Bangkok Maeklong Railway Market －So Close To The Train

With the bustle of tourists in Bangkok, Maeklong Railway Market stands proudly among Thailand’s tourist attractions.

This market is famous for its close contact with the train. The vendors will always start to quickly close their stalls a few minutes before the train is about to arrive to allow the train to pass. Passengers can have a shocking experience when the train passes through the market.

You can see the train only a few centimeters away from you. It is one of the wonders that a person must visit when traveling in life.

If you come to Bangkok and have plenty of time in your itinerary, and have never been to Maeklong Railway Market, then I suggest you arrange a day to visit, and you can also visit the nearby Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

Maeklong Railway Market Background

The history of the Maeklong Railway Market can be traced back to the last century. The market was originally an ordinary agricultural product market.

At that time, the Thai government decided to start building a railway network here, and there were disputes with the shops in the original market. However, the result of the agreement was that the market would be retained. Let the trains run at the same time.

Vendors who later evolved into a market had to quickly retract their stalls as the train passed by, and then unfold them again to allow the train to pass. This special interaction became the iconic sight of the Maeklong Railway Market.

About Maeklong Railway Market Information

The market is located in the lower left corner of Bangkok’s downtown area, about an hour’s drive away, about 70 kilometers away. Therefore, there are various modes of transportation to the market.

Like this time, we rode from downtown Bangkok to Maeklong Railway Market until our butts hurt. I can only say that no one is crazier than us! If I could choose again, I would sign up for a one-day tour. Although I have to get up early, it is easier than cycling back and forth.

Recommended time: half a day (including driving), actual shopping takes about 1 to 2 hours.

▌Transportation

• Sign up for a one-day tour
  • Many travel agencies offer guided tours of the Maeklong Railway Market and you can join these tours to get to the market with ease while enjoying the wealth of knowledge from the tour guide
• BTS + Bus
  • Next to the BTS Ekkamai station, you can take the minivan directly to Maeklong Railway Market. If you want to travel in-depth, you can consider this route.
• Motorcycle
  • Navigate directly to Maeklong Railway Market, the journey takes about 1 and a half to 2 hours.

More Information about Motor： WHERE CAN YOU RENT A MOTORBIKE IN BANGKOK?

▌Train arrival timetable

IN： In the direction of the train entering the station, the most classic photo was taken at the IN time point.

OUT： The train will stop for about half an hour after it reaches the platform, and the public is open to take photos. Don’t miss it.

What’s in the Maeklong Railway Market

Maeklong Railway Market is a traditional market that locals go to. It is completely different from the touristy atmosphere of Chatuchak Weekend Market, Jodd Night Market, and Khao San Road Night Market. The total length is about 100 meters.

You will experience the most authentic life of Thai people here, including housewives shopping for groceries, the smell of fish, Thai snacks, etc. I think you can get some different feelings by traveling in depth here.

The fish in the market is a little different from the way we are familiar with it in Taiwan. In Taiwan, baskets always contain fresh fish. In the Maeklong Railway Market, you can see this kind of fish strung together and placed casually on newspapers. This kind of culture is also Quite interesting.

I feel like this fish is quite tasty when seasoned. Reminds me of the canned fish I loved to eat when I was a kid. It’s very salty but delicious.

I really don’t know what this is, but it is sold together with dried fish. I wonder if it is some kind of sauce? If anyone knows, please leave a message to share~

The vegetable vendors were also sitting on the floor, and their vegetables were placed generously next to the railway tracks. In fact, the distance between them was quite accurate! When the train passes by, it will not hit the vegetables at all. Instead, it will pass directly above. Smoked vegetables (?

In addition to the things that the market should have, they also sell some snacks. I bought the popsicles below once when I visited the night market in Chiang Mai. One popsicle only costs 5 baht. There are various flavors. I recommend the mango flavor, which is quite rich. If you buy one in the middle of your summer, you will be saved.

These bags look similar to some kind of dessert, and wrapping them in bags is very traditional. I would like to try them next time if I have a chance (I hope my stomach is healthy)

There are also some vendors selling earrings, jewelry or souvenirs, but I would suggest that if you have plans to go to the weekend market in Chatuchak, you don’t need to shop here, because some of them are a bit more expensive, unless they are the ones with Maeklong Railway Market Featured products may be worth buying.

This is one of my favorite photos. It just captures the boss looking towards the camera. He always looks at the tourists passing by, giving me a sense of being at peace with the world.

Is it worth coming?

If you have never been here, I highly recommend that you come to Maeklong Railway Market. It is more about seeing one of the wonders of the world than shopping. It is rare to see such a shocking scene! The things you can browse are pretty much the same. I don’t think tourists are very good at buying anything at this kind of local traditional food market.

Therefore, if you have been here before, you don’t have to visit again. After all, it is quite tiring after one trip. Or money is exchanged for time. Spend some money and join a one-day tour group to save energy for other trips!

Bangkok travel guide

▌Thailand Bangkok Travel Guide－Things you need to know

Bangkok travel recommendations

Practical goodies for traveling in Thailand