Tha Kha Floating Market: Ancient Waterside Bazaar in Samut Songkhram
Tha Kha Floating Market in Samut Songkhram province is an over-100-year-old waterside bazaar where farmers still paddle boats to sell produce on weekends and public holidays. The authentic market preserves traditional riverside life alongsi
Tha Kha Floating Market is a must-visit attraction in Samut Songkhram province. Located in Tha Kha subdistrict, Amphawa district, this market is over 100 years old with a documented connection to a royal visit by King Rama V to the Tha Kha Canal, confirming the community's antiquity. Evidence includes accounts from descendants of those who received the king and royal gifts such as a walking stick, portrait, and seal.
The settlement originated as a farming community cultivating papaya, shallots, garlic, and fresh chilies. Farmers historically exchanged surplus produce on the second, seventh, and twelfth lunar days of each month by boat, as roads were undeveloped. As inter-village trade increased, this exchange system developed into Tha Kha Floating Market, expanding to Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays between approximately 6 AM and 2 PM, with peak activity in early morning.
The market remains a small, authentic floating market preserving its traditional character and farmers' heritage. Vendors paddle boats to sell their own goods. Inside the market, footpaths run parallel to the canal, lined with centuries-old riverside houses still inhabited on both sides. Bridges cross the canal offering panoramic views of the floating market.
The community's main products include fresh sugar, coconut sugar, coconut products, salt, vegetables, fruits, and various foods and snacks. Beyond viewing, tasting, and shopping at the market, Samut Songkhram province offers new-way agricultural tourism programs focused on environmental care, organized by the Samut Songkhram Agricultural Office.
Twelve agricultural and product enterprises across three districts (four per district) are featured:
Mueang Samut Songkhram District: salt granule and salt flowers; coconut sugar processing; women's ice lemonade enterprise featuring agricultural knowledge and orchard tours; and a traditional farming village homestay group with hydroponic vegetable cultivation and crab-fishing boat activities.
Amphawa District: a Tha Kha Floating Market homestay group offering coconut sugar-making and Thai dessert workshops; a herbal products cosmetics enterprise with herb garden tours; and a naturally dyed fabric group using local plant dyes with learning centers for training.
Bang Khonthi District: a new-way agriculture community learning village with traditional lifestyle experiences and cultural charm; and other community enterprises focusing on agricultural heritage and sustainable farming practices.
