Arriving in Bangkok for some holiday time, I was intrigued by the Maeklong Railway Market. Described as the crazy umbrella pull down market, I had no idea what to expect but it sounded like a lot of fun! A few days later we set off to Maeklong to see what the Railway market was all about and get the husband his video! Check it out below!
If you’re planning a trip to Maeklong using public transport check out our How To Get There Guide here!).
For an alternative day trip from Bangkok check out our Ayutthaya adventure here!
Maeklong Railway Market
A 90 minute and US $2 bus ride from Bangkok we arrived at Maeklong as the market was in full swing. Stalls filled with flowers, fish, vegetables, meat, herbs and spices line the narrow stretch of train track as locals weave their way through the market picking up supplies. It’s a case of mind your step on the train tracks and mind your head on the umbrellas as the traders and produce are shaded by low hanging awnings to protect from the harsh sun.
Where to stay in Bangkok
We’ve spent over two months in Bangkok and have had the opportunity to sample some amazing hotels across the city. Our favourites include:
- Riva Surya: great value and the river views are superb – Check prices here
- Cubic Hostel: is an awesome choice and the perfect option for travelers who love the social side of travel – Check prices here
- Aldephi forty nine: is fab value and perfectly located to hop on off the BTS Skytrain – Check prices here
Click here for the best Bangkok hotel prices
Market Life!
Walking around Maeklong is a fascinating glimpse into Thai life outside of the sprawling cities and tropical islands. I loved wandering around the market watching local life in action and testing my taste buds and bravery with the food on offer. It tasted good even if I only had a vague idea of what I was eating!
The bright and the beautiful! Flower stalls
Here comes the train!
As the train’s arrival time approached the number of camera wielding tourists increased noticeably and the stallholders pointed us to good viewing spots to catch the train passing. A warning siren sounded to indicate the arrival of the train was imminent and there was an instant rush by the stallholders to raise their awnings and make some room for the passing train! The market instantly transformed to an open air market and came to a standstill as everyone waited for the train to arrive.
The train passed in almost slow motion, its horn constantly honking at some overly eager tourists who persisted in standing in its path. As soon as it passed the umbrellas were pulled down and it was back to business as usual until the next departure! It’s a pretty surreal experience
No room to move! There’s just enough space for the train to pass!
So close I could almost touch it!
The train passes over the goods lining the track!
Watching the train pass through Maeklong was a fantastic experience and totally worth the trip from Bangkok. It was really funny to watch the market transform in a 5 minute period and then, as soon as the train had passed through, the umbrellas came back down instantly as if it had never happened!
If you’re planning on visiting Maeklong and Amphawa check out our how to guide here!
Maeklong Railway Market
Maeklong Railway market is located 80km outside of Bangkok. It runs for 67km being Bangkok and Central Thailand and passes through the tiny market at Maeklong.
Getting there
We took the minibus from Victory Monument BTS in Bangkok and combined it with a trip to Amphawa floating market which is 10 minutes away. The full day trip cost around $7 US per person and we had a lot of fun! If you’re planning a trip to the Railway market or Amphawa check out our guide on getting there using the minibus here.