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Mae Klong railway market

Updated: December 23, 2022 by Michiel Bosch Location: Samut Songkhram Type: Market

Visit a unique marketplace on a private tour from Bangkok – the Mae Klong railway market is a complete fresh market located on the tracks of a railway. Things get really busy when a train is arriving, this happens eight times a day at 6:20, 8:30, 9:00, 11:10, 11:30, 14:30, 15:30, and 17:40 ( 1 ).  Vendors start pushing their baskets and tables to the side, some rush to fold their shades. Everyone tries to find a spot to stand clear of the train.  Once the train passes through, everything is swiftly put back to its original position.  Shades are back to protect shoppers and food from the heat of the sun.  Business resumes as normal after those tables and baskets reappear.

A very enjoyable experience on the way to one of the floating markets.

Visit Mae Klong railway market on a tour from Bangkok…

BKK Tours can organize the following private tours for you:

• Railway market and Floating market tour
• Floating markets and Bangkok tour
• Markets and Tham Khao Bin cave tour
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maeklong_Railway#Market

About Michiel Bosch

Michiel Bosch and Photjaman 'Air' Reamsan founded BKK Tours in 2009. With the help of a carefully selected team of English speaking tour guides and professional drivers, they share their passion for Thailand by showing travellers the popular highlights and hidden gems. BKK Tours is a leading tour operator for private Bangkok tours and day trips, awarded with a Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor yearly since 2012, and received a Hall of Fame award which recognizes consistent excellent reviews from travellers.

Visiting The Maeklong Railway (Life-Risking) Train Market

In Thailand things are often done a little differently, to say the least. Thus the saying, “This is Thailand”, commonly abbreviated to TIT.

Case in point: the Maeklong Railway Train Market (Talad Rom Hub), otherwise known as Siang Tai or the “life-risking” life-risking market.

Close your eyes and picture a market: Imagine the chatter of the vendors, the array of fresh produce, the busyness of the visiting crowds, the hot sun and scents and sounds.

Now imagine being startled by a train horn. You look up to see a train snaking its way through the market and heading your way!

Yep, every few hours a train makes its way right through the market. I mean, it could literally take your toes off. It's that close.

It really is a sight to behold, and one worth experiencing.

As soon as vendors hear the whistle of the train, they quickly and strategically move their goods off and away from the track.

Sellers, shoppers, and visitors then retreat until a large, yellow-and-red-hued locomotive makes its way through the chaos.

Maeklong Market is certainly one for your bucket list.

Here's a short history on the market, how to get there, what to expect, and how to make the most of your visit.

Look closely. I'm sure that's a child driving the train! Image Credit: Moody Man

The Maeklong Railway: A Short History

The Maeklong Railway runs for 67 kilometers (42 miles) between Samut Songkhram (central Thailand) and Wongwian Yai, Bangkok.

The line has two sections: The Mahachai Line – running east, between Samut Sakhon and Wongwian Yai – and the Ban Laem Line – running between Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram.

It is one of the slowest railways in Thailand, with an average speed of 30 Km/hr. There are no signals on the line, either.

The line runs seventeen trains daily in each direction between Samut Sakhon and Wongwian Yai, and four trains daily between Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram.

Commissioned in 1901, the Maeklong Railway was initially a goods line with 8 stops. The train transported produce and fish to the famous markets of Bangkok.

After a number of changes over the years, it was brought under the control of the State Railway of Thailand in 1952 ( 1 ).

The railway became a novelty tourist destination for its unique path through the Maeklong Railway Market (founded in 1905).

Known to locals as the “umbrella pull-down” market, or Siang Tai  (“life-risking”) market, vendors regularly shift their goods, shop fronts, and awnings out of the way of passing trains.

What to Expect at Maeklong

As with many Thai markets, Maeklong is very busy in the early morning. Thailand is naturally cooler earlier in the day, so setting up shop and trading goods is far more pleasant before the sun is up.

There's some cover in the market but not everywhere, so you might be better to visit early in the day too, or on an overcast day. Either way, carry your sunscreen.

Don't worry about getting run over by the train. It looks more dangerous in the pictures than it is in real life.

As the train approaches the stretch that cuts through the market, a warning bell is sounded and magnified by the market’s sound system. The train also slows down.

This warning will prompt a flurry of activity, as vendors move their produce out of the way and pull back the awnings of their little store fronts.

