Ayutthaya floating market is also known as Khlong Sabua floating market and water theatre. It is located just to the North of the historic city of Ayutthaya in Thailand.
Set around a lotus pond in the countryside just outside the city limits, the market is not a traditional Thai floating market, indeed it is slightly confusing to call it such, since it is more a water based theatre where performers enact traditional Thai dance and folklore while appearing to glide over the watery stage.
There are a few traditional Thai market boats operated by ladies bedecked in the traditional market garb, floating around the lake, selling freshly cooked food.
However the main eating and cooking area that surrounds the stage is under shaded bamboo platforms just a few centimetres above the lakes surface . Here guests can be seated to enjoy the performance while eating and drinking to their hearts content.
Unfortunately there is no translation of the Thai narration as the actors perform in front of you, but this should not affect your enjoyment of the show which is very colourful and at times quite humorous.
If you wish to eat you simply buy food coupons, 5 baht(10p) per coupon and exchange them for the plates of food you want from the numerous stalls.
Unused coupons can be cashed in when you leave. The food is good quality, freshly cooked and very cheap.
There are five shows each day(weekends and Public Holidays) with the first starting at 11am and the last at 4.30pm. Originally entrance to the show was free but there is now a 50 Baht charge for adults with children paying 25 Baht.
Location and Directions:
Finding Ayutthaya floating market is fairly easy although I did not see any signs in English. On Ayutthaya island you follow the ring road(U-Thong) and head north and cross Khlong Muang(the moat round the city) towards Wat Na Phra Men, follow this road past Wat Sri Pho and the entrance to the market is at GPS: 14.380533 and 100.553863.
44 Moo 5 Tambol Klong Sabua,
Amphur Phranakorn Sri Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
Open Weekend & Public Holiday at 10am – 5.30pm
Tel : +6681 875 0838, +6687 680 9022
Email : klongsabua@gmail.com
Web Site: Ayutthaya Klong Sabua Floating Market and Water Theatre(available in a very good English version) as well as Thai.
Opinion:
Not a traditional floating market but certainly worth a visit if you enjoy Thai culture and cuisine. A very cheap half day out with the opportunity to get a few decent photographs. A good place to take a break if you are suffering from “temple overload” on a visit to Ayutthaya.
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