Bangkok holds a special place in my heart as my favorite city in the world after 50 countries. I love the hustle and bustle, the kind people, the endless markets to explore, and the vibrant, colorful vibes. Many travelers get to Thailand and head out of Bangkok as quickly as they can, but I could stay for months.
Some popular day trips take you outside Bangkok, including the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, require travel time that depends on your starting point and traffic. The Maeklong Train Market also takes some planning to get to but is such a cool experience. The market in Samut Songkhram is a distinctive day trip from Bangkok, with trains passing through during normal railway operations. Check the current timetable before planning around a train.
I found all of the Bangkok markets, night and day, to be so fun to explore, but Maeklong Railway “Train” Market is a unique experience. Imagine a market on the actual railway tracks. When trains pass, vendors fold back awnings and move goods clear of the railway. The exact arrival and departure times need checking for your date.
We didn’t get too close with the kids, as accidents can happen. We enjoyed watching the train roll by from inside a nearby cafe. For your visit, use a permitted viewing area clear of the tracks and follow station staff and posted boundaries. Keep children with an adult, and never reach toward or touch a moving train.
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This market is beside Mae Klong station in Samut Songkhram, outside Bangkok. The Maeklong Railway visit involves the active Ban Laem–Mae Klong line; do not assume it is a single direct train from Bangkok.
The market itself uniquely operates ON the train tracks themselves. All of the awnings and stalls are retractable at a moment’s notice. Vendors quickly move their wares to make room for passing trains; check the current arrivals and departures rather than relying on a twice-daily description.
The vendors’ quick preparation is fascinating to watch, but this is an active railway. Do not rely on hearing a whistle before moving clear, copy the crowd’s position, or reach out to touch the train. Follow staff directions and keep yourself and your children within permitted viewing areas.
I also like this market because the vendors aren’t pushy in the slightest. It’s a nice market to visit even without the train!
Located about 50 miles from Bangkok makes clear this is a trip outside Bangkok. Compare a day tour or a currently available licensed transport provider. Do not rely on our old Uber reference or assume a driver will offer private services. Our large family loved the 9-passenger vans we used; confirm the actual vehicle capacity and your group’s needs when booking.
Arrange the return journey before leaving Bangkok. If hiring a driver, agree the total fare, waiting time, pickup point, and return plan rather than assuming the driver will wait while you explore.
Alternatively, you can hire a guide. Both private guides and group tours are available to get you to and from Bangkok and the Maeklong Train Market.
Some tours actually have you ride the train into the market from another station. It’s an older train, so don’t expect anything fancy.
This longer film includes separate floating-market, temple and coconut stops before Maeklong. The old train-time commentary is not a current timetable. Some archival shots show people extremely close to the railway: do not copy those positions, touch a moving train, or use the rails as a shortcut. Use permitted viewing areas, keep children clear and follow station staff and posted instructions.
Our floating-market and Maeklong railway-market outing · Full film (11 min 4 sec)
Playback isn’t available here. Open the full film on Vimeo ↗
Our family’s earlier Bangkok-area outing includes more than one market and other stops. Present-day railway safety and train times take priority over this archival commentary.
1. Ride the train, if it fits your plan. Check whether a ride is included with your tour, which stations it uses, and how the return works. Confirm the current timetable with State Railway of Thailand or station staff before relying on a particular service.
Train times can change. Use State Railway of Thailand or Mae Klong station for current arrival and departure information. The old four-arrival list here is not a current timetable, and a scheduled time is not a safe signal to stand on the tracks.
2. Explore the market on foot. We parked our van nearby with our tour guide and walked into the market. For me, it felt like a mix of a day and night market in Bangkok with fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables as well as trinkets and more touristy items. Day markets tend to be grocery-focused, but night markets are more for fun.
3. Grab a smoothie or some food in one of the cafes. We enjoyed our café stop. Ask where viewing is permitted and stay clear of the railway rather than assuming every cafe has a suitable train-viewing position.
4. Watch the train come and go from a permitted place. It’s fascinating to see the vendors move their goods and awnings. Check the actual departure with station staff instead of assuming the train will leave 30 minutes after arriving.
Watch our original floating-market and train-market film on YouTube
Open the original YouTube link to the train-market portion
Our hot afternoon and family break at Maeklong · Scene from our film (20 sec)
Playback isn’t available here. Open the full film on Vimeo ↗
I remember worrying about how hot the children were getting. Our café stop and a break mattered just as much that afternoon as waiting for the train.
A Bangkok stay can include distinctive day trips outside the city, like the Maeklong Railway Market. The thrill of watching the vendors scramble to quickly move their wares as the train slowly rumbles through is both exhilarating and a testament to the resilience of the Thai people.
While the market itself is fascinating, the overall adventure of getting to this unique location and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere makes it a must-see stop on any Bangkok itinerary, especially for families. Just be sure to keep a close eye on little ones, mind your belongings, and leave time to explore some of the other amazing sights, sounds, and flavors that this captivating city has to offer.
A visit to the Maeklong Railway Market is sure to be an unforgettable highlight of your Thailand travels.
Compare the date, route and inclusions for this specific GetYourGuide market outing.
Travel insurance options: World Nomads / SafetyWing / TravelEx.
Our travel necessities: Here.
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