Maeklong Railway Market, a flea market home to the world’s slowest train, is an appealing destination for many tourists seeking to visit Thailand.

If you’re in or near Bangkok’s Samut Songkhram province and have a whole day with no plans, Maeklong Railway Market, commonly called Siang Tai (life-risking) Market, is the place to go for a shopping experience like no other. And here’s everything you need to know before visiting this market in Thailand.

History of Maeklong Railway Market

The Maeklong Railway Market, established in 1905, is situated in the province of Samut Songkhram, located on the Gulf of Thailand. This region has a strong fishing heritage, and the market has long served as a vital platform for the local community to sell their fresh catch. Over time, the need for improved transportation led to the construction of a railway network, facilitating the distribution of goods to various provinces, including the capital city. Surprisingly, even with the introduction of the railway, the market persevered, maintaining its presence despite the tracks running directly through its bustling aisles.

A Special Place

You’ll hear the train well before you see it, as the average speed on the track is 30 km/h (19 mph). Vendors and merchants collectively and coolly start moving their belongings and umbrellas away from the tracks as the train moves along, occasionally honking their horns to warn people of its approach. This is why the market is also known as the Hoop Rom “rolling umbrella market”.

Goods baskets are removed from the tracks, hanging tents are removed and the tracks are cleared, making way for the train. Those hoping to take a photo are turned away by those who suspect they’re a little too close to the tracks for comfort. You’ll be able to spot the difference between those who work at the market and those who don’t almost instantly: visitors to the market, whether Thai or foreign, will have cell phones in their hands and smiles on their faces, moving back and forth to position themselves for the perfect photo. Those who work there, however, watch the train go by up to eight times a day and feel few thrills as it passes.

What to buy at Maeklong Railway Market

The main reason for visiting the market is the novelty of the passing train, but it is in fact one of Thailand’s largest fresh seafood markets. Although there are clothes and accessories available, the bulk of the products on offer are Thai sweets, meat, seafood, vegetables, fruit and drinks. This makes it the most authentic rail market Thailand has to offer, but if you were expecting souvenirs, think again.

How to get there

The Maeklong Railway Market is located approximately 90 kilometers from Bangkok, and there are several options for reaching the market:

• Book an excursion: If you prefer a hassle-free experience, the best option is to book a day trip from Bangkok. These excursions typically include hotel pick-up, transportation, a knowledgeable guide, tickets to the market, food tastings, and visits to both the railway market and the floating market.
• Train: If you have ample time and wish to explore independently, taking the train is an interesting and cost-effective choice. However, it can be a bit complicated. You’ll need to board a train bound for Maha Chai, which departs hourly from Wongwien Yai station (a 15-minute walk from the Wonwien Yai BTS station). Once you reach Maha Chai, you’ll need to change stations to Ban Laem (which involves a short walk and crossing the river by ferry) before finally boarding the train to Maeklong. The total travel time for this journey is typically over three hours.
• Minibus: If you’re looking for a faster alternative to the train, minibuses departing from the southern station (Sai Tai Mai) or the northern station (Mo Chit) are a convenient option. The bus fares are usually around THB 60 ($ 1.73) per person from Sai Tai Mai and THB 90 ($2.60) from Mo Chit.
• Taxi: Another option is to negotiate a fare with a taxi driver for a round trip to the Maeklong Railway Market. The typical price should be around THB 1,200 ($34.61) for the journey.

Opening Hours

The Maeklong Railway Market is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and you’ll want to visit when the trains are passing. There are currently 6 trains a day, and they pass at 8.30am, 9am, 11.15am, 11.30am, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. If you arrive at 8:15 or 11 a.m., you’ll be able to see two trains pass by in no time. Be sure to check the updated train timetable before you travel, especially if you want to get there by train from Ban Laem, as there are only 3 or 4 daily trains.

Tips for travelers visiting Maeklong Railway Market

To fully enjoy the Maeklong Railway Market experience, it’s advisable not to linger around the crowded station. Standing there will hinder your view of the vibrant market activities and prevent you from capturing the best photos. Instead, position yourself a safe distance away from the approaching train and be ready to snap your camera as it passes by.

It’s important to note that the market is located a considerable distance from the city center, which may pose some challenges in terms of transportation. Additionally, as most of the market area lacks shade, the scorching sun can make it quite hot. To protect yourself from the sun’s rays, it’s recommended to bring a hat and apply sunscreen before your visit.

If you’re an adventure enthusiast seeking a thrilling experience, the Maeklong Railway Market is an absolute must-see.

Tourists’ Reviews

Let’s see what other travelers are saying about Maeklong Railway Market on TripAdvisor:

Toni B

Worth a visit
Mar 2023 • Couples
Definitely worth a visit!

The train stops for a while at the end to allow you to go on and take photos etc. The market itself is very traditional with lots of locals attending. It is great to see the train and how close it gets to the stalls.

The stalls are reasonably priced and the food we had was lovely!

mfilcol2014

Interesting
Feb 2023
Interesting and unique experience. A market located on the train tracks. Very funny when the train arrives, the dance of the sellers and customers clearing the track.
The problem is the thousands of tourists that flood the market. There is almost no space to walk.
An advice: go on an organized tour. The market is far and difficult to reach.
So it becomes much simple.