The settlements that are usually built on the water are water villages. Houses are located on stilts or often float on the water and rarely on small islands. Water lovers will have plenty to be joy in Thailand, with picturesque rivers, beautiful beaches, and lakes. These are some of the water villages, which are becoming increasingly popular tourist destinations in Thailand. Here, in this article, we will further discuss the amazing water towns and villages in Thailand.
Ko Panyi
Ko Panyi, a village in Phang Nga Province, is still primarily based around the fishing industry. It is the floating town in Thailand. It is on the stilts built by Malay fishermen. Furthermore, the sea here is calm and shallow, allowing fishermen to build houses. Nearly 1,500 people and More than 300 families live permanently in the village. Although life here revolves around fishing for the past few years, tourism has provided residents with an additional income source.
And also, the village includes a floating football pitch built by the village children using old scraps of wood and fishing rafts. Inspired by the 1986 FIFA World Cup, they built the pitch. The boys decided to compete in the Southern Thai School Championships by forming a football team. Making it to the semi-finals in an inland tournament and achieving the second place in a strange situation, all the villagers were inspired to take up the sport.
So, a brand new pitch was built. But the wooden one remains and is popular among tourists. The pitch has done more than attracting new arrivals. It prevents the island’s younger inhabitants from leaving. Often a significant problem in Thailand’s poor communities is depopulation.
Nowadays, Ko Panyi is one of the main attractions. The village has a school, a mosque, a health center too. Several seafood restaurants are present on the island, as well as various stalls selling souvenirs with the increasing number of tourists. There are even bungalows offering overnight accommodation. Women shouldn’t wear short skirts or shorts; T-shirts and jeans are acceptable. It is because this a Muslim community. Next time you’re holidaying in Thailand, visit this beautiful spot, which is just a 20-minute tail-boat ride from Phuket and envy these wonderfully friendly people living in a real paradise.
Hua Hin
Hua Hin is known for kiteboarding and other fun water sport activities. This beach town is famous for its golf courses, trekking, boating, snorkelling, cycling, and fitness. This is another beautiful place among the amazing water towns and villages in Thailand. Hua Hin is where you want to be if you love to be active. You’ll find historical attractions, several beaches and natural places to explore and relax.
Though there are excellent shopping and plenty of nightlife and bars, you won’t find some of the seedier bars you might see in Pattaya or Bangkok. Nightlife is at a slower pace, and the proximity to the Royal Palace puts the kibosh on questionable clubs.
Hua Hin has a distinct focus on business. It is mostly Thai-Chinese, and It is inexpensive, and has access to many medical facilities, making it a popular place for retirees as well.
Hua Hin: Reasonable cost of living, Great business climate, and slower pace of nightlife without a number of the seedier elements you discover in other cities. There’s no shortage of activities, with several famous beaches.
Koh Kret
Koh Kret is a beautiful river village close to Bangkok. It is man-made and sits at a pretty bend of the Chaophraya River. It is located in Nonthaburi, about 30 kilometers from central Bangkok.
Similarly to the other water towns, Koh Kret makes a fitting day trip for anyone looking to get out of the city and get an authentic, old-school Thai experience. Traditionally this is home to a pottery-making Mon community. It’s a joyful day trip from the capital to see a completely different way of life and enjoy a much quieter vibe. Quiet paths lead through past small homes and patches of green. And also, there are several interesting religious places to admire as well as there are old kilns, pottery communities, and a thriving market. On the weekend, a trip to Koh Kret means dealing with crowds as the locals flock to visit the market. But the hassle is well worth it. If you’re looking to enjoy nature and are free during the week simply, that might be a better bet.