High rises are quickly replaced by salt farms and lush countryside. First stop is an Orchid Farm and coconut producer. It is impressive how many uses there are for coconuts and the small workshop has managed to turn the entire tree into a business, young shoots boiled for palm sugar, squeezed for oil, lampshades, ladders, and even fuelling their fires with the husks. Next to this hive of activity (beware of the sugar-hungry bees) the orchids seem less exciting, but it is still beautiful to see them in their natural habitat, especially if you are used to seeing them on window-sills in plastic tubs.
Stepping off the boat, you find yourself amongst the busy stalls selling similar products to those you can find at Chatuchak weekend market, small toy elephants, tiger balm and the compulsory ‘I was here’ T-shirts. It’s not surprising to find this at the most famous floating market in Thailand and it can feel a little commercialised but if you walk further, you will find the food-sellers, who not only look more photogenic, but also have some far tastier goods. Unlike most of the other floating markets, the popularity of Damnoen Saduak attracts many fruit sellers rowing their boats along the narrow canals, meaning that you’re guaranteed great pictures. There is plenty of tasty food to try along the docks, from freshly-made mini coconut pancakes to boat noodles in their rich meaty broth.