Introduction
The Maeklong railway market (hoop rom market) is a seafood market located in Samut Songkhram Province southwest of Bangkok. This is one of the top tourist attractions in Bangkok because the shops occupy part of train track. When the train approaches shops are removed from track and replaced back when the train departs. The train honks while passing through the market to warn the people to move away from near the track. It is a meter gauge line.
The Mahachai line runs between Wongwian Yai and Samut Sakhon having 20 stops. Seventeen trains run in each direction. The Ban Laem line runs between Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram having 15 stops. Four trains run in each direction. The Tha Chin River at Samut Sakhon separates these two lines. One should take a ferry to travel to the other line.
Maeklong Railway Market Shops
The Maeklong railway market has become a must-see attraction when visiting Bangkok, although it is 80 km away from Bangkok. It gives a unique experience watching shops being removed from the train track when the train arrives. Taking video of approaching and departing train gives an amazing experience. It is definitely worth visiting provided you have time, as it almost consumes a day of your vacation. Adjust your timings or vacation days to include Maeklong railway market in the visit list. Otherwise, you may get the feeling of missing an important tourist attraction.
Best time to visit Maeklong market
The best time to visit Maeklong railway market is early morning as one can cover two trains in short span of time. It may be 8.30 AM and 9 AM trains or 11.10 AM and 11.30 AM trains. The other reason is that there is a lot of traffic in the evening in Bangkok city and while returning from Maeklong, it takes much more time than 90 minutes to reach the Ekkamai bus terminal. If you are not able to make morning trip, sometime can be saved by getting down at any BTS station after reaching Bangkok city and taking BTS sky train.
From November to March the temperatures are between 29C (85F) and 34C (93F)
How to get to Maeklong railway market
Maeklong railway market is about 80 km from Bangkok and takes about 90 minutes to reach there. The cheaper way to get there is to take minivan from Ekkamai bus terminal. It is at soi 63 Sukhumvit road and is just 3-minute walk from BTS skytrain Ekkamai station. The Ekkamai station is on BTS Sukhumvit line. Take exit 2 of BTS Ekkamai station to go to the bus terminal. It costs about 100 baht each way from Ekkamai bus terminal to Maeklong railway market.
There are buses available from Mo Chit bus station and Sai Tai Mai bus station. It takes 90 minutes to go from here to Maeklong railway market. The comfortable way to go there is to take a tour package. But it is expensive. The taxi may charge around 1200 baht to go to Maeklong from Bangkok and return to Bangkok. This would be suitable for group travel.
The cheapest way to go there takes about 3 hours and costs about 50 baht. Take BTS from Wongwian Yai station (silom line) to Mahachai station. The journey takes about 40 minutes and costs 10 baht. Then walk to Mahachai Pier. From there take ferry to Tha Chalom Pier which costs 3 baht. Then walk to Ban Laem train station and take train to Maeklong railway market.
Train timings at Maeklong
These may change over time. Trains arriving to Maeklong railway market are at 8.30 AM, 11.10 AM, 2.30 PM and 5.40 PM. Trains departing from Maeklong railway market are at 6.20 AM, 9 AM, 11.30 AM and 3.30 PM
Time Required to see
About 1 hour. Add 2 more hours to visit Damnoen Saduak floating market.
Things to do at Maeklong railway market
Watch one or two trains going through the market
Visit Damnoen Saduak floating market
Shop at Maeklong railway market
Buy seafood, vegetables, fruits and more
Facilities
Restroom available at the back of the train station
Refreshments are in the train station and in the market
Cafes and various stalls
Tips
It is a 5-minute walk from the minivan stop to the train track. Remember the way and check some landmarks so that you can easily return to the stop without losing your way back.
Stand quite a bit away from the track to the side to avoid being hit by the train. This is very important. People are advised to stand behind red lines. They are not prominent. I haven’t seen the lines.
The announcements are in English, Thai and Chinese. But they are not properly audible in that crowd.
Watch your step to not stamp on food products of sellers around the track.
Take photos and videos around the track before the train comes. Videos are anyway taken when the train is arriving and departing.
Wear a hat, apply sunscreen and carry water bottle to protect from hot sun
Download Google translate. It helps in communicating with local people
It will take almost the whole day for the Maeklong railway market trip. Vising malls at the BTS Siam station or the MBK center at the BTS National Stadium helps in relaxing in the evening.
Visiting Damnoen Sadauk floating market
Takes about 45 minutes to go to Damnoen Sadauk floating market from Maeklong. There are Songthaews available at Maeklong railway market that go to Damnoen Sadauk floating market. Songthaews are passenger vehicles that transport multiple people. They charge about 20 to 30 baht per person.
Tourist attractions near Maeklong railway market
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Amphawa floating markets
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