The train lets out a loud beep as it approaches a bend, so you'll know when to get out of the way. If you heed the warning bell, there will be more than enough time to move.

Try to be respectful of space. Try not to jostle anyone in your efforts to give the moving train a wide berth while simultaneously snapping pictures.

“I hear the train a coming, it's rolling round the bend”. Image credit: Dennis Grice

What's on Offer?

With plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and spices and Thai treats, the Maeklong Railway Market is a foodie’s paradise. There's also some clothes shops and other bits and bobs, as you've no doubt come to expect from a Thai market.

If you’ve got a place to cook dinner, you can buy fresh goods for your evening meal. If not, enjoy the Thai fruit . You'll find all the usual suspects here from pomelo to jackfruit and watermelon to durian.

Go easy on the durian though. It's an acquired taste, so buy a small portion to try first. Also bear in mind that most hotels don't allow durian in the rooms, as it creates a pungent smell.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you'll enjoy the Thai desserts and homemade ice cream, coconut in particular.

There's a bunch of small restaurants too. I'm sure I don't need to tell you that in Thailand you can always find something to eat for a very reasonable price.

Plenty of fruit to take home. Image credit: LW Yang

How to Get to Maeklong Railway Market

Located approximately 80 kilometers outside of Bangkok, there are a number of ways to get to the Maeklong Railway Market.

Perhaps the most common tourist route from Bangkok to Samut Songkhram is with a Maeklong Railway Market tour, which will lead you through Bangkok’s floating markets to the popular railway crossing.

A tour like this will cost around £17/$20 per person. Generally speaking these tours start early and follow a regimented program, so be prepared to have breakfast early and get to your meeting point.

If you'd prefer to do the trip independent of a tour you can take a bus.

Buses depart Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) and the Northern Bus Terminal (near to Mo Chit BTS) and cost 70 Baht per person. The buses depart every 40 minutes or so.

The journey takes 1.5 hours and drops you off right by the market, though it may take longer depending on the traffic that day.

If you've hired a car or have a friend with one, you can quite easily drive to Maeklong Market. Please see the Google map below to plan your journey.

I wouldn't recommend doing the journey by moped. It's pretty far and the motorways aren't very safe, especially if you're an inexperienced rider.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can take the train from Bangkok and experience riding through the middle of the market.

Head to Wongwian Yai Railway Station (located across the Chao Phraya River) and look for a train bound for Mahachai.

After you disembark in Mahachai, you’ll have to find the ferry to Ban Laem, which is located just a few blocks from the railway station, near the park at Mahachai Pier.

Tickets should only cost 3 THB.

Once in Ban Laem, you’ll need to walk 10 minutes to the railway station, which is near the river and a temple.

Once there, look for a sign indicating you’re boarding a train bound for Maeklong.

This train will take you directly through the market.

Once you've been through the market you can disembark and wait for the train to reverse its course, so that you can take photos and enjoy the scene from a new perspective.

The journey from Bangkok will take 3 hours but will only cost you 23 THB. Bear in mind that trains are notoriously unreliable in Thailand and the journey may take much longer.

You can use the timetable here to see when the trains depart, but I'd ask the concierge at your hotel or guesthouse to check the most recent updates for you, as timetables do change.

Maeklong Market Train Schedule

The last thing you want to do is visit the market and not see a train, so here's a list of the times the trains arrive and depart the local station.

Again, making an enquiry at your hotel, the station, or with locals at the market is ideal, as times are subject to change.

Trains arrive at Maeklong Station at:

Trains depart Maeklong station at

Maeklong Railway Station. Image credit: Ankur P

Tips for a Happy Trip to Maeklong Train Market

Hopefully you now have all the information you need to plan your trip. Here's a quick recap on what you need to consider:

• Check with someone who speaks Thai about the train’s current timetable, as it may have changed since the posting of this article.
• Certainly bring your camera or phone along to snap the train as it comes through, but do keep a safe distance, especially if you have kids. Visitors often underestimate just how close the train gets to the stalls, as locals are so used to it that they stand right close to the edge.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing and bring a hat and sunscreen. By the time you visit the market the hot Thai sun will likely be in full force.
• If you plan to visit the market via the train/ferry combination, leave plenty of time to buy your tickets, arrive at your departure track, and find the next station. Trips out of the city are often difficult for those who do not speak or read Thai, and it may take you some time to find your way.
• Be considerate and polite during your time at the market. No one enjoys cameras or video equipment being shoved in their faces, and you should always ask before taking picture of the vendors.

