Experience Thailand’s Famous Railway Market
Market Fee: Free of charge
Thailand loves shopping, and this shows in the several different types of markets you can visit. The country has shopping malls, floating markets, street markets, night markets, fresh markets, and even markets that sit right on railway tracks. The most visited railway market in Thailand sits about 1 hour southwest of Bangkok. Moreover, the Maeklong Railway Market has been operating for more than one hundred years.
A visit to Maeklong Railway Market offers a truly unique experience. Therefore, you should capture the magic of this market before it disappears. The market offers everything you expect from a traditional Thai market. However, Maeklong Railway Market sets itself apart by sitting on the tracks of a working railway line.
Customer feedback – “When there are no trains around you can easily forget this is actually an operating railway line.”
A Relaxed Market Experience Between Trains
Walking through the tight spaces of this railway market, shoppers wander at a slow pace. Consequently, they can fully enjoy the colors and smells of fresh fruits and vegetables on display. Don’t be surprised when you see many sellers dozing at their stalls. Indeed, the tropical heat and soft sounds of the market prove powerful enough to make even the most alert people sleepy.
The Maeklong Railway Market stays very relaxed until something changes everything. Suddenly, the whistle of an approaching train breaks the air of lazy leisure. Therefore, it fills the sellers with renewed energy and purpose.
The Amazing Train Transformation
Market visitors hear the train whistle long before they see the train. When the whistle sounds, sellers start to move their goods and shop awnings away from the railway tracks. Furthermore, they pull down umbrellas and draw back shop coverings with practiced ease.
This action of moving umbrellas has given the market another name. Locals call it Talad Rom Hoop, which means “the closing of umbrellas” in Thai. When the train arrives, it passes so close that you can reach out and touch it. Additionally, visitors and sellers wave to the train’s passengers, creating the perfect moment for videos or pictures of this unique market.
Customer feedback – “I liked this market a lot because there was no one here trying to push the usual cheap souvenirs in your face. I was happy enough to see the train coming through the market and to watch the shop owners being so casual about moving their umbrellas and awnings back. It was like they have done it a thousand times before.”
Delicious Local Foods to Try
At the Maeklong Railway Market, you’ll find many unique items to see and taste:
- Huge juicy pomelos that vendors sell fresh from local farms
- Fresh durian with its strong smell and creamy texture
- Crunchy pink rose apples that provide a refreshing snack
- A wide selection of Thai desserts made by local vendors
- An assortment of freshly-prepared foods and sweet drinks
The market focuses mainly on food sales. While some clothing and accessories are available, most sellers offer Thai sweets, fresh meat and seafood, vegetables, fruits, and drinks. Therefore, food lovers will find plenty of authentic options to explore.
Why This Market Attracts Visitors
The attraction of this market lies in its novelty. Moreover, visitors love watching market locals quickly move to make room for trains passing through their shops and goods. This spectacle creates an unforgettable experience that combines everyday commerce with railway drama.
Customer feedback – “One minute there is a bustling market under umbrellas with stalls scattered everywhere. The next minute a train passes right through the middle of it all, only to turn back into a market a few minutes later. It really was a sight to see and our kids loved it.”
Practical Visiting Information
Maeklong Railway Market opens daily from 6:20 am until 5:40 pm. These opening hours match the first and last train arrivals at Maeklong Station. Furthermore, your private tour guide will make sure you get to the railway tracks before a train arrives. This timing ensures you experience the market’s most exciting moments when vendors quickly move their goods for passing trains.
The Maeklong Railway Market is only a short distance from the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Wat Bang Kung. Both of these sites would make great additions to any visit to Maeklong Railway Market.
Things you should be aware of when visiting the Maeklong Railway Market:
- Comfortable shoes and clothing are highly recommended.
- Photography is highly encouraged along every part of this tour.
- Bring your appetite and your sense of adventure.
