Tucked away in Thailand's small province of Samut Songkhram is a bustling street market that offers a truly unique experience. The Maeklong Railway Market is an intriguing street market that blends commerce with transportation while embracing Thai culture.
Thailand's Intriguing Maeklong Railway Market
Imagine a bustling street market where vendors sell fresh fruits, seafood, spices, and souvenirs. People hustle and bustle around, buying and selling their wares like in any other street market.
Now, imagine a train moving right through the middle of this vibrant scene.
It’s like a “dance with the trains,” choreographed and flawlessly performed by the vendors as the tourists stand in awe of the unfolding scene.
A Spectacle Like No Other
When you arrive at the Maeklong Railway Market, you observe railway tracks going through the market and large awnings covering the vendors' stalls. Other than this, it feels like any regular street market.
Then you hear the train horn. You will hear it long before you see it.
The dance with the train begins.
You will begin to observe the vendors as they calmly and collectively move their belongings and awnings from the train track. The awnings start to retract as people make way for the incoming locomotive. It truly is a mesmerizing display of coordination and precision.
Visitors to the market begin to move off the tracks, finding small open spaces near the stalls far enough from the track to remain safe.
You can spot the difference between those who work there and those who do not very quickly. Visitors will have cell phones in their hands and smiles on their faces. They will be shifting themselves for the perfect photo.
Meanwhile, as the train approaches, the vendors quickly remove their goods (food, produce, tarps, baskets, etc.) from the train track, allowing the train to pass.
The train passes through close enough to touch.
Within moments, the bustling market magically transforms to its original state, as if it were business as usual. It feels like a well-rehearsed performance.
Delving Into the Culture & Hidden Treasures at the Market
Although interest in the market is primarily due to the novelty of the passing train, there is much more to explore. As you stroll through the market, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture.
Indulge yourself in fabulous street food, including rice porridge, coconut pancakes, grilled seafood skewers, papaya salad, and boat noodles. Try the local fresh durian fruit, crunchy rose apples, and a wide selection of Thai desserts.
Observe the vendors’ impeccable slicing skills as they quickly chop fresh fruits and meats. It feels almost like a performance that is both entertaining and efficient.
You can also find plenty of seafood at the Maeklong Market. Thailand is a significant producer and exporter of seafood due to its location next to the Gulf of Thailand. Local fishermen will display their seafood bounty right beside the railway tracks. From prawns to crabs, squid, and fish, there is a wide variety of ocean delights to feast your eyes on.
Enjoy the Market in “The Land of Smiles” & the Extraordinary
Aside from the items at the market, one of the most enjoyable ways to experience this bustling scene is to immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the locals, who greet visitors with smiles.
Interestingly, Thailand is often called “The Land of Smiles.” It got this nickname because, in Thailand, a smile is much more than just a smile…it is a form of subtle interpersonal communication. A Thai person may use at least 13 different smiles, each with a particular meaning.
The Maeklong Railway Market is an experience that blends tradition, innovation, and the excitement of witnessing a train pass through a vibrant marketplace. Embracing the Thai culture and the unique charm of the railway market is a day trip from Bangkok that is well worth the journey.
Best Time To Visit the Maeklong Market
Although the market is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., you'll want to visit when the trains pass. There are currently six trains daily, which pass at 8:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
The best time to visit is early morning. If you time it right, you can observe two train passings in the morning.
How To Get There
The market is near Mae Klong Railway Station, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and Wat Bang Kung.
It usually takes just over an hour to get to the market from central Bangkok (depending on traffic).
You can book private tours to the Maeklong Railway Market, including a stop at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
You can also take the BTS Skytram to Victory Monument station and grab a minibus.
Until next time,
Marla
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