Shopping From Boats

A floating market sells goods directly from boats. These markets originated where water transport played an important role.

During the Ayutthaya Period from 1350 to 1767, adjoining canals made boat trading popular in Thailand. Thais took rush hour to the canals.

Archaeologists found ancient trading networks in Vietnam's river deltas.

After 1782, Bangkok built roads and rail networks instead of canals; many floating markets were forced onto land or closed.

Today most floating markets serve as tourist attractions. They are found in Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and India.

The 200-year-old floating market at Kuriana in Swarupkati draws hundreds of tourists every day. Two centuries of damp shopping.

Vendors cook dishes in floating kitchens on their boats.

Shoppers buy guava, durian, Thai silk, and conical hats while bargaining directly from the water. Retail therapy requires oars.