Maeklong Railway Market

The Maeklong Railway Market is a local Thai market divided by a railroad track. Shops shaded by umbrellas or awnings line the narrow track on both sides.

A few times per day the market is the scene of a unique spectacle that is fun to watch. When a train approaches and the driver blows the horn, the vendors spring into action rushing to move their wares out of the train’s way off the tracks.

The market is located next to Maeklong railway station in Samut Songkhram province, not far from the floating markets of Amphawa and Damnoen Saduak.

Folding Umbrella Market

In Thai the market is known as “Talad Rom Hub”, which translates to folding umbrella market.

Market on the railway track

A local market where people buy things as fresh seafood, vegetables and fruits, Maeklong railway market is spread out on and next to the railway tracks. Side by side the the stalls display their wares using every inch of available space. Customers walk on the railway track looking for something to buy from the shops on either side of the track.

Explore the market waiting for the train

Walk down the tracks, explore the market and try some Thai fruits like mango or banana while waiting for the train.

Fresh fruits and vegetables
at the market around the railway track

Removing the wares for the approaching train

Several times per day a train rolls in at a low speed. When the driver sounds the horn, the vendors quickly pick up and remove their wares to make way for the approaching train.

Vegetables and fruits are left right next to the track while the train passes by. Only in the last minute or even second the track is clear. The vendors pull back the shades sheltering their stalls and hold on to the pole while the train passes just centimeters away from the shops and displayed wares.

Immediately after the train has passed the canopy roof is raised back and it’s business as usual.

Train timetable

The timetable is as follows.

Ban Laem

Mae Klong

07:30

08:30

10:10

11:10

13:30

14:30

16:40

17:40

Mae Klong

Ban Laem

06:20

07:20

09:00

10:00

11:30

12:30

15:30

16:30

Train approaching the market

Location

The Maeklong Railway Market is located around the railroad tracks in front of Mae Klong train station in Samut Songkhram province about 80 kilometers from Bangkok. It’s about 7 kilometers from Amphawa floating market and 20 kilometers from Damnoen Saduak floating market.

Getting there

Book a tour from Bangkok if you want to visit the railway market and Damnoen Saduak floating market in one day.

If you prefer to get there on your own, take a train or a taxi.

Getting there by car
It takes about 1½ hours to get to the market from downtown Bangkok. The most comfortable way is to take a taxi and agree on the price with the driver.

Getting there by BTS and train
Getting to the Maeklong Railway Market by train takes some more time and effort.

First take the BTS Sky Train (Silom Line) and get off at Wongwian Yai station. From there, take a tuk tuk or walk about 500 meters to Wongwian Yai train station. Get on the train to Maha Chai. The trip takes about one hour.
At Maha Chai, take the river ferry across the Tha Chin river. Take a short walk from Chalom Pier to Ban Laem Railway Station. Get on the train to Mae Klong (about one hour).