150-Year-Old Bang Phli Old Market

150-Year-Old Bang Phli Old Market: The Charming Riverside Market That Still Preserves Local Life

When talking about historic riverside markets in Samut Prakan province, the nameBang Phli Old Marketwith a history of over 150 years must be one place I, Mr.Hotsia, never miss visiting myself. This market is not just an ordinary trading place; it is a living historical record of this riverside community.

Walking along the Samrong Canal, the main waterway of Bang Phli district, I saw many ancient markets lined up along this canal. These markets originated from the water-based lifestyle of the local people. In the past, people used rowboats as their main transportation to shop, see doctors, or even transport goods, making these riverside markets lively and full of diverse stories.

Bang Phli Yai Old Market: A Complete Hub for Food and Daily Necessities

I passed through the old wooden gate of Bang Phli Yai Market, which still firmly retains its original wooden structure despite more than a century passing. This place is like an old-fashioned department store with individual shops. You will find a variety of local foods, from traditional Thai desserts and authentic curry rice to daily necessities, fabrics, agricultural tools, pharmacies, and traditional healers who still practice natural medicine.

Bang Phli Yai Old Market is like a comprehensive community center where you don’t need to go far. If you want something, just row your boat to the market and get everything, just like in the old days. This charm cannot be compared to typical floating markets because most floating markets sell goods on boats, but Bang Phli Old Market has permanent shops on the canal’s banks.

Lifestyle and Stories from the Ancient Market

While exploring the market, I, Mr.Hotsia, spoke with many longtime vendors. They told me that the market was very lively in the past because people still relied mainly on boats. But as roads improved, the need for boats decreased, causing some parts of the market to be damaged by fire or demolished. However, Bang Phli Yai Old Market has survived by adapting, such as opening souvenir shops to accommodate tourists.

I saw Thai dessert shops making sweets fresh on-site and local clothing shops with unique patterns, which is the charm of this market blending old and modern perfectly. The atmosphere here reminds me of a simple but happy past life and clearly reflects the bond between people and water in this area.

Pay Respect to Luang Pho To at Wat Bang Phli Yai: A Must-Visit Spot

Besides touring the market, I also recommend stopping byto pay respect to Luang Pho To at Wat Bang Phli Yaiwhich is nearby. This Luang Pho To has a fascinating legend, said to be siblings with Luang Pho Sothon and Luang Pho Wat Ban Laem. The statue came with water to the lotus pond in Bang Phli Yai, leading to the grand annual Lotus Throwing Festival.

Visiting the temple and exploring the old market on the same day made me feel the completeness of local culture that still thrives. It’s an experience that evokes thoughts of the villagers’ past lifestyle and deepens my love for my hometown, Samut Prakan.

Bang Phli Old Market in the Context of Samut Prakan

Samut Prakan, which I, Mr.Hotsia, have visited many times, is a province rich in cultural diversity and interesting riverside lifestyles, such asthe ‘Idiot Fishing’ competition in Bang Boand the famous snakehead fish farming inBang Bo.Visiting Bang Phli Yai Old Market is like completing the overall picture of the riverside community in Samut Prakan, blending fishing, agriculture, and traditional trade.

If you visit Samut Prakan, don’t forget to stop by Bang Phli Yai Old Market to experience the atmosphere and essence of the past that still remains, and learn about the resilient riverside lifestyle adapting admirably with the times.

Mr.Hotsia’s Impressions Summary

Bang Phli Yai Old Market is not just a market but a living museum of the riverside community. I, Mr.Hotsia, walked through this market feeling like I traveled back in time, witnessing the dedication of locals preserving their lifestyle and culture despite facing changes and challenges in the modern era.

If you want to experience a genuine ancient market, smell the riverside stories, and get to know Samut Prakan from a deeper perspective, Bang Phli Yai Old Market is the answer I wholeheartedly recommend. You will feel like me, traveling with the heart of a true traveler.