Mae Klong Railway Market

The Mae Klong Railway Market is one of Thailand’s most extraordinary and unique sights, located in the town of Samut Songkhram, about 80 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. This market’s unique feature is that it extends directly over the railway tracks in the heart of the city, creating a surreal scene when trains pass by the stalls.

 

This market boasts a history that predates even the construction of the railway line, inaugurated in 1904. When the railway to Bangkok was built, the traders chose not to relocate, preferring to adapt to the new situation rather than abandon their historic location. This decision gave rise to what has now become a fascinating tourist attraction, while maintaining its original function as a local market.

Eight trains a day pass through the market, four in each direction, literally brushing past the merchandise on display. The stalls are located just inches from the tracks, protected by awnings that vendors retract seconds before the train passes. The market stretches for about 200 meters and is located near Mae Klong Station, the terminus of the railway that departs from Ban Laem, in the city of Samut Sakhon.

Three minutes before the train arrives, a sound signal alerts the merchants, who quickly move their tents and goods just enough to allow the convoy to pass. Immediately afterward, everything returns to normal as if nothing had happened.
These are the train schedules:

From Ban Laem to Mae Klong:

• 7:30 – 8:30

• 10:10 – 11:10

• 13:30 – 14:30

• 16:40 – 17:40

From Mae Klong to  Ban Laem:

• 6:20 – 7:20

• 9:00 – 10:00

• 11:30 – 12:30

• 15:30 – 16:30

Despite its tourist fame, the Mae Klong Railway Market remains an authentic market frequented by locals. It sells mainly fresh produce such as vegetables, fruit, fish, seafood, and meat. Before the train arrives, you can stroll among the stalls directly on the tracks, which might seem to belong to a disused railway were it not for the periodic beep that brings everyone back to reality.

 

 

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Exact position in maps

The market is not easily accessible from Bangkok; you need to get around by taxi (grab) or with organized tours.

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