Discover the Maeklong Railway Market, a one-of-a-kind tourist experience set along an active railway track in Bangkok. This comprehensive guide will help you learn when the train passes through this vibrant market, what foods to indulge in, and the best things to buy.
The Maeklong Railway Market is a one-of-its-kind street market in Thailand where vendors deftly pack away their wares when the whistle blows to make way for the train. Amid the chaos of trains running through the market during various times of the day, you will find juicy tropical fruits, delicious street food, and freshly made desserts. The market has been in existence since 1905 and is a popular destination for tourists wishing to see the intersection of precision and traditional Thai commerce.
Address: Kasem Sukhum Alley, Mae Klong, Samut Songkhram, 75000, Thailand
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Maeklong Railway Market is 90 km from Bangkok and an easy day trip from the city. Nearby landmarks include the Maeklong Railway Station and the Amphawa Floating Market.
By train: Take the train to Maha Chai, leaving every hour from Wongwien Yai station (a 15-minute walk from BTS Wonwien Yai). Then, change stations to Ban Laem (cross the river by ferry). Then, take the train to Mae Klong.
By bus: After reaching Maha Chai Station by train, take the local bus line 481 to get to the Maeklong Railway Market. Or, from Bangkok, catch a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) to Samut Songkhram. From here, take a local taxi or tuk-tuk to the market.
By taxi: Local taxis are available from Bangkok to Maeklong Railway Market, which takes about 1.5 hours.
By car: Driving from Bangkok to Maeklong Market alone can take up to 1.5 hours.
The highlight of Maeklong Railway Market is to watch vendors quickly retract their shops as the train passes through. Find a comfortable seat outside a cafe to watch the spectacle.
Explore the bustling Maeklong Market along the tracks and indulge in grilled seafood and mango desserts. Don’t forget to pick up a few pieces of locally made clothes, handicrafts, and more.
The Maeklong Railway Market is renowned for being photogenic. While visiting, wave to the passengers on the train and try to get unique pictures while you do!
Enjoy fresh seafood, including a wide variety of fish, shrimp, crabs, and shellfish. You can also buy fresh tropical vegetables, herbs, pastes, and fruits.
From noodle soups and spring rolls to Thai desserts, Thai Milk Tea, and Khaw Keriyb Waw (a thin and crispy snack made of sticky rice and sugar), there’s something for everyone. Try the local chocolates; they are available in many shapes.
The Maeklong Railway built a commuter train line through the center of the popular market in 1905, connecting Samut Songkhram to Bangkok. However, rather than relocate, the shopkeepers here continued to operate on the train tracks, just as they do today. They quickly adapted to the new conditions, working around the train time. The market soon became popular as Talat Rom Hup, meaning the ‘umbrella pulldown market,’ as vendors quickly closed the umbrellas covering their stalls for the trains to pass.
For those who like dry weather, the best season to visit Maeklong Railway Market in Thailand is November to April. It is sunny, and there is minimal chance of rain.
Morning hours (around 8:30 am or 11 am) are ideal for capturing the train passing through. Arrive 15 minutes early to secure a good spot.
No, the Maeklong Railway Market is not wheelchair friendly because it is crowded, has narrow walkways, and is very close to the train tracks.
Yes, you can take the Maeklong Railway Market tour with children. However, watch your little ones, as it can be dangerous when the train passes through the market.
The Maeklong Railway Market boasts classic Thai options. Must-try food items include Khaw Keriyb, fresh coconut juice, noodle soups, Thai Milk tea, and grilled seafood.
There are currently eight trains each day, and they pass at 8:30 am, 9 am, 11:15 am, 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 5:40 pm.
Yes, you can. Take the train to Maha Chai, leaving every hour from Wongwien Yai station (a 15-minute walk from BTS Wonwien Yai), then change stations to Ban Laem (crossing the river by ferry). Then, take the train to Mae Klong. The total journey time is approximately over three hours.
A visit to the Maeklong Railway Market is quite affordable. Street food ranges from 20-100 THB, and transportation costs depend on your choice—trains are budget-friendly, while taxis or tours cost more.
Yes, bargaining is encouraged while shopping at the Market but remember to be polite and respectful.
Around 60 to 90 minutes would give you enough time to explore the Market and try local street food. Plan your visit based on the arrival of the trains for the ultimate railway market experience.
Vegetarians can enjoy mangoes, durian, rose apples, pomelos, and other fruits native to the country. Apart from that, there are a variety of desserts and sweet beverages like boba tea, milk tea, and mango sticky pudding.
You can visit the Amphawa and Tha Kha Floating Markets to experience another side of traditional Thai commerce.
