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Most vendors paddle around in sampan, which are simple, square-ended rowing boats that are easily maneuvered and ideal for displaying goods for sale. The tourists, however, are propelled around the canals in longtail boats. These boats can be noisy but offer protection from the elements and can cover a big area in a short time.

A vendor doing brisk business in a sampan

What is normally referred to as Damnoen Saduak Floating Market actually consists of three separate markets. The biggest of these is Ton Kem Market on Khlong Damnoen Saduak. The market is very popular with both tour groups and vendors, the result being that the canal often gets jammed with boats.

A short way south of Ton Kem, Hia Kui market is less frequented by tourists and hence has a more authentic feel to it. The banks of the canal are dotted with souvenir shops where some group tours stop for mementos.

Located on a smaller khlong, or canal, a little over a mile (2 km) south of Hia Kui, Khun Pitak is the least crowded of the three markets. However it is still a bustling place early in the morning when locals buy their breakfast or fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, and spices, from the vendors.

Many of the sampan on the canals here sell pomelos, bananas, rose apples, and jackfruit that are freshly picked from local orchards.

Although there are plenty of opportunities for taking pictures while exploring the canals by boat, the classic view of the floating market, thick with vendors and colorful produce, is from the bridge that crosses the canal at Ton Kem market.

The sampan that the vendors paddle along the canals provide no protection from the elements, so most vendors wear a ngob – a traditional hat that ingeniously allows for ventilation. Many also wear a collarless denim shirt typical in rural Thailand.

To add variety to a visit to the floating market, many tour groups include a visit to an orchard to look at the trees and sample ripe fruit. Some orchards also keep harmless pythons, which tourists can drape round their necks for a souvenir photo.

It is a minor miracle that cooks can prepare a tasty bowl of gooaydteeo rua, or boat noodles, in a small boat and serve it without spilling a drop. These dishes are so popular that noodle shops often display their goods in a boat.

Since busloads of tourists arrive in Damnoen Saduak every morning, it is not surprising to find that many locals operate souvenir stalls on the banks of the canals, selling traditional hats, silk purses, carved soaps, and, of course, colorful postcards of the market.