Maeklog Railway Market is perhaps one of the most unique markets in Thailand and a must-do if you are visiting Bangkok.
Maeklong Railway Market is a small market right on the railway tracks next to Maeklong Railway Station where the train passes several times a day.
When everyone hears the traffic signal, they move the umbrellas and the stalls waiting for the train to pass, then in less than a minute, you can find yourself again in a middle of a busy market.
We rented a Grab car for 8 hours that picked us up from our hotel in Chiang Mai early morning.
First stop was at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and then we rushed to Mae Klong Railway.
We arrived at about 10:30 right on time to stop at one of the market terraces for mango sticky rice and a coffee.
Trains pass through this market about eight times a day and everything is becoming very interesting.
We waited for the 11:10 one and when it came. Wow! It was unbelievable.
As soon as locals herd the whistle, they quickly moved their goods off the track. and everybody went at a safe distance. Then, the locomotive made it’s way slowly through the chaos and passed so close to everything and everyone.
It is something that you don’t want to miss.
How to reach:
There are a few different ways to get to the train market from Bangkok.
By taxi
We rented a Grab car for 8 hours that cost us 2,460 baht which is economical if you are in a group of 4. The driver can also take you to the Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa Floating
By Minivan
From Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) and the Northern Bus Terminal (near to Mo Chit BTS). The trip is about 90 min.
Price tickets: 70 baht
By Train
The line is made of two sections that are divided by the Tha Chin River.
From Wongwian Yai to Maha Chai (18 stations) = 1 hour trip
Ferry boat over Tha Chin River = 5 minutes
From Ban Laem to Mae Klong (15 stations) = 1 hour trip
The trains are very slow (average speed of 30 km/h).
The total cost for everything is about 20 bath.
By Tour
This is the easiest option but also the most expensive one.
Prices start at around 30 USD.