Khlong Maha Sawat, Canal and historic site in Bangkok, Thailand
Khlong Maha Sawat is a waterway that flows through suburban and farming areas east of Bangkok, connecting different neighborhoods and agricultural zones. The canal passes through regions with vegetable fields, fruit orchards, and residential communities that all depend on it for irrigation and transportation.
The canal was constructed between 1859 and 1860 during King Rama IV's reign as part of Bangkok's water management expansion. Chinese workers built it, establishing a key waterway that would serve the region for generations to come.
The waterway serves as a living landscape for residents who harvest lotus flowers for Buddhist temples and practice traditional farming methods passed down through families. Daily life revolves around the water, where people maintain their fields and build their communities along its banks.
Visitors can explore the waterway by long-tail boat, stopping at orchid farms, small workshops, and fields with local guides who know the area well. The best time to visit is during drier months when water levels are stable and travel is more comfortable.
Farmers harvest fresh lotus flowers daily using flat-bottomed aluminum boats and special protective techniques to gather the delicate blooms without damage. This traditional harvesting method keeps Buddhist temples in the region consistently supplied with fresh flowers for their altars.
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