Snaking through the crowded narrow alley, we braved the early afternoon heat at the Maeklong Train Market where shops are found on both sides of the train tracks. Thanks to the tarpaulins over us, they were screening us against the sun. But when the train arrived, those tarpaulins vanished in a split second to give way to the huge approaching locomotive.
Such was the scene whenever the train passes by the Maeklong Railway Market, which happens eight times a day. The train passes during these times:
- In: 8:30 am, 11:10 am, 2:30 pm, 5:40 pm
- Out: 6:20 am, 9:00 am, 11:30 am, 3:30 pm
Train markets are getting popular in Thailand, but this one is just a narrow strip built along those tracks. That’s the reason why the place can get pretty crowded. But you can find eateries and coffee shops on either side and we’ve decided to take our late lunch here after enjoying the entire experience of the market.
Getting there
Tour group – The most convenient way to go here is to join a group tour. We did one through an online app and met up with the agency and the rest of the group at a mall near Victory Monument at around 11:00 am. A huge bus picked us up, which transported over 30 persons to the market. This is part of the Amphawa Floating Market tour and the Maeklong Railway Market was the first stop. However, getting there took us over an hour, which allowed us some time to doze off while on the road. Our guide, Pai, was very enthusiastic as she told us much information about Thailand history and of the places we passed by and visited both in English and in Chinese.
Train – Obviously, another mode of transport to Maeklong Railway Market is by taking the train. In Bangkok, head to the Wongwian Yai Railway Station where your train travel will start and get off at the Mahachai Station. To transfer trains, take the ferry to cross the Maeklong River where you will then ride the train from the Ban Laem Railway Station that will go directly to Maeklong.
Bus – If you do not want to take a tour package and want to go there on your own one option is to take the bus from the Mo Chit Bus Station in Bangkok that is bound for the Maeklong Railway Station. Another way is to get the minivan from the Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal in Sai Tai Mai towards the market.
Taxi – If you prefer it fast and comfortable, you can hire a cab or private car that will take you to Maeklong Railway Market. But it would cost you more and can get quite expensive.
What to see
We got off our bus a block away from the market and walked through the pebbled railway near a school. As we go at the one end of the market, people thickened as they were hanging out at coffee shops, tour guides giving instructions, and shoppers haggling with the vendors.
Fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as dried fruits and candies, are aplenty at the market. There are clothes, bags, accessories and souvenir items there, too. If you buy more, you can get a better bargain compared to buying in small quantities.
The food selections there are also good as most of the eateries prepare the food when ordered. We had some rice meals and fried rolls, apart from the ripe mango smoothies we had as soon as we arrived there.
The train
The railway has been around since 1904. It is divided into two parts. The first one is the Mahachai Line that runs from Wongwian Yai to Samut Sakhon. The second is the Ban Laem Line that traverses from Samut Sakhon to Samut Songkhram. One has to cross the river to transfer stations. Through the years, it has served the communities in these areas. However, the railway is known for its slow speed.
It’s quite an encounter witnessing stalls along the Maeklong Railway Market fold their tarpaulins to make way for the approaching train. More than the goods to buy that are sold at that narrow tracks, it’s really the experience that should be looked forward when visiting this place.
