A short break has arrived, and we had the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll through a riverside market in the province of Saraburi, not far from Bangkok and easily accessible within an hour's drive. The market in question is the "Ban Ton Tan Ancient Floating Market," located in the Sa Hai district of Saraburi province.
The ancient water-resistant market of Ban Ton Tan is a riverside market on the Pa Sak River, belonging to the Ban Ton Tan community in Sa Hai district. This community is a Tai Yuan community that migrated from Chiang Saen district, Chiang Rai province in the past. The way of life within this community still maintains the cultural traditions of the Tai Yuan people, including language, dress, food, and way of life.
The most convenient way to travel is by private car. There is free parking available at the temple. You can follow the GPS to get there. If you are coming from Bangkok, it will take about an hour and a half to get there.
The market is open only on Sundays from 8:00 AM to approximately 3:00 PM. Inside the market, there are a variety of goods for sale, such as silk, woven products, and handmade goods. In addition, there is a wide variety of food and desserts available. Let's go see the atmosphere inside the market.
Within the market, there are stalls selling food on both sides, making it difficult to choose. Most of the food sold is made by local villagers according to traditional recipes. It's all delicious!
A Sweet Treat and Cultural Immersion
The highlight of this experience is the refreshingly sweet, freshly squeezed sugarcane juice served in traditional woven palm leaf containers. Visitors can enjoy this treat while strolling through the market, adding to the authentic ambiance. Additionally, captivating performances of traditional Thai Yuan dance further immerse guests in the local culture. Some visitors even choose to dress in period attire, enhancing the immersive experience.
A refreshing glass of freshly squeezed sugarcane juice is the perfect pick-me-up after a tiring walk through the market. It instantly re-energizes and allows you to continue exploring.
The local community offers a variety of goods for sale, as shown in the images. These include freshly made snacks and other items. The products are made fresh on-site, ensuring their quality and freshness.
At the riverside, there are floating platforms where you can bring your own food and enjoy the cool breeze while watching a traditional dance performance. This adds to the relaxing atmosphere of a laid-back weekend getaway.
After a short walk from the market, you will find the Thai Yuan Cultural Hall, a traditional Thai house on the banks of the Pa Sak River. This hall offers visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Thai Yuan people, including traditional dance lessons and boat building demonstrations.
Those who have nowhere to go on Sunday, I recommend coming here to chill. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. You can relax with great music, enjoy delicious food with your family, and it's not far from Bangkok. Plus, there are many other attractions nearby.
Exploring the Ancient Water Market of Ban Ton Tan: A Glimpse into Thai Yuan Culture
This post captures a walk through the #ตลาดต้าน้ำโบราณบ้านต้นตาล, the ancient water market of Ban Ton Tan, in #เสาไห้, #สระบุรี. The hashtag #วิถีไทยวน highlights the focus on the traditional way of life of the Thai Yuan people, showcasing their unique cultural heritage.
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Walking Around
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 8:02 PM