Klongsuan Market

Klongsuan Market
Klongsuan Market has existed on the banks of Prawetburirum canal’s for over 100 years, and has roots dating back to the reign of King Rama V. Walking through the market you can see and feel the rural way of life of olden Thailand. Klongsuan Market offers not only the nostalgic ambience of Thailand’s past, but also charming wooden shop houses selling vintage items and tasty local foods. The market was once an important meeting point for villagers and people in the area because it was home to the community’s only pier (to catch a boat to Bangkok). Oldfashioned style caf?s still serve freshly-brewed O-Liang, a zesty, cool Thai version of espresso. Straddling two provinces (Chachoengsao and Samut Prakan), Klongsuan Market is probably the longest (over one kilometer in length) market by a canal in Thailand. About 20 kilometers from Suvarnabhumi Airport heading towards Chonburi on the "Motorway" route. Follow the well-designated signs on the left. At the junction, turn right along On Nutch-Chachoengsao road for around 15 kms.and Klongsuan Market is located on the left.

Situated on the banks of Prawetburirom Canal, Khlong Suan Market lies in two provinces: Tambon Thepparat, Amphoe Ban Pho, Chacoengsao Province and Tambon Khlong Suan, Amphoe Bang Bo, Samut Prakan Province. This traditional market dates back to the reign of King Rama V. The market contains many different shops, which are getting rare these days, since they are increasingly being replaced by modern convenience stores and shopping malls. More than 100 years old, it still retains the quaint charm of the old days. Visitors will be pleased with the traditional market atmosphere while enjoying a great variety of tasty food.

In the past, the market was most conveniently accessible by boat. There was only one passenger boat service from Chachoengsao to Bangkok, serviced by Nai Loet (Mr. Loet). The boat picked up passengers at Chachoengsao, ran past Khlong Suan Market, and eventually arrived at Pratu Nam (Water Gate) in Bangkok.

The market is still an important community centre, transit point for commuters, and cargo port. The market is also a centre uniting the spirit of the Thai, Chinese and Muslim people who lived peacefully in the same area, as can be seen from the architecture of its temples and mosques, and a Chinese canteen offering free vegan food for people. In addition, its people always cooperated in developing the community’s infrastructure, for instance digging canals and building roads. Though they were of different religions, they have always enjoyed morning cafe get-togethers to share ideas, experiences, news and politics. The coffee shops have always been lively community meeting places.

The local governmental organizations of the two provinces support the preservation both of the community’s buildings and simple way of life. In addition, Khlong Suan Market has been promoted to the status of cultural attraction, of which visitors are welcomed to experience its idyllic atmosphere dating back to the reign of King Rama V.

Getting there:
By car – from Bangkok, take Motorway Expressway, and follow the signs for ‘100 Year Old Khlong Suan Market’, or take On Nut – Chachoengsao Road, drive past Latkrabang Institute of Technology, continue straight, and Khlong Suan Market will be on the left.

For further information, contact Tambon Thepparat Municipality, Amphoe Ban Pho, Chachoensao, tel. 0 3859 5633, 0 3859 5716, or Tambon Khlong Suan Municipality, Amphoe Bang Bo, Samut Prahan, tel. 0 2739 3253, 0 2739 3329, 0 2704 1273.

Chachoengsao is 80 kilometers from Bangkok, with the area of 5,351 square kilometers. The local administration is divided into 10 Amphoe (district) and 1 King Amphoe (sub-district), namely: Amphoe Muang, Bang Khla, Bang Nam Prieo, Bang Pakong, Ban Pho, Phanom Sarakham, Sanam Chai Khet, Plaeng Yao, Ratchasan, Tha Takiap, and King Amphoe Khlong Khuean.
Getting there.
By car: From Bangkok, there are 3 routes to Chachoengsao:
Use highway No.304, via Min Buri, with the distance of 82 kilometers.
Use Bang Na Trat highway, turn left before reaching the bridge over Bang Pakong River to highway No.314. The total distance is 100 kilometers.
Use highway No.3, via Samut Prakarn and Bang Pakong, then turn left to highway No.314. The total distance is 106 kilometers.
By bus: There are buses leaving from 2 bus terminals: From Mor Chit 2 Bus Terminal (Tel: 0 2936 2852 66) First and second-class air-conditioned buses leave every 40 minutes during 06:00 17:00 hrs. The fare is 40 and 36 Baht, respectively.
Regular buses leave every 30 minutes during 05:40 19:00 hrs. The fare is 26 Baht. From Eastern Bus Terminal (at Ekkamai) (Tel: 0 2392 2391) First class air-conditioned buses leave every 40 minutes during 06:30 17:00 hrs. The fare is 59 Baht. Regular buses leave every 30 minutes during 05:40 19:00 hrs. The fare is 33 Baht.
Train
By Train : The trains from Hua Lamphong Station to Chachoengsao leave every day, 9 trains/day, both regular and air-conditioned during 06:00 17:25 hrs. The fare is 40 Baht for air-conditioned and 13 Baht for regular one. For more details, contact 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020

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