I Went to the Maeklong Train Market
(but, the train didn’t)
If Thailand is lacking anything, it’s definitely not markets. You can find markets almost anywhere and for almost anything. There is only one place you’re going to find a market that is literally set on the train tracks – train tracks that are still in use. Within minutes (or even seconds) the vendors pull down the umbrellas, move their merchandise and move out of the way of the train. After the train passes, they put everything back the way it was and if you weren’t watching or heard the train, you would never know it happened. And, they do this several times a day.
I had known about this market for a long time and it was probably the one I was most looking forward to seeing. Being about an hour and a half outside of Bangkok, it isn’t just as simple as visiting some of the other markets that are within the city. So, I got up bright and early, hopped on a bus, got there, walked around, took pictures and then got in a safe place but close to the tracks.
I waited and waited….
Problem was, the train didn’t come….
I eventually was informed it wasn’t coming today because of some flooding issues (at least, I think that’s what I was informed of). That was a huge rain on my parade for sure.
But, regardless, things don’t always go as planned and you have to make the most of them. The Maeklong Train Market is still one to see even if the train doesn’t come.
You can find just about anything here including fresh seafood (doesn’t get much fresher than alive),
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fruits and veggies,
shrimp in all sizes,
herbs and spices,
fresh flowers,
The market was larger than I expected – it goes well beyond just the tracks and has a large indoor area. While I was truly bummed the train didn’t come, I am glad I got to see such an interesting market.
Have you ever been to the Maeklong Train Market?
Essential Info:
You can get here a few different ways :
- Hire a cab (costly)
- Take an organized tour (Canary Travel is one and they will pick you up from your hotel) 650Baht ($20) for floating market and train market.
- Take mini-bus from Victory Monument (around 70 Baht)
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I have a question. Does Thailand import food from the USA? I noticed “Carnation” in one of your pictures.
Great article Ashley Elizabeth Hubbard! Caught my attention with the Title and kept it with your content. You make me what to go to Thailand! I would have never thought of traveling there before you went and talked about all your adventures!
Too bad you didn’t have the train experience but great way to write about it in a positive way! I love markets and sometimes I don’t even buy anything. I just enjoy walking around, browsing, seeing how people select their products and haggle.
At least you got to see it, even without the train coming. What a funny concept tho’
What a strange market to visit! I don’t think I’d trust myself to move out of the way in time if I was one of the vendors!
I’ve heard of this market and have seen on TV how they break down the market when the train is coming, it’s an incredible feat. I’ve never been to Thailand but planning to go in 2015, can’t wait to visit this market – great pictures!
Aw it’s too bad that you didn’t see the train! I went there a few years ago on my way to Kanchanaburi and saw the train come in and it was amazing – they pack everything up so quickly, it’s crazy!
I can never get enough of Asian markets. Sadly I did not know about this one when I was in Thailand, I would have loved to check it out!
Somehow those big food market always have something magical. I hope the train comes next time 😉
I’m sorry you didn’t get to see the train, that’s definitely on my list. The market itself looks really cool though. Now you just have another reason to come back to Thailand!
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