The floating markets of Hua Hin are (finally) open

It still smells strongly of fresh paint and construction, towing and carpentry is still going on everywhere, but the two floating markets of Hua Hin, the famous seaside resort 220 kilometers south of Bangkok, opened their doors last Friday. That's almost four months after the announced date; digging a large lake in an area that has never had much water was a considerable waste of times up.

Yesterday I went to take a look at the largest floating market of the two, the Hua Hin Sam Phan Nam. Two days after the opening, the visitors hung their legs outside, but that was of course because it was a long weekend, given the Queen's birthday on Friday. So full house, and a remarkable number of Thai visitors. In fact, counting myself, there were not much more than four or five foreigners.

The whole exudes an overwhelming Efteling atmosphere, but without the attractions. The whole consists of a large lake, surrounded by a walking path with 200 shops and restaurants. A larger collection of knickknacks is almost impossible to find Thailand to behold. In the water are about forty long tail punts that sell food and drink. There is no question of 'floating', because the boats are stuck in the sand. The water depth is so shallow that not only Jesus can walk on water here. A train quickly takes visitors at the back to the stall where they want to be. There are no short cuts, so there is no other option than to complete the entire journey. On the other hand, it should be noted that the prices are quite reasonable and at normal Thai level.

With more than 12 hectares, the Sam Phan Nam Floating Market is much larger than the 7 hectares of the Hua Hin Flaoting market. According to general director Anusara Dankul, the former market costs just under five million euros. This company specializes in setting up floating markets. The first project has been realized in Ayuthaya. The plan is to go all over Thailand to open five of these markets, aimed at tourists. Hua Hin was chosen because of the large number of foreign guests and the relatively high amount they have to spend.

Whether both floating markets, still a stone's throw from each other on Soi 112, can keep their heads above water, remains to be seen in the coming months. It was now a long weekend with many Thai tourists, the coming weeks it looks less prosperous. But then the high season comes to the rescue again.

[Nggallery id = 77]