Maeklong Railway Market

Market passing by train. A place to visit to watch trains pass by! It's not clean and it smells very fishy. Maeklong Railway Market 60-90 minutes from Bangkok. Since it is far from Bangkok, it is recommended to go with a tour package to visit the nearby Amphawa Floating Market or Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (which is further away).




The Mae Klong Railway Market or Talat Rom Hoop(ตลาดร่มหุบ) is one of Thailand’s most iconic attractions and a must-visit for travelers looking to experience the chaos and unique culture of the country. Located about an hour’s drive southwest of Bangkok, the outdoor market is set directly along train tracks, and when the “train comes through” shoppers have no choice but to move their goods and even their stalls far enough out of the way to avoid the train.

The market is a fiercely chaotic and vibrant experience that loudly enhances its unique charm. Stalls of all sizes and lines of vendors proudly sell the freshest of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, while others specialize in other goods such as toys, household items, and traditional clothing. That said, some of the market’s most interesting goods include its live seafood tanks, vibrant textiles, and specialty items such as dried foods and flowers.

For visitors that step off the train, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sensory experience. Unlike other Thai markets, it’s unlikely to be set up on neat passages, instead, a constant disarray of colors, scents, and voices can be found throughout the market. Nevertheless, the always surprising experience also broadens travelers’ cultural knowledge, as locals offer detailed information about their wares while engaging in some friendly banter as well.

The market functions as an important part of Mae Klong’s cultural heritage. The area is renowned for its active role in agriculture and is Thailand’s primary producer of banana and dragon fruit. As a result, the railway market serves as an important supply line for Bangkok’s food supply. Secondly, the railway market helps to provide economic opportunity to the local community. It’s not uncommon to find the vendors of Talat Rom Hoop bear generations of knowledge and experience in the profession.

The Mae Klong Railway Market was forced to close during 2020’s covid-19 pandemic but soon re-opened with local and gubernatorial approval. Despite this, the market continues to operate with strict safety protocols in place, focusing heavily on sterilization precautions and social distancing. This means that visitors are required to wear a face mask at all times and maintain the required distances as set by the local government. 

For travelers looking to squeeze the Mae Klong Railway Market, into their Bangkok itinerary, the market is conveniently located close to public transit and within a two to three-hour driving range south of Bangkok. No matter the mode of transport, visitors are sure to arrive with an experience that will stay with them long after they return home.