If you are looking for an intriguing day-trip from Bangkok, you should definitely consider the Maeklong Train Market. This market is unique because a train passes directly through the center of the market 8 times a day forcing the market vendors to clear the tracks of their goods just in the nick of time before the train powers through the market.
When the train passes through, it passes so close that it feels exhilarating and a bit scary. The active train passing within inches really does make this the most dangerous but exciting markets in the world.
Check out the video below to see just how close the train gets!
How to Get There
The Maeklong Train Market is about an hour and fifteen minutes outside of Bangkok making it a perfect day-trip activity. We recommend renting a car and driving yourself so you have the most flexibility to enjoy the market at your leisure. Car rentals start about about ฿800 Baht or $25 USD per day.
If you don’t feel comfortable driving yourself, you can also hire a private driver through 12Go Asia. Private cars start at around ฿2000 Baht or $64 USD, and they can take you to both the Maeklong Train Market and the Damnoen Floating Marketing so get the most out of your visit.
12Go Asia also had shared shuttles going to Maeklong, but those have been temporarily discontinued due to the pandemic. Continue to check their website for updates on shuttle service.
What to Expect
The market is open every day from 6 am until 6 pm. The train comes to Maeklong Train Station eight times a day, 4 times arriving at the station, and 4 times leaving the station. The train schedule is subject to change, but currently, the train passes through the market at 6:20 am, 8:30 am, 9 am, 11:10 am, 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 5:40 pm.
While you are waiting for the train to arrive, you can browse around and do some shopping. There are clothing stalls as well as lots of shops for fish, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. It nice to walk around and experience local life.
When the train is about to come, an announcement will play over the PA system. You will immediately see the vendors take action moving their merchandise and their awning off the train tracks. It’s a stunning contrast between the vendors busily moving everything 1-2 feet off the tracks and everything becoming eerily still just before the train passes through.
How to Watch the Train Safely
It’s crazy how close the train gets. As a tourist, you will have no idea how close the train will get and the locals don’t really warn you. This is why we recommend avoiding standing with your back against a wall. Try to find a place where you can move backward if you should need or want to. This way you have some wiggle room if you need it.
The train passes 8 times a day, so it’s nice to keep your distance the first time, see what it’s like, and then try to move closer if you dare the second time. The goal should be to try to stand at least 3 feet away from the tracks.
If you are unsure whether the spot you are standing is safe, ask a local. Usually, they can understand simple English. If you simply point to where you are standing and ask, “Okay mai?” They will shake their head yes or no to let you know and may point out a better place to stand.
Just know that people have been hit and killed by this train before, so it’s not to be taken lightly.
Taking Pictures with the Train
When the train arrives into the Maeklong Train Station, it’s the perfect opportunity to take pictures with the train. There can be a lot of people at the back of the train, but if you walk all the way through the station to the front of the train, you can get some great pictures with very few people in your way.
The Damnoen Floating Market
We highly recommend combining the Maeklong Train Market with the Damnoen Floating Market. The floating market is only a 20 minutes drive away and is another unique market worth experiencing. At this market, you can float around in a boat sampling lots of different tropical fruits, shopping for souvenirs, and admiring local folk art.
Want to read even more about the Damnoen Floating Market? The blog post is coming soon!
If you are going to Bangkok, why not check out the cities below!
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