Maeklong Railway Market Under My Umbrella
Affectionately known as the umbrella market (Talad Rom Hup), this gem can be easily accessible via bookings with any tour operators on a one day tour from Bangkok, Thailand. The tours are often bundled with other markets such as the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market ( More about that in the upcoming post) whereby you can get to experience the long-tail boat ride.
You can book from Klook like I did:
Floating Market Day Trip
Classic Tour outside Bangkok
Choose the package that suits you best. Other pits stops may also be included, possibly to Elephant Village and the drop-off point will be stated. Going for such tours is easy and hassle-free as the pick-up comes right to your doorstep and you do not have to worry about frequent transfers. Just enjoy the comfort in the van.
You can book from Klook like I did:
Floating Market Day Trip
Classic Tour outside Bangkok
(The listing reflects SGD, but simply change to the currency which suits you best on the top right-hand corner.)
About Maeklong Railway Market
Today, the Maeklong Railway Market (ตลาดแม่กลอง) is a famous attraction for tourists and yet charmingly remains very much localised. This place makes for a charming photo spot with so many actions and sensory experiences that will spice up your day (literally) as compared to downtown Bangkok.
What’s a railway market without a railway track or train? The Maeklong railway and its station are still very much in use today. Of course, we had to take a mandatory shot of the Train on the track. The Maeklong Railway Station is the terminus along this railway track.
Train To Maeklong
Taking the train to Maeklong can be a bit challenging and involves train transfers. If you have the time to explore or wish to make a train-memory journey, I am pretty sure the experience will be priceless too. But for most tourists who are time-strapped, I will still suggest booking a local tour to save time and hassle of transfers.Train Route:
From Bangkok -> Wongwian Yai Train Station -> Alight at Maha Chai Train Station-> Take a boat to Ban Laem Train Station -> Maeklong Station!
Train 36 website has the most comprehensive know-hows on how to travel along the Maeklong Train route.
Schedule from Ban Laem Train Station to Maeklong Station as of 2017
( Take note of the turnover time you have for the train departures and arrivals!)
| Station | 4381 | 4383 | 4385 | 4387 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ban Laem
|
07.30
|
10.10
|
13.30
|
16.40
|
Mae Klong
|
08.30
|
11.10
|
14.30
|
17.40
|
Journey Begins
Walk along the track from Maeklong Station terminus towards the market area.
How much time did we have there? Going with a tour often meant schedule bounded by time but I remembered we had about an hour over for free roaming, walking the length of the market twice, which was pretty sufficient when you factored in the photo taking and purchasing time.
Though I possibly could spend much more time just sitting down with a cup of coffee and watch the morning actions passed by.
How much time did we have there? Going with a tour often meant schedule bounded by time but I remembered we had about an hour over for free roaming, walking the length of the market twice, which was pretty sufficient when you factored in the photo taking and purchasing time.
Though I possibly could spend much more time just sitting down with a cup of coffee and watch the morning actions passed by.
The 5 Senses
A cultural melting pot. Observe what the locals are doing in the market. Makes for great photo opportunities. I had fun taking photos of the locals as they interacted with each other or going about their daily routines.
Humans, essentially, are what makes a market alive, isn't it?
"Mummy, look, squids!"
Fresh fish anyone?
All geared up.
A Pure Visual Feast
You can find basically, all sorts of food products ranging from vegetables, fruits, spices, livestock, poultry, seafood, clothing, flowers…you name it.
Amazed simply by looking at this assortment of produce on sales at the market. Why not experience the bustle yourself?
Snap Away
Many things happening at the same time, demanding your attention but it was a great immersion of local culture.Look at what the locals are doing. Capture that moment.
"Too busy, let me eat my breakfast first."
"Tough call, what to buy?"
"Working hard and packing these veggies for the customer."
Now for pictures of us!
TIP: Walk to the far end of the track (it's not that far, but many turned back halfway through the tracks) if possible, with a much lesser crowd ( No guarantees and only if you are lucky enough).
There were too many passersby without someone photobombing
. Phew, my expressions totally showed it. And, this was the only clear shot without some other tourists appearing in front of my camera. =D
. Phew, my expressions totally showed it. And, this was the only clear shot without some other tourists appearing in front of my camera. =D
Your Contribution Helps
Even if you don't purchase anything. But of course, you are very much encouraged to give back to their local economy and the vendors' income. After all, the locals may have seen lots of tourists dropping by the market, but they did not feel the benefits from the tourists' dollars.
. Your direct purchase will benefit the vendors much more.
It doesn't have to be a lot, even some coconut drinks help!
The Highlight — Arrival of The Train
I really wanted to show you the videos, but they were gone after my hard disk got corrupted. That unreliable W-branded hard disk failed me terribly. But that's another story.
Since I can't produce motions, I shall do pictorials.
The arrival of the train is the most anticipating moment and the highlight at the market
The Sequece Goes From:
1. Before the trains' arrival around the bend, a warning will be sounded over the system. Within minutes, vendors packed their produce and withdraw their shades/awnings almost immediately and with ease.
The arrival of the train is the most anticipating moment and the highlight at the market
The Sequece Goes From:
1. Before the trains' arrival around the bend, a warning will be sounded over the system. Within minutes, vendors packed their produce and withdraw their shades/awnings almost immediately and with ease.
2. Withdrawing in progress
3. Cleared. Tourists anticipating the arrival of the train.
Here's the critical moment!
The train's arrival from afar and tourists gathering for that shot.
Puffing Train And Near Misses
Fruits and vegetables laid on the ground remained on the ground and CHOO CHOO… the train’s arrival. The locals and tourist stood, anticipating.
Humans: Barely an arms' length away from the carriage, vegetables and fruits on the ground and only a few centimetres from the undercarriage engine.
AMAZING.
4. After the train was gone, the awnings and shades started coming out again.
The vendors were swift! But of course, practice makes perfect, right?
You will witness a number of times as the train comes into the track every 10 to 15 minutes and vendors repeating these actions.
Grab a great spot but don’t stand on the track!
Grab a great spot but don’t stand on the track!
Back To Normal
Much like a routine, the vendors began restoring their stalls and shades all in anticipating of the next train’s arrival, as if nothing extraordinary. I felt it inconvenient having to repeat these actions daily, eight times, to be exact. But to the vendors, they have since taken it as an essential routine. Possibly also because of the cheaper rentals along the tracks than if they are located further away with permanent spaces not subjected to weather elements nor the passing of the train.
Let's Go!
How would you like to visit this traditional railway market that is nothing from the likes of more commercial ones like Chatuchak Market? Definitely worth planning a stopover for your next trip to Bangkok. Leave a comment below!
3 comments
This is so good blog. You have shared your journey by train to Maeklong. The images which you have shared of the railway along with the food you bought, all are looking quite nice. I hope that you had a great journey.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos & wonderful post. The famous Maeklong Railway Market ! The name says it all: it is a market which has a train running right through the middle of it, multiple times a day :-) When a passenger train rolls through forcing vendors to pull back their awnings and market goers to stand away from the tracks... for many tourists this is the moment to take a video or a picture of this impressive moment !
ReplyDeletethis is def an interesting and unique market! i will have to add this to my bucket list the next time i go back to Thailand. =)
ReplyDelete