After the floating market, now we are off to the next stop of the tour – the Railway Market tour. It took us about 30-minutes to go the site. Really excited for this railway market to compare this with similar other railway markets like the one in Vietnam. Looking forward to see how the locals prepare for the arrival of the train!
Located in the heart of Thailand, the Maeklong Railway Market is a truly one-of-a-kind destination that offers visitors a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Also known as the “life-risking market” by tourist guides, this market is famous for its remarkable location right on an active railway track. I could just imagine vendors quickly getting their stalls out of the railway as soon as they hear the sound of the train arrival. We arrived there roughly around lunch time and according to the tour guide, the train is scheduled to pass the market at around 2:30PM. Okay, that gave us enough time to check the market then.
Crafts, Souvenir, Fruit & Vegetable Shops
As you explore the market, you will witness an incredible sight: shopkeepers hastily pulling back their awnings and goods as a train approaches. It’s a well-choreographed dance between the vendors and the train, as they quickly make way for the passing locomotive. The stalls are set up so close to the tracks that they have to be temporarily moved to ensure the safety of both the vendors and the passengers.
The railway market is jam packed when we arrived there. We were able to see several tour buses around which means there are several tour groups awaiting the train to pass at around 2:30PM. The challenge really is how we get a good view of the train considering that there are a lot of people waiting for the train to pass.
Okay, we started walking the railway. I think this is roughly around 100-meter railway. There are stalls on each side of the railway. Basically, this is market is a local market in this province. This railway market is commonly called Siang Tai market. Several vendors lined up – we noted stalls selling seafood, vegetables, fresh and dried food, fruits, meat and other goodies. There were also a lot of souvenir shops around, perfect for me who still needs to get something as “pasalubong” to my kids.
As with other markets, local goods are relatively priced higher here since, of course, this is a tourist destination. According to locals here, this railway market opens at 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. So relatively open whole day for tourist to watch the train pass through the middle of this bustling market.
Mango Sticky Rice
Feels like summer really since we arrived noon for this Railway market tour. To cool down, we managed to go to a small local air-conditioned restaurant. There are several restaurants within the area, but of course tourists are more attracted to trying the air-conditioned food place (food priced relatively higher than those non air-conditioned restaurant). But that’s fine, as long we can cool down and beat the heat! Okay, what we ordered? Of course we ordered the famous mango sticky rice (this a must if you go to Thailand) and refreshments iced coffee and fruit juice.
Mango sticky rice is really a hit! I so love this! Looking for this mango sticky rice in all the restaurants we tried here in Bangkok. The restaurant has several tourist non-Asian customers – all looking forward to 2:30PM schedule of the train!
When it’s time to go out the restaurant, there were already several tourist waiting outside and lined-up. As a rule, you need to stand inside of the “red line”. If you look closely at the stalls there’s a red line from start to end of the railroad. Of course, everyone wanted to line up and have the first spot when the train arrives. There were stalls there with chairs lined-up…guess what? This chairs are for rent at THB20 each – best spot, right?
Arrival of Train
Okay so we had to spend THB40 to be able to get a good view of the train. Imagine you standing with arm-length to the train. Was actually expecting the train to move fast, but to our surprise – train was moving slow. There are tourists also seated in that train waving to those at the railroad. All phones in that railroad market were up and shooting videos of the train passing the market!
So, immediately after the train – vendors now started to go back the railroad. As if nothing happened, right? That was quick! Minutes after the passing of the train, stalls were back to normal with all the goods lined up for tourists to look at. The THB20 chairs were immediately put back and you cannot see chairs lined up at the red line.
After the “show”, we hurried back to the meeting area for our tour group. Waiting around 20 minutes because some were still out buying something from the local shops. While waiting for our tour group bus, we ordered mango shake from a local restaurant. It was refreshing but l find our local Philippine mango shake more delicious that this one.
After the Railroad Market stop, we are ready to go back Bangkok. Traffic was terrible. It took us about 2 hours! Well, as a Filipino I know we are quite used to traffic, right? But I think traffic here in Thailand is worse than what we have in Manila. Finally, we were dropped off, took a group picture and off we go back to the city.
It was a very tiring day – but definitely a must try especially for first timers visiting Thailand. Floating market is so-so (that should be more interesting and exciting if only we had manual paddle boats and vendors were also selling goods from boats) but definitely the Railroad Market is a must-see!
Visiting the Maeklong Railway Market is a thrilling experience, as you get to witness this unique interaction between commerce and transportation. The market is filled with a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, seafood, clothing, and souvenirs. You can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, bargaining with the friendly vendors and sampling delicious local delicacies.