Thailand

Markets are the best places to experience local ambiance and get closer to residents in Thailand. Just an hour from Bangkok, in the town of Samut Songkhram, the Mae Klong Railway Market is a unique destination. Here, stalls are set up along the railway tracks, creating a spectacle every time a train passes.

History

In Samut Songkhram, the Mae Klong market has a long history. Established since 1905, it has been a pillar of the economy and culture within the province. Fishermen from the Gulf of Thailand used the Mae Klong River to sell their catches here. When the railway was constructed, primarily to transport goods to neighboring areas, including Bangkok, instead of leaving, the Maeklong traders adapted to the presence of the tracks, and the market continued to supply households.

Discovering Mae Klong Market

Upon entering Mae Klong Market, you are immediately engulfed by the crowd. Vendors call out to attract customers, both tourists and locals alike. Noises, colors, and smells permeate the air. Goods line the railway, laid out on the ground or stacked in retractable roofed stalls that have earned the place the nickname "Talad Rom Hub," or Folding Umbrella Market.

You'll discover the richness of Thai local produce, from fruits and vegetables to seafood and succulent meats. Enjoy a refreshing coconut juice while waiting for the famous train passage. There are also street food stalls serving delicious chicken noodles. Being close to the coast, fish-based dishes are plentiful.

Fabric sellers also add to the spectacle. Admire colorful Thai dresses in a variety of styles, from asymmetrical figures to floral patterns. Mae Klong Market offers a vast array of products at affordable prices, perfect for finding a travel memento.

Witness the train passage

The relaxed market atmosphere abruptly changes when the bell rings and the loudspeaker announces the train's approach. Awnings are folded, and baskets of goods are pulled back. Some seasoned vendors have mastered the art of placing their products carefully on the track, avoiding them being crushed by the metal wheels. Within seconds, the track is clear for the locomotive.

As the train arrives, photographers eagerly capture the scene from the edge of the platform. The pace is slow, allowing time to wave to passengers, and the driver is affectionately called "captain" by locals.

Once the train passes, life immediately resumes. Like the clearing, vendors swiftly redeploy their stalls. The train passes multiple times a day, in both directions, at Mae Klong Market. Each passage follows the same meticulously choreographed routine. Check the schedule with the station or locals to prepare for this moment. Meanwhile, other nearby attractions, such as Damnoen Saduak and Tha Kha floating markets, also offer unique glimpses of local life.

How to get there?

Mae Klong Railway Market is located about 80 km from Bangkok. Depending on traffic, the journey from the capital takes just over an hour. The most convenient way to reach the market is by taking the BTS Skytrain to Victory Monument Station, then a local minibus. Minibuses depart when full, so schedules can vary widely.

Opening hours

Mae Klong Railway Market operates according to the arrival times of the first and last trains at Mae Klong station, from 6:20 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. (daily). Try to visit early in the morning to enjoy fresh products. Afternoons can be hot and crowded, especially in the summer, making the visit uncomfortable.