Maeklong Railway Market

Thailand

At the impressive Maeklong Railway Market, railroad tracks carry a Thai train right through the daily hustle and bustle of the market.

A train that runs through the middle of a simple market? You can only find something like that in Thailand. The Talad Rom Hub is actually an ordinary market selling Thai food. It is located in Samut Songkhram, a capital city in the province of the same name, about 60 km from Bangkok. In the midst of the daily hustle and bustle of the market, railroad tracks run and when the siren finally sounds, all visitors should get off the tracks as quickly as possible, because then the train will drive right through the middle of the market.

Admirable how from a simple market, such an extraordinary spectacle is created. However, this was not always the case, because the market has been held daily at the same time at the same location since 1905. At that time, the railroad tracks did not exist and it was a simple, ordinary market. For the people of Samut Songkhram, however, this market was essential to ensure their existence and especially their survival. By selling their own freshly caught fish at the market, they could just about make a living. Eventually, a conflict arose when the authorities decided to lay railroad tracks through the middle of the market area so that they could distribute the fish and other goods more easily and, above all, more quickly throughout the country. The merchants decided to stay put and therefore entered into an unofficial agreement with the railroad company in which they shared the tracks.

Talad Rom Hub is a very authentic market where mainly locals buy juicy fruits and vegetables, fresh fish, meat, colorful flowers, traditional spices, herbs and Thai sweets. Therefore, as a visitor you also get a very deep insight into the life of the Thais. Around the market area there are smaller side streets, in which you can traditional Thai dishes from the wok or grill can taste.

Since it is rather not a market designed for tourists, they mostly come just to watch the fascinating entry of the train through the market. When the first siren finally sounds, there are exactly 3 minutes left until the train arrives. Then hurry is required: the traders pack very quickly, but above all routinely, their goods on the tracks aside and fold back their sunshades / sails. Again and again, the clear sound of the train's horn can be heard as a warning, so that all visitors to the market step off the tracks and to the side in time. And then it is quickly unpacked cell phone or camera to catch a photo or video of the incoming train through the market. But be careful: although the train enters at a slowed speed of 30kmph (19mph), you still need to keep enough distance. Often, there is only a few 20cm left between the visitor and the train. But the jostling for the most beautiful picture and the oncoming heat of the train are definitely worth it to witness this fascinating experience. After only a few seconds, the breathtaking event is unfortunately already over. The Thais quickly pack their goods back onto the tracks and extend their parasols and then the everyday market hustle and bustle continues until the next train arrives.

If you're looking for a place to get the most authentic experience possible, Talad Rom Hub is the place for you. Here you can go shopping with the locals and buy a variety of fresh Thai delicacies. In addition, you also have the opportunity to experience the passage of the Maeklong train and take this unique experience for yourself.

The market is also open daily from morning to evening. If you want to watch the train pass through, it's best to find out the times in advance.

The question of how best to get to Talad Rom Hub from Bangkok is quite simple to answer: by train! You can take the Maeklong Railway from Wongwian Yai Station directly through the market, get off and then explore the market even further. This way you can also experience the market from both perspectives. Other options to reach the market are private cab rides or by bus from Sai Tai Kao Pinklao Bus Station.

The Talad Rom Hub is definitely worth a visit. Here you get the unique opportunity to experience the real life of the Thais themselves. In addition, you can combine a trip to the market with our unique Thailand round trip link. You could add a trip to the impressive market on your own before or after our trip.

Fun Fact

When the train arrives, all the merchants quickly fold up their parasols or awnings, hence the unusual name of the market "Talad Rom Hub". This means something like "umbrella back market".

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