Bangkok: Maeklong Train Market & Amphawa Floating Market

Explore the captivating contrasts of Bangkok’s vibrant markets. At the Maeklong Railway Market, vendors’ quick reflexes are on full display as they deftly pack and unpack their stalls to accommodate the passing trains. Just a short journey away, the Amphawa Floating Market offers a serene yet lively atmosphere, where colorful longtail boats laden with local delicacies, crafts, and produce drift along the tranquil canals. This immersive cultural experience showcases the resilience and ingenuity of Thailand’s enterprising vendors, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the country’s vibrant market traditions.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Shopping Tours In Samut Songkhram.

Key Points

• This private day trip from Bangkok allows visitors to explore the unique Maeklong Railway Market and the vibrant Amphawa Floating Market.
• At the Maeklong Railway Market, vendors quickly pack and unpack their stalls as trains pass through the market several times a day.
• The Amphawa Floating Market offers a captivating experience, with vendors selling a variety of local cuisine, crafts, and goods from their colorful longtail boats.
• Visitors can optionally take a boat ride along the canals of the Amphawa Floating Market to fully enjoy the lively atmosphere.
• Adhering to the train schedule at the Maeklong Railway Market is critical, as any delays could put vendors and visitors at risk.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This private day trip from Bangkok provides the opportunity to explore two of Thailand’s most unique markets – the Maeklong Railway Market and the Amphawa Floating Market.

At the Maeklong Railway Market, visitors can witness the incredible sight of shop owners quickly packing up their stalls as a train approaches, only to reset them once the train has passed.

Then, the tour heads to the Amphawa Floating Market, where vendors sell an array of delicious local cuisine, crafts, and other goods from traditional longtail boats along the waterway. Guests can optionally take a boat ride to fully enjoy this vibrant and lively marketplace.

Maeklong Railway Market

The Maeklong Railway Market is a truly unique shopping experience, where vendors quickly pack and unpack their stalls as trains rumble through the market several times a day.

Shoppers can witness the fascinating dance as the vendors deftly maneuver their goods, folding umbrellas, removing canopies, and rearranging their displays to allow the train to pass.

Once the train has gone, the vendors swiftly return everything to its original position and resume their lively business.

This one-of-a-kind market is a must-see attraction for visitors to Bangkok, offering a glimpse into the dynamic and adaptable nature of Thai street markets.

Train Schedule and Safety

Trains pass through the Maeklong Railway Market several times a day, following a precise schedule that vendors must adhere to for their own safety and the smooth operation of the market.

The trains arrive at approximately 6:10 AM, 11:10 AM, and 3:10 PM, giving vendors just a few minutes to rapidly pack up their goods and clear the tracks before the train rumbles through.

As the train approaches, vendors spring into action, folding awnings, moving tables, and hustling customers to safety. Once the train passes, they quickly reset their stalls, ensuring the market is back in full swing within minutes.

Adhering to the schedule is critical, as any delays could put vendors and visitors at risk.

Amphawa Floating Market

Visitors can explore the vibrant Amphawa Floating Market, where vendors sell an array of local delicacies, crafts, and other goods from their colorful longtail boats along the picturesque waterways. The market offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to stroll along the canals and browse the vast selection of products. Guests can opt to take a boat ride to fully enjoy the lively atmosphere. The market is particularly known for its wide range of Thai street food, including grilled seafood, fresh produce, and sweet treats.

Item	Price Range
Thai Street Food	$1 – $5
Handmade Crafts	$5 – $20
Fresh Produce	$2 – $10
Souvenirs	$3 – $15
Boat Ride	$5 – $10

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Boat Ride on Canals

Amidst the lively atmosphere of Amphawa Floating Market, visitors can opt to take a boat ride along the picturesque canals to fully enjoy the vibrant setting.

The boat tours provide a unique perspective, allowing guests to glide through the narrow waterways and observe the market from the water.

Vendors paddling their colorful longtail boats and offering an array of local dishes, handicrafts, and produce create a captivating scene.

The tranquil canals offer a peaceful contrast to the bustling market, providing a chance to relax and soak up the traditional Thai ambiance.

This enchanting boat ride complements the Amphawa experience, offering visitors a multifaceted exploration of this iconic floating marketplace.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a private driver, and a complimentary water bottle.

However, it doesn’t cover the cost of food, drinks, boat tours, and gratuities. Travelers will need to budget for these additional expenses separately.

For instance, they may want to try the delicious local cuisine and sample fresh seafood at the floating market. Taking a leisurely boat ride along the canals is also a popular optional activity.

As for tips, it’s customary to provide small gratuities to the driver and any other service providers, though the exact amount is at the traveler’s discretion.

Pricing and Booking

Typically, this private day trip from Bangkok to Maeklong Railway Market and Amphawa Floating Market costs $177.87 per group of up to 4 people.

This rate includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a private driver.

Visitors can book this tour in advance and pay later.

This 8-hour tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the Maeklong Railway Market, where vendors quickly pack up and set back up as trains pass through, and the Amphawa Floating Market, where vendors sell food, crafts, and other goods from longtail boats.

While the tour cost covers transportation, it doesn’t include food, drinks, boat tours, or tips, which visitors will need to pay for separately.

Tour Duration and Transportation

This private day trip from Bangkok usually lasts 8 hours, with hotel pickup and drop-off services provided.

Visitors will travel with a private driver throughout the tour.

The day begins with a visit to the unique Maeklong Railway Market, where you’ll witness the fascinating spectacle of vendors quickly packing up their stalls as a train passes through.

Next, you’ll head to the Amphawa Floating Market, where you can explore the lively waterways, browse the vendor boats, and even take an optional boat ride.

The tour includes a water bottle, but food, drinks, and boat tours aren’t included in the price.

This efficient itinerary allows you to experience two of Bangkok’s most iconic markets in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos at the Markets?

Yes, visitors can take photos at both the Maeklong Railway Market and Amphawa Floating Market. However, it’s important to be respectful and avoid disrupting the vendors or getting in the way of the trains at the Maeklong market.

What Is the Best Time to Visit the Markets?

The best time to visit the markets is typically in the early morning hours. This allows visitors to see the markets at their busiest and most vibrant before crowds grow later in the day.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available at the Markets?

Restroom facilities are generally available at the Maeklong Railway Market and Amphawa Floating Market. Visitors can find public restrooms near the market areas to accommodate their needs during the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

You can bring your own food and drinks to the markets. The tour does not include meals or beverages, so bringing your own is permitted. However, there are numerous vendors selling food, snacks, and drinks at both the Maeklong Railway Market and Amphawa Floating Market.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to join, though parental supervision is advised for young children near the railway tracks. The tour is suitable for families.

Recap

Exploring Bangkok’s captivating Maeklong Railway Market and vibrant Amphawa Floating Market provides a unique window into Thailand’s resilient vendor culture.

Visitors can witness the remarkable adaptability of market vendors as they swiftly pack and unpack their stalls before passing trains, and then enjoy the colorful waterways of the Amphawa market, sampling local delicacies and crafts.

This diverse tour offers an unforgettable cultural experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: