All photographs taken on these pages were taken with either the Nokia N8 or the Nokia 808 Pureview. While they may not be as good as some DSLR cameras, they take extremely good photos for a “camera you’ll always have with you”.
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There are now two separate floating markets in Hua Hin. They are very near one another so it is quite easy to visit both in less than a day.
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| The Hua Hin Floating Market is about 11km southeast from the Hua Hin town center on Hwy 112. Built in around 2010 along with the separate but nearby Sam Phan Nam Floating Market, these tourist attractions were built in what were pineapple fields with little history of markets or water. This is not to say that they are not worth a few hours of your time.
The Hua Hin Floating Market is a bit more up-scale with many shops on the banks of a small, meandering, man-made canal. These shops sell Thai handicrafts, Thai sweets and treats, and food and drinks. There is also a small petting zoo with a few goats and sheep. The architecture is a cross between classical Thai and California strip mall but there are places to take photographs and spend some time with the family. There are also paddle boats and Thai boats in which you can float in the canal/river. |
The Hua Hin Sam Phan Nam Floating Market is just beyond the Hua Hin Floating Market (the Hua Hin Floating Market is on Hwy 112, so pass it and turn left on the first paved road after you pass the Hua Hin Floating Market and the Sam Phan Nam Floating Market is about another km on your right.) This market was built around an existing lake. There are many shops and restaurants selling Thai handicrafts and food. The lake supports ducks and black and white swans and there is a small train that will take you around the outside of the market. This market also has paddle boats to ride. There are also fishing boats as used in the Gulf of Thailand.
Both of these floating markets are quite busy on the weekends when many Thais travel to Hua Hin from Bangkok. They are both open from 10am to early evening and are nice places to spend a few restful hours (if you go on a week day). |
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One of several bridges crossing the canal at the Hua Hin Floating Market. There are many shops along the canal and many places planted with orchids and palms for taking pictures. Each of the buildings is named after a district of Thailand.
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The clock tower at the entrance to the market has Thai numerals. |
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| River taxis such as this one are quite common plying the canals around Bangkok but are not normally seen in the Hua Hin area. Rivers taxis travel the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok and many use the taxis daily to commute to work or school. | Long boats such as this one are used as racing boats all over Thailand. Boat racing is held at various times during the year, depending on the region. Some boat crews travel from region to region representing their home villages. Boat racing is held annually at the Khao Tao Reservoir just south of Hua Hin at the end of the year. |
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| Cannon at Entrance to Hua Hin Floating Market | Boats and Orchids at Hua Hin Floating Market |
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| Orchids At Hua Hin Floating Market | Colorful Shirts at the Floating Market |
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