How to Visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
& Maeklong Railway Market
From floating canals to train tracks: Explore the best of Thailand's Iconic markets
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Deep in the heart of Thailand’s Ratchaburi Province, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market are two iconic destinations that offer a unique glimpse into the country’s rich local life. As you navigate through these bustling markets, you’ll experience the heart and soul of what defines Thailand’s market culture. This guide is everything you need to know about visiting Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market.
Getting There
Both markets are easily accessible from Bangkok, making them popular day-trip destinations. The markets are around 30 minutes apart, but often combined into one trip visiting them both.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
To reach this market, you can take a minivan from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal, which operates frequently. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Alternatively, consider hiring a private taxi for a more comfortable and direct experience. Many drivers will take you to both the floating market and the railway market and return you to Bangkok at the end of the day.
Maeklong Railway Market: After visiting the floating market, continue your journey to Maeklong Railway Market. The easiest way is to hire a taxi or take a local bus from Damnoen Saduak. The distance is approximately 30km and the drive takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
Experience Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Established in the 1860s, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a continuation of Thailand’s historical trade routes. Here, along the ancient canals, vendors sell their goods from colourful wooden boats, creating a scene that feels like stepping back in time. You’ll see huge displays of fresh fruits, vegetables and traditional Thai snacks. Try the famous boat noodles, made on the boats themselves. The atmosphere at the market is lively and bustling, vendors calling out to attract customers and the smell of street food wafting through the air. To truly get a feel for life on the waterways, hire a long-tail boat. This allows you to glide along the narrow canals and experience what life is like from the water. Look for stalls demonstrating how coconut sugar is made. It’s a fascinating process, and the best part is sampling the finished product!
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Top Tips for Visiting Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Arrive Early
The market opens around 7:00 AM, and arriving early allows you to beat the crowds and enjoy a more authentic experience.
Dress Comfortably
The markets are bustling and busy, and you might be climbing in and out of boats as well as walking a lot, so wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
Bring Cash
Most vendors take only cash, so ensure you have enough Thai Baht for purchases.
Experience Maeklong Railway Market
After a morning spent exploring the winding waterways of Damnoen Saduak, head to Maeklong Railway Market. This market, known for its unique location, operates on active railway tracks. Watch in awe as vendors set up their stalls directly on the train tracks, only to have to quickly pull them off when a train comes thundering through. It’s loud, busy and everything that Thailand’s markets should be. Colourful umbrellas and piles of fresh produce against the backdrop of passing trains is a photographer’s dream. Chat to the vendors, many of whom are happy to share stories about their products and life on the railway tracks.
Train Times at Maeklong Railway Market
The market is open from 7am – 5pm, and trains pass through the market several times a day. At the time of writing, this is 8:30am, 9am, 11:15am, 11:30am, 2.30pm and 3:30pm. If you catch the 8:30am or 11:15am trains, you will get to see two trains pass in close succession. If in doubt, you can always ask a local vendor who will know the schedule by heart.
Top Tips for Visiting Maeklong Railway Market
Check the Train Schedule
While the market is still an enjoyable visit without the trains, the sight of the vendors rushing to clear the tracks just as a big train comes hurtling through is really the highlight of any visit here. See above for more information on train times.
Be safe
While the train market is safe and many vendors will ensure no-one is on the tracks when the train arrives, be mindful of your surroundings and keep well back from the line.
Explore the Surrounding Area
After visiting the market, take a stroll around the nearby area, where you can find charming cafes and shops selling local crafts.
Suggested Itinerary for Damnoen Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market in 1 day
Because of the proximity of the markets to each other, visiting both Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market in one day is a popular option for most people.
Morning at Damnoen Saduak
Arrive early at Damnoen Saduak to enjoy the market in its full glory. Hire a long-tail boat for an hour to explore the canals, sampling the local street food and taking photographs of the winding waterways.
Travel to Maeklong
After exploring the floating market, head to Maeklong Railway Market via car. Enjoy the scenic drive and take in the rural landscapes of Thailand.
Lunch at Maeklong
Arrive in time for lunch and explore the street food stalls that fill the market. If you’re feeling more like a sit-down lunch, head to Gong Meng Chan Bad Mee Kiao, a cosy local eatery that serves up signature roast pork & noodles, with handmade soft, chewy noodles and a rich, meaty broth.
Watch the Train
Stay around for the train’s scheduled pass, capturing the market in action. Watch vendors pull away their goods from the incoming train!
Afternoon Explorations
Spend the afternoon exploring the market and picking up souvenirs from the many craft stalls nearby. If you have time, before leaving Maeklong, drive 15 minutes to visit the Wat Bang Kung temple, a unique hidden gem that flies under the radar of many tourists. This old temple, built in the 18th century, is entirely enveloped by a huge banyan tree.
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