Maeklong market is a favorite among visitors because it offers a taste of Thailand without the hawking and pushiness found at the popular tourist markets of Bangkok.

It's an insight into a unique way of working – literally on a train track – and there's a real sense of community here.

Have you visited the Maeklong Railway Market in Thailand? Let me know what you enjoyed about the experience, or if you have any other advice to for would be visitors.

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Last Updated on August 17, 2021

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Asia » Thailand » Maeklong Railway Market | An Easy Bangkok Day Trip (2023 Update)

Maeklong Railway Market | An Easy Bangkok Day Trip (2023 Update)

What's In This Guide?

Maeklong railway market bangkok, thailand.

It’s no secret that I love exploring markets around Bangkok. There are so many to choose from. You’ll find floating markets, street markets, night markets and, even railway markets!

The Maeklong Railway Market is one of Bangkok’s most unique attractions. It is truly a must-visit destination.

What makes the Maeklong Railway Market unique is that it’s located right on top of a railway line, and trains run right through the market a few times per day.

One minute, stalls are set up all over the railway line as hundreds of people go about their shopping. Suddenly a train approaches as the market literally folds away and lets the train pass through. Then, in a matter of seconds, it unfolds back into a busy market. Crazy right?

This market is not actually located in Bangkok, but about 1.5 hours southwest of the city. You will need to take a taxi and minivan or multiple trains to get here, directions further below.

TakeMeTour offers this awesome day trip to the Maelong Railway Market including; transport, hotel pickup, drop off, lunch, AND a bonus visit to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. It’s one of their signature trips and run by a true Bangkok local.

Visiting Bangkok Soon? Don’t Miss This EPIC Guide 50+ Destinations, Food & Bars Get Your Copy Now 👇

Here’s a photo of me sitting in the middle of the market. A couple of minutes later a train rushed through.

The Maeklong Railway Market is a small market on the railway tracks next to Maeklong Railway Station. When there are no trains around, you can easily forget this is actually an operating railway line. When the train sounds its horn, it turns straight back into a railway line.

The market is cramped under the fold-out umbrellas. It is quite hot, and there is a lot of activity going on. The locals walk around slowly, and all over the place. Be patient as you walk through the market, otherwise, you will just get frustrated by the foot traffic.

It is interesting to see how half of the store owners are asleep on the ground behind their shop. I guess there is no better way to escape the midday heat than to sleep through it. Even better, no one will push cheap souvenirs in your face. This is definitely an authentic little local market still.

Explore another great Bangkok market: Ban Nam Pheung in Bang Krachao

What Can I Buy at the Bangkok Train Market?

The Maeklong Railway Market has lots of fresh seafood. For most foreign travellers with nowhere to cook, this probably isn’t of much interest. However I suggest you try some of the dried fish or dried squid, it’s a local favourite, and ready to eat on the go.

There are also loads of fresh fruits grown in Ratchaburi just next door. Be sure to try the crunchy pink Rose-apples and the huge juicy Pomelos. If you’re brave enough you can even try some fresh Durian! These three are some of the most popular fruits in Thailand, and there’s no place to get them fresher than at the markets.

Get more out of Thailand: our  detailed guide to Thailand

There’s also a wide selection of Thai desserts available at the Maeklong Railway Market. I’m not familiar with the names of all of these, but they’re definitely worth trying. Some desserts are good, and some are interesting . It’s a lucky dip, so just take your chances.

Around the market, you will also find some small restaurants and cafes. A meal is about 100 THB which is a fairly standard price. Look out for the guy on the corner who sells homemade ice cream, it’s definitely worth a taste too!

You will not find tacky souvenirs or electronics at the Maeklong Railway Market. For these, your best bet is MBK in Bangkok .

Where is the Maeklong Railway Market?

The Maeklong Railway Market is located in Samut Songkhram Province . This is about 1 hour south-west of Bangkok, just beyond Samut Sakhon.

The area is surrounded by small canals and the Mae Klong River which flows out to the ocean in the Gulf of Thailand.

The market is only a short distance from the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and the busier but more authentic Amphawa Floating Market . They’re both worth checking out if you are visiting the area.

