Ayutthaya Klong Sa Bua Floating Market and Water Theatre
By Lesley Chittayanon
Water Theatre dramas tell classic folk tales
Located in Thailand’s historic heartland, an hour’s drive from Bangkok, Ayutthaya Klong Sabua Floating Market and Water Theatre is a unique new attraction which is reeling in hundreds of visitors every weekend.
A tree-lined walkway leads to the group of lotus ponds which will become a glassy stage for the performance. The market stalls are dotted around the water’s edge, so it isn’t a traditional floating market featuring the flotilla of vendor boats seen in Damnoen Saduak. The tempting array of classic Thai snacks on offer includes barbequed bananas in coconut milk, sticky rice stuffed with jackfruit, papaya salad and spring rolls.
Live performances take place in the ponds, with performers gliding across the surface in traditional costumes and acting out scenes from Thai folk tales and Sepaa recitals. A bamboo platform sits just a few centimeters under the surface, so the dancers appear to tread water.
The elegance of the dancers combined with the ambience of the setting ensures it a memorable experience for visitors of all ages and nationalities. Traditional music accompanies the show, and the audience’s excitement builds as the drum beat gathers momentum.
Even though the shows are narrated in Thai language, non-Thai speaking foreigners can still follow the story, although at times you may find yourself lost in the gracefulness of the performance.
The shows are based on well-known Thai folktales including ‘The Charms of Kaki’, ‘The Twelve Maidens’ and ‘The Golden Goby’. There are 11 shows in total, and they are performed in rotation.
Performances include romantic passages, comical sketches and action scenes. The fight scenes are the most dramatic and usually the outcome of a romantic entanglement. The male characters fight for their lover making huge splashes at which the audience whoops with delight.
Thai dance involves such graceful movements
The water theatre and floating market has become a major tourist attraction in the area, so arrive early to bag a seat with the best view. It’s a fantastic photographic opportunity, and unlike Vietnam’s water puppetry, you don’t need to worry about getting wet, so it’s safe to take your camera.
The best shots can be taken from areas of the stage that are not being used; however, be very cautious as it is quite slippery and make sure young children don’t follow.
Performances run every Saturday, Sunday and public holidays with five shows each day at 11:00, noon, 13.30, 15:00 and 16.30.
Not only does the water theatre breathe new life into the fading tradition of Thai Sepaa play, but it makes it more accessible to a wider audience, including foreigners.
After returning to reality at the end of the performance, there is a mock-up rice paddy field to visit. The purpose of the plot is to provide insight into Thailand’s agricultural industry. A bamboo shack at the edge of the paddy serves as a modest exhibition center displaying tools and equipment used for rice farming.
Organiser Supamas Sitisara describes what the attraction offers visitors saying: “Visitors can learn about Thai culture and experience the natural landscape of Old Ayutthaya, while enjoying a world class Thai theatrical performance.”
She explains plans for additional elements by adding: “next year we will open a craft village at the site, in keeping with the traditional nature of the project”
Other attractions in the vicinity which are worth visiting include King Naresuan Monument, Wat Naphrameru and the Elephant Kraal Pavillion.
Wat Naphrameru dates back to 1503 and has a particularly colourful history. It is thought to have once served as a royal cremation site, once used for a king. Later, the temple was used as a shootout point by the Burmese; however, while attempting to fire canons at the palace, the Burmese king’s canon exploded and he died almost instantly.
The Ayutthaya Floating Market is situated in Klong Sabua sub-district, within the Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya district.
On arrival at Ayutthaya Historical Park, take U-Thong Road and drive northward until you reach a bridge near the city pillar shrine. Cross the bridge and continue along past the temple of Wat Sri Pho until you see the sign for the market and theatre on the left.
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