A floating market is a market where goods are sold from boats. Originating in times and places where water transport played an important role in daily life, most floating markets operating today mainly serve as tourist attractions, and are chiefly found in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and India. 

Thailand 

In Thailand, floating markets (Thai: ตลาดน้ำ talāt nām literally: "water market") are well supported locally and mainly serve as tourist attractions. One of their purposes is to allow domestic visitors and international tourists to be able to experience the culture of riverside shopping. 

History 

In the past, the areas adjacent to the rivers were the first to be populated. Thus, most communities in Thailand were built at the sides of rivers. The waterways served as means of transportation and the center of economic activity, as well. Boats were mainly used for local and regional trade, bringing goods from those that produced to those that could barter and trade. Such ways of life of the riverside communities, especially in the Chao Phraya River Basin, increased the number of floating markets. 

Floating markets became the hubs of the communities in the central plain of Thailand for centuries.[3] In the Ayutthaya Period (1350–1767), due to the existence of several adjoining canals that were suitable for trading, they helped to gain popularity for this type of market. 

Early in the Rattanakosin Period (1782–1868), this kind of market was still lively with the crowds. Nonetheless, soon after the region grew and Bangkok began to develop, road and rail networks were increasingly constructed in place of the canals. This resulted in people choosing to travel by land instead of by water. Therefore, some of the floating markets were forced to move onto land, some were renovated, and some were closed down. 

Originally, the term meaning floating market in Thai, used to be called (Thai: ตลาดท้องน้ำ talāt tĥxng nām literally: "floor of the water market"). Until in the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), therefore cutting only talat nam. 

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market 

This is Ratchaburi’s premier attraction and also considered as Thailand’s best-known floating market, which is visited by both Thai and foreign tourists.  Debuting a little over 40 years ago as an international tourist destination, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market has made an impression on thousands of visitors coming here each year with the hundreds of boats that crowd the market area from early morning until midday with vendors selling everything from vegetables and fruits to freshly-cooked noodle and souvenirs.  The present market has been repositioned from Khlong Lat Phli to Khlong Ton Khem. The market is situated on a ground that was a bus terminal used by farmers deliver send their produce to Bangkok, and this relocation is considered to provide more convenience for visitors travelling to the market by car.  The market is open from early morning till 11.00 a.m. 

Amphawa Market, a Waterfront Commercial Centre of the Past 

Taking the path along the canal, one passes wooden row-houses with propped-up or folded door panels. Several original shops remain in operation, such as that selling Chinese sweets and tidbits, fresh brewed coffee, wooden umbrellas, traditional medicines, farm tools and gold ornaments. The peaceful and relaxed atmosphere makes the site perfect for a leisure walk, conversing with friendly residents, buying delicacies and taking a rest sipping coffee at the Ocharot coffee shop. 

Don Wai Market 

Don Wai Market is a community market established since the reign of King Rama VI and is known as the centre of delicacies of all sorts. The market is characterized by a row of wooden buildings situated by the Tha Chin River. Starting from Don Wai community to Wat Don Wai, this 400-meter market is packed by numerous vendors selling their products right in front of their houses. Exploring the market offers a unique experience of savoring the traditional way of life. The market is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.