Railway Market Maeklong, Bangkok

Maeklong Railway Market in Bangkok is a traditional Thai market offering fresh vegetables, foods and fruits. What makes it unique is its location directly on a train line, with trains passing through the market several times a day. We arrived just a minute or two before a train came through

When the train arrives, vendors lower their umbrellas and move some of their produce further back off the tracks. Remarkably, some vegetables remain on the ground, with the train passing right over them without causing any damage. As soon as the train passes, vendors promptly resume their activities as usual

I recommend taking photos and videos from the street for a great vantage point and then experience the excitement of squeezing into the market when the train passes by. If you are heading out on your own, be sure to check the railway timetable. With only four train arrivals and departures per day, timing your visit is crucial to avoid long waits. Once the train has passed, there’s not much to see, so plan accordingly

To get to Maeklong Railway Market, you will likely need to take a minivan from either the Mo Chit Northern or Sai Tai Mai Southern bus terminals, which are fairly inexpensive. Alternatively, you could hire a taxi for the entire day for more comfort, though this will cost around 2,000 Baht. Despite the 90-minute journey from Bangkok, this unique experience is well worth the trip

An announcement signaled the train’s arrival, prompting all the vendors to move their stalls away from the tracks. The train moved slowly through the market, creating a very unique experience. You must feel it in real life as the train passes just inches from you