Wang Takien

In the past, Nonthaburi is filled with many small canals for people to transport easily through water. Though, in the present day, almost all canals have been transformed to roads with only few remaining canals. One of the canals that still remains its vigorous until nowadays is on Wang Takien canal area, Bang Khu Wieng Sub-District, Bang Kruai District. Wat Takien Floating Market is grand opened on May 2nd, 2009 by Luang Poo Yam (Venerable Grandfather Yam). He performed an opening ceremony and sprinkle the holy water to the sellers that float their selling boats. The idea is to recover the past generations’ way of life for newer generations to experience. Also, he wants to use the canal area for the villagers to earn profit without any expenses. The purpose is to giving the villagers back their gratitude, the reason this temple is still here is because the villagers’ regularly make merits and donate to the temple. Inside the floating market, there are various items available for purchasing on the shore, such as vegetables, fruits, barbequed coconut, Look Choob (delectable imitation fruits), Thai desserts, etc. You can also purchase items from the paddling boats, for examples, seasonal fruits, pot-stewed duck, boat noodles, and herbal drinks. After satisfied with the food, the floating market also have interesting activities such as paddling water bicycle, scenery sightseeing by boat of Bang Khu Wieng canal and Bang Rao Nok canal to experience the people’s way of life along the canal that still preserved ancient Thai-style houses which is full of natural aesthetics and trace of civilization and fine arts. For those who are interested in experiencing the old times’ way of life along the canal, you can transport by personal car starting from the Khae Rai intersection in Nonthaburi, drive straight crossing Rama V’s bridge, keep driving straight long Nakara-Inn Road to Kanjanapisek Road. Then take a U-turn under the bridge before crossing the intersection, drive back for around 1 kilometers, you will see overpass then turn left into parallel way and turn left towards “Wat Takien” sign. However, if travelling from Bang Yai, at the intersection, where turning left to Rama V’s bridge, turn left and continue around 1 kilometer. When encountering overpass and the temple’s entrance on the left, drive along the road for around 1 kilometer and you will finally arrive at the temple ahead by crossing the bridge and your car can be parked in the temple area. This floating market is operating everyday from 9:00-17:00.