India, Sept. 10 -- For some communities, the quickest way to get to market isn't by road at all. It is by boat. Across rivers, lakes and canals, vendors load up their vessels with the day's produce, fishermen bring in their catch and neighbours meet on the water to trade and talk. These markets are not simply places to shop, they are part of how these destinations function.

From early-morning vegetable boats in Kashmir to the fruit-filled waterways of the Mekong Delta, here are 12 floating markets that show just how closely a place can be tied to its water.

Dal Lake Floating Market, India The day starts early on Dal Lake. As Srinagar is still waking up, shikaras carrying vegetables, flowers and fresh produce begin making their way acro...