Maeklong Railway Train Market Place guide

Commonly called the Siang Tai Market, the name of this site actually translates to ‘life-risking’, and you’ll find out why. The 100-meter market follows the Maeklong Railway on the edge of danger! 

And yes, the railway is active, with trains still passing through on a regular basis. However, this doesn’t seem to bother the nonchalant vendors who spread their wares on the ground and even on the train tracks. When signals are given that a train is coming, they rush to clear their goods, and the umbrellas and awnings used as their shade are hurriedly taken down. By the time the train passes by, the vendors are ready to set up shop once more. 

It’s also called Talat Rom Hup by the locals, which means ‘umbrella pulldown market’ – also an apt nickname. The unique rush of simply viewing the vendors' work is what has made this place one of the top Thailand tourist attractions.

Some things to take note of:

• Plan your day trip as early as dawn, as the afternoons can get unbearably hot.
• Entrance fee: Free
• Operating hours: 6:00am to 5:00pm

How to get there:

• Travel time from central Bangkok is about 1 hour 30 min, depending on traffic. There are buses that travel from the Mo Chit Minibus Station to Maeklong. From there, you can walk to the railway market.
• Join the Damnoen Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market Tour

Kasem Sukhum Alley, Mae Klong, Samut Songkhram, 75000