Getting to the Maeklong Train Market

There are a few different ways to get to the train market from Bangkok. The option you take depends on time, budget, and your adventurous spirit. I personally go by minivan, as it is the quickest and cheapest.

Minivan : departs Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) and the Northern Bus Terminal (near to Mo Chit BTS) for 70thb per person. Minivans depart from the Southern Bus Terminal every 40 minutes or so. The trip takes 90 minutes and drops you off right by the market. Do not go to the Victory Monument bus terminal, services ended in 2016.

Taxi: a driver for the whole day costs about 2,000thb which is economical with a group of 4. The driver can also take you to the Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa Floating Markets for the same fare.

Train: takes about 3 hours in total, one way. Catch a train from Wongwian Yai Station to Mahachai Station. Cross the river to Tha Chalom Pier. Catch another train from Ban Laem Station to the Maeklong Railway Market.

Warning: Thai trains are notorious for running late, therefore, this 3-hour journey can easily take much longer. Trains also have no air conditioning so only choose this option if you are up for the Bangkok heat.

Tour:  if all of the above seems a bit too challenging then you can also take an easy day trip to the Maeklong Railway Market from Bangkok. Check out this trip with TakeMeTour , one of their most popular day trips. This tour includes all transport, hotel pickup, drop off and lunch! It’s not a bad way to get around.

Maeklong Railway Market Train Schedule 202 3

Trains arrive at Maeklong Station 7 days a week. You can visit any day.

The Maeklong Railway Market train Schedule in 2023 is:

• Train Arrival times : 8.30 a.m., 11.10 a.m., 2.30 p.m. and 5.40 p.m.
• Train Departure times : 6.20 a.m., 9.00 a.m., 11.30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m.

I recommend that you hang around the railway tracks 10 to 15 minutes before the train arrives or departs. Trains in Thailand are notorious for being late, so you don’t want to wait another hour if you miss the train by just a few minutes!

Maeklong Railway Market Opening Hours

The train market is open 7 days a week from 6.20am to 5.40pm. Opening hours coincide with the first arrival and last train departure from Maeklong Station.

It is best to visit the market in the early morning. Around midday and in the afternoon the market is hot and uncomfortable, especially in the summer. That’s why all the locals are sleeping! After this market, you can continue on the to the nearby Amphawa and Damnoen Sadauk Floating Markets in the afternoon.

Tip: if you want to discover loads more markets with details of opening hours, days and locations, then consider getting my Bangkok travel guide . There are over 50 destinations in and around Bangkok. That’s way more than you can see even with a full week in Bangkok!

Accommodation Near the Market

Should you spend a night out of Bangkok near the Maeklong Railway market? Hell yes! It is a great way to experience part of ‘outer Bangkok’ that many other travelers just don’t get to see, a true insight into what the non-touristy Thai culture looks like.

The lifestyle out here is slower than in Bangkok. You can forget about the endless traffic jams, annoying Tuk Tuk drivers and the Khao Sarn Road party scene. Replace that with a laid-back village atmosphere where people live by the canals and still get around by boat instead of a car.

For an authentic experience, I suggest the  Bann Reuan Penn Homestay . This small guesthouse is located right next to the canal (klong in Thai), where you can watch the boats go by in the morning and afternoon. It is also within walking distance of the Amphawa Floating Market, perfect for enjoying the bars and restaurants at night without needing to rush back to Bangkok on the last bus of the afternoon.

From just $40 per night for a double room (including free breakfast for two), it is as good a deal as you will find in Bangkok!

Other FAQ about the Train Market

Is the Maeklong Railway Market closed? The market was temporarily closed in 2015 for track repair works. However, the market has since re-opened for visitors every day of the week!

Which other markets can I visit nearby? The closest market is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in  Samut Songkhram. You can get there easily by taxi which should cost less than 100 THB.

Other Floating Markets Around Bangkok: Read our detailed reviews of the really authentic Khlong Lat Mayom floating market and the hidden Bang Nam Pheung floating market.

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There are 18 stations between Wongwian Yai and Mahachai and 15 stations between Ban Laem and Mae Klong. Each stretch takes about one hour. Although it will only take you five minutes to take a boat across the river, the entire journey will take much longer as the arrival and departure times in Samut Sakhon don’t match up. This is because the first stretch is more popular and has 17 train pairs a day and the second stretch on the other side of the river only has four train pairs a day.

