Maeklong Railway Market - Famous Local Market Near Bangkok

Most markets in Thailand look the same, at least at first glance. But there is one that stands out from all the rest: the Maeklong Railway Market. And why? The market is on the railway track.

A passenger train runs right through the middle of this train market selling vegetables, fruits, fish, seafood, and other food items. And it does so several times a day. And it does so several times per day.

At the sound of the siren, the stalls disperse and umbrellas are stretched to allow the train to pass.

The Maeklong market itself is really special and worth a visit.

The Maeklong Railway Market Dangerous ?

The train is likely to alert you to its presence long before you see it, as it travels at an average speed of 30 km/h. However, when the train arrives, you need to leave the train track and find a place where there are fewer people so you have room to take photos. 

How to Get to Talad Rom Hub

The Maeklong Railway Market is located in the province of Samut Songkhram, 80km away from Bangkok. It is not difficult to reach this market, depend on the traffic.

Private Local Guide

If you are there for the first time, I recommend taking a licensed private local guide. A guide provides valuable information and can interact with the locals to enhance your visit, and you will enjoy the Mae Klong train market even more.

If you choose this option, it’s a great way to incorporate a boat ride to a floating market into your day trip: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Amphawa Floating Market are close by.

By Taxi

Hiring a taxi from the hotel will not provide the same good experience as with a licensed tour guide and often quite the opposite. 

By Train

The train market can be experienced from different perspectives if you do it this way. 

The schedule is tight because you have to take 2 trains and a ferry. There are two sections of the train route divided by the Tha Chin River. If you miss the 8:05 train at Ban Laem Station, you have to wait until 12 or take a taxi to the market.

It will be much easier with a guide.

When you get to the market, get off and watch the train leave. Later in the day, take a train back to Bangkok. 

• The easiest way is to start at Wongwian Yai Station at 6:45am with the Maeklong line.
• After a 1 hour ride to Mahachai Station, get off the train.
• Then take the ferry across the river to Tha Chalom from Mahachai Pier. The walk from Maha Chai Railway Station to Ferry Boat Pier takes about 5 – 10 minutes. A ticket costs only 3 baht and the crossing takes about 5 minutes. After crossing the river, you need to walk another 5 to 10 minutes to Ban Laem Station.
• Take the 8:05 train from Ban Laem Station to Maeklong Railway Market (scheduled arrival at 9:45).

For the return trip to Bangkok, there are several options: Train, Minivan, Taxi.

For more information on how to get there by train:

• Detailled information www.train36.com
• State Railway of Thailand

Taxi and train

Another option if you think you will miss the train at Ban Laem Station is to take a taxi to Ban Laem Station and experience the train ride from Ban Laem Station to Maeklong station.

Maeklong Railway Station Train Schedule

This market is unique in Thailand and well worth the trip. The market offers a lot of fresh and tasty local food. It is a great place to get to know the locals and their way of life.