Samchuk Market is a great little destination for Thai's and visitors alike.... During the weekend, lots of Thai's travel to the market from Bangkok and further afield, to browse the many stalls and eat traditional Thai fare at the large outdoor food section (they do an excellent Khow Moo Daeng, one of my faves).
It's an excellent place to buy authentic Thai trickets for the relatives back home. I've always heard / read that the Aranyapathet market at the Cambodian border is the best for quality clothing and the cheapest prices, but, the market at Samchuk is definitely just as good value in my opinion..
Samchuk Market gets busy... Very busy. On occasion, when you get caught in the foot traffic, you have no choice but to follow the hundreds of bodies and effectively go with the tide. To give an impression of how busy Samchuk Market can get, a relative of Sutiya told us that one of the little egg noodle stalls can easily turn over 100,000 baht... in ONE DAY.....!!
That's a hulluva lot of noodles!
Great pictures. There is nothing quite like a Thai market. The sights sounds and smells are just heaven for me.
I have no doubt some of the food vendors can make some serious money. I know one little stand at Chatuchak market where some women sell Thai desserts that has a line all day long...and even at 30-40 baht a person that has to add up to some serious money daily.
Posted by: Talen | December 28, 2009 at 12:11 AM
Hi Ben, nice pics, I am not exactly sure of the location. Can you elaborate?
Posted by: Mike | December 28, 2009 at 01:24 AM
Hi Talen and Mike, thanks for the comments, most Thai markets are a good day out aren't they.... the only hassle is parking (usual) and the risk of getting too hot as you look around (usual). Samchuk market is in Suphanburi province, just get on the main highway 340, and follow the signs for Samchuk (and look out for the TEE Coffee Shop on the left hand side about 20mins before if coming from BKK ;)
Posted by: Ben Shingleton | December 28, 2009 at 08:45 AM
Too bad I did hear about this market only recently, so when I was in Suphanburi in May we just passed it while driving to Bueng Chawak. But for the next visit to Suphanburi it's now on my to do list.
Posted by: Andy | December 29, 2009 at 02:48 PM
Great stuff Andy, it's well worth a visit!
Posted by: Ben Shingleton | December 29, 2009 at 03:45 PM
mmmmmmmmmm..... Pork Stew at Samchuk plus tiny mince pies in six flavours at only 1 baht each (you can tell I've given up drinking).
Posted by: Captain P | January 06, 2010 at 08:02 AM
Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.
Posted by: Taobao English site | January 23, 2011 at 03:43 AM