Just as in England, the canals, roads and railways of Thailand have tended to follow a similar course. About 50km (30 miles) from the center of Bangkok is Khlong Suan, a small hamlet surrounded by rice fields, but with a quite famous old market dating from the time of King Rama V. The hamlet lies on highway 3001 from Bangkok to Chachoengsao, which for many miles tracks both the Canal, Khlong Prawet Burirom, and the Eastern Railway Line - the canal came first of course and the road last.

The video below is from a longtail trip along this canal, but at the Bangkok end.


The market is semi-covered and stretches for some 400 meters along the south bank of the canal. On the opposite bank are a Mosque (Masjid Al Wawatoniya) and a Buddhist Temple, Wat Khlong Suan: in the Central Plains of Thailand, Buddhists and Muslims have lived peacably together for centuries, both faiths following, and setting up their settlements along, the course of the canals.



The bridges which connect the market to the religious compounds are simple but spectacular - like two opposing wooden step-ladders, joining at a 30 degree angle, but with a flat bit at the top connecting the two.


In the Market all sorts of traditional foods and desserts are on offer, Thai Coffee Houses, the inevitable souvenir shops (Soaps, Pots, Decorative Wotnots etc.), and several simple eating houses, many of which overhang the canal.



Take the Bangkok - Chonburi expressway (Highway 7) past the New Airport. Leave at Onnut-Lad Krabang intersection, 8 km after the Airport exit and head East for 16km on Onnut Lad-Krabang Rd, highway 3001.