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Gallery: Staying afloat on Bangkok's canals
From mailmen to fruit sellers, hundreds of Bangkokians putter through the city's network of khlongs off the Chao Phraya River to earn a living every day
Bangkok's floating vendors all expressed similar sentiments. Most love the freedom of working on the canals, but rising gas prices coupled with falling demand have cut into profits. Thailand’s floating markets attract thousands of tourists every year. But boat vendors are more than just a novelty.
Many khlong-side residents, living in stilted houses above the water, rely on boat-borne vendors for everything from propane to fruit as these traders conveniently motor -- and in a few cases paddle -- right up to their steps to make transactions.
And then there are those who provide essential services like mail delivery, waste collection and even banking.
But for many, earning a living on the city's khlongs just isn't as viable as it once was, due to rising fuel and food prices.
Despite the challenges, the following people continue to work on the canals of Bangkok Noi off the Chao Phraya River, many saying there isn't a land-based job that could tempt them away from the waters.
Name: Mai
Age: 71
Occupation: Noodle soup vendor in Bangkok Noi canals for more than 50 years
Working hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., daily
Income: Sells an average of 2,000 baht worth of noodles per day. Makes 500 baht in profit.
"My parents used to sell boat noodles, then i took over from them. I love everything about my job except that I can't stand up as the boat moves so much, so I sit all day.
"But I love travelling on the canals and selling noodles in this traditional way. I would never trade my boat for a regular noodle shop on the road."
More on CNNGo: Cruising the Chao Phraya with Bangkok's floating banks
