Floating market

This article is missing information about history of the floating market in countries other than Thailand. Please expand the article to include this information. Further details may exist on the talk page. (May 2022)

A floating market is a

In Thailand, floating markets (

Historically,[2] 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

Originally, the term meaning floating market in Thai, used to be called (Thai: ตลาดท้องน้ำ talāt tĥxng nām lit. transl. floor of the water market). Until in the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), therefore saying only talat nam.^[4]

Si Pak Floating market or Pattaya Floating market. Another charm of Pattaya is the 4-region floating market, cultural and tourist attractions. It is the center of a variety of activities regarding Conservation of art and culture. 4 regions floating market had Collect all 4 good products here blended perfectly. The source of local handicrafts and cultural tourist attractions combined into one place, considered a new shopping area with unique selling points.^[10][11]

The floating markets in Indonesia are a collection of vendors selling various produce and product on boats. Floating markets initially are not created as tourist attractions, but as necessities in Indonesian cities that have large river especially in several cities and towns in Kalimantan and Sumatra. However, they have been promoted in the tourism itinerary, especially in Kalimantan cities. For example, the Siring floating market in Banjarmasin, and Lok Baintan floating market in Martapura are both located in South Kalimantan.

A floating market exists in Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir on the Dal Lake that operates daily, with vendors selling produce grown on the banks of the lake.^[12]

A floating 'mall' operates in the Kerala backwaters, offering subsidised rates on sales. Named Floating Triveni Super Store, it was launched in 2012 by the Kerala State Co-operative Consumers Federation.^[13]

A floating market was opened in Patuli, Kolkata, on a canal adjacent to the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass in January 2018. It features more than 200 vendors and 100 boats selling fish, fruit and vegetables.^[14] However, the market is struggling to stay open with declining sales.^[15] The lighting used by the municipal authorities and shopkeepers is reported to have driven away migratory birds from the region.^[16]

Floating markets (chợ nổi in Vietnamese) have existed in Vietnam for many generations. Archaeologists have found evidence that extensive trading networks likely existed in Vietnam's river deltas from as far back as 4,500 years ago.^[17][18]

With a rich system of rivers, Mekong Delta is the place where many weekly floating markets take place. This is an opportunity for small traders to exchange goods, and tourists can experience with the locals. Some of the famous floating markets in this area are Cai Rang Market, Long Xuyen Market, Cai Be Market, etc.

Ideally, the floating market's produce and fruit are normally grown from nearby gardens or local orchards.

• Clothes
• Conical hats
• Crafted candles
• Handicrafts
• Paintings
• Post cards
• Thai silk

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  Floating market in Cần Thơ, Vietnam, Mekong Delta.
• 
  Floating market around Cần Thơ, Vietnam.
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  Floating market in Phong Điền, Vietnam, Mekong Delta.
• 
  Muara Kuin floating market in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Indonesia
• 
  Damnoen Saduak floating market is a floating market outside of Bangkok
• 
  Pettah Floating Market in Colombo, Sri Lanka
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  Lok Baintan floating market in Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan
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  Southern Railway Bridge over Taling Chan floating market
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  Taling Chan floating market
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  Pork satay boat hawker at Taling Chan floating market
• 
  Typical atmosphere of Taling Chan floating market
• 
  Hawker selling food to customer, Khlong Hae floating market, southern Thailand
• 
  Traditional Thai wooden houses and two Thai child's dolls at

  Ayothaya floating market

  , another renowned floating market in Thailand

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