Chayprapat Waithayakul  

The floating market at Wat Don Wai (near Wat Rai Khing) has become very popular for Thai and foreign tourists. It is located on Nakhon Chai Si River, Nakhon Pathom Province, and only about 30 kms. from Bangkok. It took us only 45 minutes drive from Din Dang Express way. They open daily from 07:00 – 18:00.

We were there about 11:00 am. on the weekend. It’s already crowded. We were very excited to look and shop around. They are many shops and many kinds along the walkway such as food, drink, dessert, home decoration, toys, plants, cloths and many kinds on traditional dessert and sweets that hardly find in Bangkok.

Thai dessert and sweets.

Fresh homemade

We did not have much time to enjoy the cruise.  We’re just ate too much.  You have to come and visit by yourself.  You can not imagine how many kinds of food they have.

Fruits, Vegetables, Toys and much more

You can take a boat trip along the river which is very naturally beautiful while having lunch on the boat. They also have another half day tour and full day tour packages and sightseeing for you to choose. Boats are available for rent for scenic river trips.

Cruising along the Tha Chin River while having lunch on the boat

Cruising along the Tha Chin River is available at Don Wai Market by riding a converted cargo boat and a passenger boat. There are 2 cruise lines:

1. from Wat Don Wai passing Wat Rai Khing, and Wang Pla. Travel time is about 1.15 hours and the fare is 60 Baht for adult and 30 Baht for child.

2. from Wat Don Wai passing Wat Rai Khing, Wang Pla, Wat Sanphet, Wat Decha, the police cadet academy, and the Rose Garden. Travel time is about 1.30 hours and the fare is 100 Baht for adult and 50 Baht for child.

Getting there: you can get there via two routes:

1. from Bangkok, take the old Petkasem Road route, the entrance to Don Whai market is opposite the Elephant Show ground and Sam Phran Crocodile Farm. Take the route to Wat Rai Khing, when you reach the Wat Rai Khing, go on for another 10 Kms. passing also Wat Tha Put. Don Wai temple will be seen on the left.

2. From Pinklao-Nakhon Chaisi route (new route), take the Buddhamonthon V Road, there is a road sign to Wat Rai Khing, take that road, keep on going for another 4 Kms., you’ll see the second sign to Wat Rai Khing, turn right here and go on for another 4.5 Kms, then take a left turn at the T-intersection that leads to Don Whai Market, it will on your left-hand side.

Chonburi Privince is on Thailand’s eastern coast and it is the nearest beaches destination from Bangkok. Beside Pattaya – probably Thailand’s most famous beach destinations, today I chose to go to Bang Sean Beach.  An also well-known holiday beach, Bang Sean is only 14 kilometres from the provincial town and about  1 hour drive from Bangna, Bangkok.   

The area boasts abundant natural resources, which are highlighted by delightful beaches, local colors, traditions, delicacies and fresh seafood.  This is a popular resort among Bangkokians who seek the nearest escape from hectic weekly schedules and Bang Sean has something for everyone.  You can have one day trip at Bang Sean.

I used Burapavithi express way from Bangna, Bangkok and it took an hour drive to get there.  For budget travelers, several buses depart daily from Ekkamai bus terminal through the day.    In addition, there are local “Song Taew” or local transport services connecting Chonburi – Nong Mon Market – Bang Sean.   A wide range of hotels and bungalows are located by the sea and bicycles for rent are available in shops nearby.  Weekends are always particularly crowded.   The weather there is very nice in February.   Shorts and sandals are the usual daytime wear.  You can also by locally made clothing very cheaply there. 

Seafood price start from 50 - 400 Baht

Coconut Juice = 10 Baht & Shrimp Fried = 20 Baht

Along the pavement, you can enjoy tasting the delicious seafood such as dried squid, mussels and spicy steamed-fish-cakes.  Many restaurants that line the beach have recently been improved to become more neat and orderly.  The price is also reasonable.  One single dish is start from 30 Baht.   

We decided to have lunch at the beach.  We rent deck chair for 6 people, 30 baht per chair (price can be negotiable), they give us a discount to 150 Baht for a whole day.  After lunch, we had a shot nap.  We did not want to get wet today but if you want to play on the beach, you can play banana boat, speed boat or you can rent rubber rings for you entertain.¼/p>