One of the most fascinating and photographed markets in Thailand, The Mae Klong Railway Market has a train that runs through it. Literally, right through the market. As the train approaches, the veteran vendors pack up their boxes and wares, pull down their canopies and let the train pass. Afterwards, all goes back and the market resumes as normal. This is a big tourist attraction and many people come to the region just for this market.

The Mae Klong Region

I came to Mae Klong during my solo trip around southeast Asia. After spending a few days in Bangkok, Thailand’s most populous city, a few days respite in the Mae Klong area is appreciated. The area sits along the Mae Klong river so I call it the Mae Klong area, but looking at the map, the area is really called Samut Songkhram. It’s about 55 miles west of Bangkok and has the Railway Market and two amazing floating markets that are worth exploring.

You can find van shuttles and buses to get you to the region. If you want to come here for just a day trip, there are tours you can take from Bangkok that shuttle you around the sights. But if you have the time, staying here for a few days is recommended.

Minibus: Take one of the minibuses that leave from the southern (Sai Tai Mai) and northern (Mo Chit) stations. The price of the buses is about 60 THB (US$ 1.70) per person each way from Sai Tai Mai, and 90 THB (US$ 2.60) from Mo Chit.
Taxi: You can negotiate a price with a taxi driver to take you there and back. The price is likely to be around 1,200 THB (US$ 34.70).

Where to Stay

You probably won’t find high end hotels or many places to stay in the area but don’t let that stop you. I found an incredible homestead opportunity and stayed with a local family along the river. It was the best experience.

The dad drove me around to the area’s floating markets and made the most delicious chicken fried rice for breakfast, which I ate, breaking my 25 years of vegetarianism for this single meal (read Why I decided to Eat Meat After 25 Years of Being a Vegetarian). Branch out and book something unique in this part of the country, I don’t think you’ll regret it, but no promises.

The Mae Klong Railway Market

While a big tourist destination, the market itself remains very locally controlled and is actually one of the largest fresh fish markets in the country. Whether you stay here or take a day trip from Bangkok, make sure you see this market. It’s absolutely fascinating and one-of-a-kind.

The market is located near the Mae Klong Railway Station. Looking at it, it looks like a regular market, but once you get inside, under the canopies, you find yourself walking along train tracks. Then, vendors begin their train routine, and you know the train is coming. You’ll hear vendors yell at some of the dumb tourists who aren’t getting out of the way.

Trains pass through the market 8 times per day (at approximately 6:20am 8:30am, 9.00am, 11:10am, 11:30am, 2:30pm, 3:30pm and 5:40pm) as they leave Mahachai for Mae Klong and vice versa.