Since it was place where a few of scenes of a James Bond movie were recorded, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Thailand has became very popular place amongst foreign visitors and it is probably the world’s largest market of this kind. If you want to buy something on this market, you’ll need to have a boat first and you have to be careful while sailing with it down the market because there are hundreds of other boats which are floating around. If you decide to take such kind of adventure, you’ll definitely need some of domestic people to guide you through the market.

Wide range of different kinds of fruits and vegetables can be bought here, Credits: blog.siampedia.org

This floating market is located in Damnoen Saudak District and it is about 105 kilometers away from the capital Bangkok. The floating market is located in a canal which has been dug up by the order of King Rama IV, about 150 years ago. The 32 kilometers long channel connects two rivers: Mae Klong and Tacheen.

The welcoming entrance… Credits: blog.siampedia.org

The most common goods which can be bought here are food, fruits and vegetables but beside this, you can find there almost everything. The local governments have realized that this feature can be one of the main tourist attractions of particular places in Thailand and that is why such markets are supported by the government. There are also a few of floating markets in Bangkok, too, but this one is largest of its kind.

Credits: blog.siampedia.org

There is a large number of traditional Thai houses which can be seen here and those who live there have to travel every day by boats. It reminds me a little bit on famous Italian city of Venice.

Thailand has a plenty of similar floating markets. It is a part of Thai people’s culture and tradition. For centuries in past, floating markets were the place of trade and meeting for Thai people.

Every March, a festival called Dammoen Saduak Floating Market & Sweet Grape Week Fair is organized here and those are the days when trading on the market reaches its peak.

‘Traffic jam’ is something unavoidable in this place, Credits: Yaltik.com

A happy tourist visiting the market with his guide, Credits: Toms-travels.org

See how trading boats look like from above, Credits: Theworldeffect.com

A pleasant trader offers a sample of food to a customer, Credits:Theworldeffect.com

Credits: Theworldeffect.com

As in every overcrowded market, different kind of peoples can be seen there, Credits: blog.siampedia.org

Credits: mcsilly.blogspot.com

What's top of your summer holiday list? Somewhere with a pool? Somewhere close to the beach? Or somewhere with sea view where you can enjoy a drink at sunset? Well, if you want all this without leaving a hole in your pocket, take a look at some of these places which promise budget fun in the sun. All 4 destinations are featured in the HostelBookers Summer Sale, so grab yourself bargain European getaway this summer.

LISBON

A good opportunity to combine city and beach break on your summer holiday, Lisbon can provide culture, nightlife and sunbathing rolled in to one. The nearby beaches fly the European Blue Flag for excellence and are popular with locals and tourists alike. At Guincho, why not try your hand at surfing, which fantastically wild beach and jut a 25-minute train ride from Lisbon. The shadowy and historic areas of Alfama and the Barrio Alto offer tile-clad buildings and orange tree dotted plazas, great places for keeping cool when exploring the city. Take tram 28 for a 40-minute city tour and lean out the window of this antiquated machine to feel the wind in your hair. Nightlife gets off to a late start around 11pm and crowds spill pleasingly onto the streets.

Beria Mar

Just a few roads back from the shoreline, most rooms at Beria Mar hostel offer views across the Tagus river. The interior is bright and colourful and the surrounding area of Alfama is Lisbon's historic quarter. They offer a free breakfast, lounge and games room. 

SANTORINI

Drink in the glorious sunsets and wonder at ancient civilisations gone by, Santorini is a place of breathtaking beauty and an idyllic summer retreat. And of course, a glass of local white Assurtiko wine in hand makes it all the more glorious from the terrace of a Greek taverna. You can still get your cultural injection at the Art Space near Exogonia and the archaeological museum in Fira makes a pleasant morning. Arrive by slow ferry to make the most of the boat ride.

Caveland

Ideally located for exploring the island, Caveland offers cooling air-conditioned shared and private rooms carved straight out of the rock. Although it is 1 mile from the coast, staff offer a transfer to and from the best black-sand beach and the vista from the terrace is magnificent. Here you will be staying in traditional and charming accommodation compared to the high-rise blocks beside the beach, but they organise bar crawls and trips in to town as well as a ride home at the end of the night. There is a swimming pool, yoga classes and a tennis court nearby.

SPLIT

Located on one of Europe's most beautiful stretches of coastline, Split is a beach-lovers haven. The magnificent Diocletian Palace positively glows and there are charming sun-drenched wine bars around every corner. It's a popular setting off point for the heavenly archipelago but Split deserves at least a few nights. Alternatively, make Split your base for day trips of island hopping to Brac or Bol.

Al's Place Hostel

Just a few streets from the Diocletian Palace, guests are also a short 15 minute walk from Bacivice beach, although to escape the crowds, the owner can suggest walking an extra 5 minutes. The ferry terminal is also just 10 minutes on foot and very handy for day trips to the islands. There are self-catering facilities and guests congregate in the kitchen before hitting the local bars.

BARCELONA

For indecisive folk who fancy both beach and city break, Barcelona is a happy compromise. Barceloneta is the popular city beach within walking distance of the Gothic quarter. Alternatively, stay around Poble Nou for local restaurants, easy access to the beach and a short metro ride from the city centre. This way you get the best of both worlds with cultural attractions, seductive Barcelona nightlife as well as soaking up some sunshine. You might also like to consider a day trip along the coast to Sitges, with a bustling gay community as well as a pretty beach.

Casa Gracia Barcelona Hostel

If you are considering summer in the city, top of your list should be air-conditioning or some outdoor space. With both air-conditioned shared and private rooms, the boutique Casa Gracia Barcelona Hostel not only delivers on gorgeous design, it has a charming tiled terrace too. It's a perfect spot to start your night on the town so pick up a bottle of wine to enjoy at dusk or join other guests for paella on Mondays.