PART ONE: BANGKOK TO SAMUT SAKHON

The price of the ticket from Wongwian Yai station in Bangkok (see map ) to Mahachai station in Samut Sakhon is 10 Baht for 2nd Class (fan). The best morning train for the connection in Samut Sakhon is at 8:35 a.m. This gets in at 9:28 a.m. and you then have about half an hour to take the ferry boat to the other side of the river to catch the 10:10 a.m. train to Samut Songkhram. However, I would advise you to take the 7:40 a.m. train from Bangkok which gives you an hour and a half to explore the market in Samut Sakhon and then cross the river at your leisure to catch the 10:10 a.m. train to Mae Klong in Samut Songkhram. The ticket to cross the river is 3 Baht.

TIMETABLE FOR THE MAHACHAI RAILWAY

All times are subject to change. Last updated in June 2022. Please note, the nickname for Samut Sakhon city is Mahachai.

These are the departure and arrival times for trains going from Wongwian Yai (Bangkok) to Mahachai (Samut Sakhon).

These are the departure and arrival times for trains going from Mahachai (Samut Sakhon) to Wongwian Yai (Bangkok).

PART TWO: SAMUT SAKHON TO SAMUT SONGKHRAM

The price of the ticket from Ban Laem Station in Samut Sakhon to Maeklong Station in Samut Songkhram is 10 Baht for 2nd Class (fan). If you caught the 8:35 a.m. train from Wongwian Yai, you should arrive in Samut Songkhram at 11:10 a.m. If you then stay at the station to watch the 11:30 a.m. train depart through the market, you will then have to wait for four hours until the next and last train back to Bangkok departs at 3:30 p.m. You can either take a minivan or bus back to Bangkok, which is actually quicker, or do a side trip to Amphawa Floating Market. And then catch a minivan from there back to Bangkok. The floating market is only open Friday to Sunday and only during the late afternoon.

TIMETABLE FOR THE MAE KLONG RAILWAY

All times are subject to change. Last updated in June 2022. Please note, the nickname for Samut Songkhram city is Maeklong.

These are the departure and arrival times for trains going from Ban Laem (Samut Sakhon) to Maeklong (Samut Songkhram).

These are the departure and arrival times for trains going from Maeklong (Samut Songkhram) to Ban Laem (Samut Sakhon).

THE “FOLDING UMBRELLA MARKET” 

The highlight of the Maeklong Railway is the famous market on the train tracks in Samut Songkhram. In Thai, this is called Talad Rom Hup (ตลาดร่มหุบ) or Folding Umbrella Market. This refers to the awnings that have to be pulled back every time a train passes. Fortunately, there are only eight trains a day. In recent years, this market has been discovered by tour groups and you can often find hundreds of tourists here in the morning all trying to take the same picture. I first went here by train back in 2006 when it wasn’t as popular with foreigners. If you go, please be careful as it can be dangerous. People have been hurt. The trains pass through the market at 6:20am, 8:30am, 9:00am, 11:10am, 11:30am, 2:30pm, 3:30pm and 5:40pm. All times on this page are subject to change.

The Maeklong Railway was built in two separate stages. The Tachin Railway Ltd, founded in 1901 with a concession from the crown of Thailand to construct a line to Samut Sakhon from Bangkok, built the 33 kilometer Mahachai Line; it opened in 1904 with eight stations. A year later, The Maeklong Railway Company opened the 34 kilometer Ban Laem Line. The lines merged in 1907 to form the Maeklong Railway Ltd. It was originally opened as a goods line, transporting produce from the fishing ports of Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkram to the Bangkok markets.The Thai military gained control of the railway in 1942, during World War II, and the line was nationalised by the Thai Government in 1946. The line was operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) from 1952 and was fully merged into the SRT in 1955. In 1961 the line’s original terminus at Khlong San was closed and replaced with a bus stop, to ease traffic congestion in Bangkok. Wongwian Yai became the new terminus. [ Source: Wikipedia ]

Visit Day Trip to the Market on the Railway Tracks for a photo blog of a recent trip along this line.

Moscow, Russia

See the official Rolling Stones web site in Russia , also having info in English!

How "the rolling stones" solve the problem of unemployment in moscow, their own uncompetence, their own openess, thanks to constantin preobrazhensky (moscow) for supplying info about the web site and the stones show in russia. also thanks to leonid ulitsky , italy, for info..