If you’ve seen one market you’ve seen them all…WRONG! The Maeklong train market is one of the most unique markets in all of Asia. 3 days in Bangkok should include a little shopping trip to the train market Bangkok. On our Thailand honeymoon, we made a day trip from Bangkok to check out this market for ourselves.
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Maeklong Train Market Bangkok, Thailand
What Is The Maeklong Train Market?
The train market, as the name suggests, is built around a railroad line. The name Maeklong railway market literally means “umbrella pulldown market” (once you visit the market you’ll know why). Locally the market is known as Talat Rom Hoop (ตลาดร่มหุบ). The railway became famous for its route through the Maeklong Railway Market. The train runs right through the market several times a day. As soon as the vendors hear a train coming they quickly take down their awning over their goods. It’s an amazing sight to watch, the vendors move so quickly and the train passes literally inches from the goods in the market. Within seconds, everything is back to business at the train market.
Where Is The Train Market Bangkok?
The Maeklong Railway Market is 80km outside of Bangkok. The trip out typically takes an hour, depending on Bangkok traffic. The train market is located in the Muang Samut Songkhram District. When you put Maeklong train market into Google maps it will locate the market, if not the address is: Soi Kasem SukhumTambon Mae Klong, Amphoe Mueang Samut Songkhram, Tambon Mae Klong, Amphoe Mueang Samut Songkhram Chang Wat Samut Songkhram 75000
When you put Maeklong train market into Google maps it will locate the market, if not the address is: Soi Kasem SukhumTambon Mae Klong, Amphoe Mueang Samut Songkhram, Tambon Mae Klong, Amphoe Mueang Samut Songkhram Chang Wat Samut Songkhram 75000
How To Get To The Maeklong Train Market
The easiest way to visit the train market is by car. But, I would never suggest renting a car in Bangkok and driving yourself. Hire a private driver for a day and tie in several other attractions outside of Bangkok. There are also several tour operators that run a trip to the train market from Bangkok.
If you want to organize visiting the train market on your own, the Maeklong train market is easily accessible from Bangkok by train. Take the Skytrain to Victory Monument station, and catch the van service from here right to the train market Bangkok. Just ask for the Maeklong train market van.
When Is The Train Market Open?
The train market is open daily 6:20 am-5:40 pm. I advise visiting the train market early in the morning. The temperature will be much more comfortable and the vendors will have the best selections.
What Is For Sale At The Bangkok Train Market?
Currently, the market is predominantly a food market, filled with all kinds of exotic edibles. We toured around the many stalls eating our way through the seemingly endless aisles of vendors. The train market is one of the largest fresh seafood markets in Thailand.
When Does The Train Go Through The Train Market?
A warning bell goes off over a loud-speaker system a few minutes before an approaching train. You won’t miss it, it’s super loud! This gives the vendors just enough time to take down their awnings and remove their goods from the train tracks. The train runs through the Bangkok train market 7 times a day 7 days a week. It is difficult to time exactly when as times are subject to change. It’s best to check the updated train schedule which is displayed at the Maeklong Railway station nearby the train market.
Our trip to the Maeklong train market is still one of our favorite markets in the world. We recommend everyone to visit the train market Bangkok, as it such a great day trip to take from Bangkok. If you’re looking for another interesting market check out the Bangkok flower market, we promise it smells much nicer than the Maeklong train market and if you want to get away from all the hustle and bustle check out one of the best beaches anywhere at Koh Lipe.
Other Recommended Bangkok Hotels We’ve Personally Stayed In
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- Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok Affordable Luxury on Sukhumvit Check Prices Booking.com
- Maduzi Hotel Boutique Hotel on Sukhumvit – Check Prices Booking.com
- Lub’d Hostel Budget Siam Hotel/Luxury Hostel Check Prices Booking.com
- W Bangkok Luxury Silom Hotel Check Prices Booking.com
Make sure to check out guide to where to stay in Bangkok to decide what area of Bangkok is best for you.
adrian
Friday 30th of June 2017
Gday
Regarding the meeklong railway market ,just how easy is it to do on your own from Bangkok and how much did it cost etc. I realise prices will have gone up , i just want an idea so i can compare it with a tour .
Many thanks Adrian
Hannah Lukaszewicz
Saturday 1st of July 2017
We hired a driver for the day to bring us to the market from our Bangkok hotel. Prices for drivers are super reasonable.
Hannah
Thursday 28th of July 2016
Nope it should be open every day! Hope you time your visit with a train passing thru. Safe travels!
suzie lim
Monday 25th of July 2016
hi is the market only open for the weekend?
shayan Naveed
Tuesday 10th of May 2016
I need to go here. Maybe this Sunday!
Hannah
Thursday 28th of July 2016
Hope you made it to the Makelong Train market and had a blast!
Anders
Tuesday 12th of April 2016
The train line was closed when we got there March 24 :( But has re-opened again on 1st April after a long maintenance.
Hannah
Thursday 28th of July 2016
Thank you for the update!!!