Wat Lamphaya Floating Market , situated in front of Lamphaya temple, on the Tha Chin River. The floating market was initiated by the Tambon Lamphaya Cultural Council and Lamphaya temple. It is a centre of trade for fruits and vegetables as well as agricultural produces including rattan ware, woven cotton, dyed cotton, and inexpensive food. Local food like noodles with beef, Thai desserts, and steamed curried fish patty, are sold by local vendors who do their trade in their boats. In front of the temple is another haven for the various species of fish including big catfish-like fresh water fishes, black ear, and giant gourami. The cruise services along Tha Cheen River are also available. Several types of boats cater to the needs of the visitors, which include:
Ancient rowing boat : cruising along Tha Chin River: leaving from Wat Lamphaya, paying homage to Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine, the most revered shrine of Tambon Lamphaya. The trip costs 20 Baht/person. It takes around 30 minutes;
Towed boat: a round trip along Tha Chin River: departing from Wat Lamphaya to Wat Sukvatanaram. Feeding fish can be done in front of Wat Lamphaya. The trip costs 50 Baht/adult and 20 Baht/child.
Passenger boat: leaving from Wat Lampaya to Wat Bang Phra (Wat Luang Pho Poen). The trip takes two and a half hours. An adult fee is 50 Baht, a child fee is 20 Baht.
This floating market is open only on Saturdays and Sundays, from 06.00-15.00.
Getting there: the market can be reached several ways:
By Car: 1) take the Pinklao-Nakhon Chaisi route, turn right onto a bridge that leads to Salaya, continue driving, passing Mahidol University, then take a left turn in front of Buddhamonthon District Office, and then take a right turn at Buddhamonthon Police Station for another 24 Kms. Wat Lampaya is on the left. The trip takes around 45 minutes;
2) taking the Bang Bua Thong route, keep going for about 10 Kms., look for a sign that points to Bang Len, take a left turn there and proceed for 20 Kms., at the next intersection (before reaching the bridge crossing the Tha Chin River), take a left turn and keep going for another 9 Kms. Wat Lamphaya will be seen on the right.
By Bus: the Transport Company operates a Bangkok-Nakhon Pathom bus. Get off at Nakhon Pathom Market and then take a Song Thaeo (public pick-up truck) of Nakhon Pathom-Lamphaya line, and get off at Wat Lampaya. Take a Song Thaeo, route Lamphaya-Thung-Noi, from a market in Nakhon Pathom town and get off at Wat Lamphaya.
There are also mini-van services available from the Southern Bus Terminal, near Kung Luang Restaurant. The van leaves every 30 minutes, from 05.00-18.00. A one-way fare is 40 Baht. For more information contact Wat Lamphaya, Tambon Lamphaya Cultural Council tel: 0 3439 1626, 0 3439 1985, 0 3439 2022.
|
