that these mangoes are particularly fresh, juicy and tasty. Visitors to the market who like to eat traditional Thai desserts will also likely enjoy their visit, although I was surprised to discover that I'd never heard of some of the names of the dishes for sale here, such as Khanom Duang, which is a kind of Thai sweetmeat cooked with a mixture of tapioca and rice flour, then kneaded into shape before being steamed. Like many other forms of steamed sweetmeats, Khanom Duang is eaten with roasted sesame, salt, sugar and strips of coconut. Prepared in a special way, each portion of Gui Chai ('Steamed Chinese dumpling with chives and deep fried garlic') includes some particularly nifty pleats. Depending on the time of year and the height of the tide, it is possible to take a cruise along the canal. Taking about 40 minutes, this cruise is well worth signing up for since it provides the visitor with an insightful look at how the community has successfully operated since its inception. Please note that during some periods, the cruise operator cannot operate the cruise trip if the tide is too low. Transport connections: Car: Take Highway 304 from Bangkok towards Chachoengsao province. At Kilometer 65, you'll spot a bridge crossing over a canal. As soon as you've crossed the bridge, take the first left-hand turn. Once located in this street drive right to the end of the road, where you will see the market's car park area. | |||
วันอังคารที่ 2 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2553
Khlong Nakhon Neung Kate: Historic Floating Market 'The Real Deal'
สมัครสมาชิก:
ส่งความคิดเห็น (Atom)
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น