Maeklong Railway Market

"Mae Klong railway market (Hoop Rom Market) is a local market in Samut Songkhram Province, commonly called Siang Tai (life-risking) Market. It is considered one of amazing-Thailand attractions in the province. Spreading over a 100-metre length, the market is located by the railway near Mae Klong Railway Station, Mueng District, Samut Songkhram Province. It is a common fresh market selling seafood, vegetable, fruits, fresh and dried food, meats and other miscellaneous goods. Mae Klong Railway Market is open from 6.00 a.m. -6.00 p.m. The market is called life-risking market because its stalls are attached to the Mae Klong-Ban Laem railway, which is a short railway line running from and to Mahachai and Mae Klong. Vendors at the market put out parasols or canvas to protect themselves against the sun. The shelters stick into the railway where visitors walk and do their shopping. When each signal of the arriving train rings, chaos happens: vendors will rush to close their parasols and canvas, along with clearing all goods that will obstruct the coming train at a great speed. Once the train passes, parasols and canvas will be reopened as goods are again put into their usual place next to the railroad. The market, accordingly, is so called Hoop Rom (umbrella/parasol-closing) Market. The practice is usual for vendors and local people, but not for tourists who will definitely find the scene exciting and enjoyable at each visit. The parasol-closing event happens eight times per day according to the time that trains leave Mahachai for Mae Klong and depart Mae Klong for Mahachai. Trains will arrive at Mae Klong Station at 8.30 a.m., 11.10 a.m., 2.30 p.m. and 5.40 p.m., and depart the station at 6.20 a.m., 9.00 a.m., 11.30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m.. To arrive by car, take Thonburi-Pak Tho route until the 63rd kilometer. Keep left and enter the paralleled elevated highway to read the centre of Samut Songkhram. Drive past the first light and the market. At the second light, turn right and cross over the railway to arrive at Mae Klong Railway Market.By train, from Wonwian Yai Railway Station, get off at Mahachai Station. Take a ferry to Tha Chalom side and catch the train from Ban Laem Station to Mae Klong, which is the last station."

"I HIGHLY SUGGEST traveling here by bus. You need to make transportation plans prior to arriving. Taxi's will take you from Bangkok to this market, but there are no taxi's available around the market to get you back to Bangkok. This is a great market for souvenirs, snacks, etc. Please note the train only goes through this market 4 times daily. It is about an hour from Bangkok but worth the great experience. Please also note the train moves through the market very slowly for safety reasons. While you are waiting at this market, stop at HiG smoothie, snack shop or Maya Thai Restaurant across the tracks. Both are wonderful places to watch the train go by. You can ask for May (the owner) & tell her you’re a friend of Alley & Kale from the USA. She is super sweet and will ensure you have great service! May also grows all of the ingredients used in these restaurants on her farm! Try the mango sticky rice, or some local fruit. Super delicious and fresh."

"Be sure to stay alert, as the train passes through the market several times a day, and watch in amazement as the vendors quickly retract their awnings and move their goods to make way for the train."