Last Updated on December 11, 2024 by Leslie Stroud <!– %AUTHOR_NAME% –>
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.
The city is HUGE, and some attractions, like the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, can take an hour of driving to get to. The Maeklong Train Market also takes some planning to get to but is such a cool experience. It’s very unique in its offerings and the train rolling through twice a day.
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. Twice a day, the train comes through slowly, and vendors scramble to move inches out of the way.
Many people are close enough to touch the train as it goes by, but it’s safest to stay safe distance away. We didn’t get too close with kids, as accidents can happen. We enjoyed watching the train roll by from inside a nearby cafe.
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What Is the Maeklong Train Market?
Established in the 19th century, this market evolved as the Maeklong Railway was built around 1905. This railway connected Samut Songkhram to 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 the train coming through twice a day.
Don’t be surprised to see the vendors drifting off in the lazy heat one minute and a frenzy of activity the next as the train approaches! You’ll hear the whistle long before you see the train, so don’t worry about that. As the train approaches, you can reach out and touch it as it comes by.
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!
How To Get to the Maeklong Train Market
Located about 50 miles from Bangkok, visiting this market is an easy day trip. It’s quite easy to find transportation in Bangkok. If you take an Uber once, the driver will happily share his/her contact information to be your driver for the rest of your stay! Our large family loved the amazing 9-passenger vans.
It’s not hard to arrange a ride to get to the market, enjoy it, and get a ride back to where you are staying. Often, drivers are happy to wait for you 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.
How To Enjoy the Maeklong Railway Market With Kids
1.Ride the train. This may be included with your tour. Enjoy the countryside, and see the market from the train itself. The train schedule currently is:
Trains arrive at 8:30 a.m., 11:10 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 5:40 p.m.
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. This can be a bonus in because it offers a prime spot to view the train when it comes!
4. Watch the train come and go! It’s fun to watch the market collapse in just a minute or two as the train approaches and leaves (about 30 minutes later). Their efficiency astounds you.
Other Tips for Visiting the Train Market
- The train coming and going is worth the trip, but it all happens fairly quickly. You’ll only need 30-60 minutes to enjoy the market. Plan something else to see nearby such as visiting a floating market , touring a coconut oil factory, or viewing The Grand Palace. A tour guide can make recommendations.
- Hold tight to the kids while the train is moving through. This seems obvious, but while watching the train and taking photos and videos, you might lapse. Some people claim this market is dangerous, and it could be without vigilance.
- While pickpocketing is not common in Thailand, it can happen in touristy spots. Keep track of your belongings.
- Make sure to try the local chocolate around the markets, available in so many cute shapes!
Bangkok is full of incredible, one-of-a-kind experiences 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.
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Catch great fare deals from Booking.com, Skyscanner, Kiwi.com, or Expedia
Find a nice hotel in Bangkok from Expedia, or Vrbo, (we also love Tripadvisor and Hotels.com)
Discover more of Bangkok while having fun through exciting activities from GetYourGuide, Airbnb Experiences, or Viator
Need to rent a car to navigate the city? Visit Rentalcars.com / EuropCar
Get insured while traveling with World Nomads / SafetyWing / TravelEx
Want to have a photo shoot while traveling? Check out flytographer!
Capture your best travel memories in Bangkok as we do with a GoPro, Sony camera, or our favorite drones: DJI FPV, Air, and Mini
Check out your travel necessities from a comprehensive list of all the 7Wayfinders Travel Must-Haves. Click Here!
Additional Reading
All You Need To Know To Explore The Floating Markets In Bangkok As A Family
Bangkok with Kids: Top 13 Things to Do
