Explore Bangkok’s iconic markets on this unique tour. Witness the dramatic closing of the Maeklong Railway Market as trains pass through, then enjoy a relaxing boat ride through the bustling Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Savor traditional Thai flavors and refreshing coconut ice cream along the way. While the tour has some mobility restrictions, it offers a memorable cultural experience. Discover why this tour is a must for those seeking to enjoy Bangkok’s vibrant sights, sounds, and tastes.
Key Points
- This 7-8 hour tour provides a comprehensive experience of Bangkok’s iconic Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
- The tour includes a boat ride through the floating market to see vendors selling fresh produce, street food, and handicrafts.
- Visitors witness the dramatic ‘closing’ of the Maeklong Railway Market as the train passes through twice a day.
- The tour offers opportunities to taste traditional Thai dishes and enjoy coconut ice cream.
- Pickup and drop-off services are provided, but the tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues or weighing over 220 lbs.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
This tour provides visitors with a comprehensive experience of Bangkok’s iconic Maeklong Railway Market and the vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
Over the course of 7-8 hours, you’ll explore these two unique locations, taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Thai culture.
The tour includes a boat ride through the floating market, where you’ll see vendors selling fresh produce, street food, and handicrafts from their colorful canoes.
You’ll also visit the Maeklong Railway Market, where stalls line the railroad tracks and vendors quickly pack up their wares when a train approaches.
Throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to taste traditional Thai dishes and enjoy a refreshing coconut ice cream.
Pickup and Drop-off Details
The tour offers optional hotel pickup from the Silom and Pratunam areas of Bangkok, though the shared pickup service may experience delays. This shared pickup means you might’ve to wait for other passengers to be collected before departing.
Once the tour is complete, you’ll be dropped off at the ICONSIAM, a major shopping and dining complex in Bangkok. This convenient drop-off location allows you to continue exploring the city at your leisure after the tour.
Just keep in mind that the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or guests over 220 lbs (100 kg), and no large bags or luggage are permitted on the excursion.
Maeklong Railway Market
After being picked up and transported, the tour heads to the Maeklong Railway Market, a unique and bustling marketplace that operates right on an active railway track. Vendors set up their stalls alongside the rails, selling an array of fresh produce, household goods, and local delicacies. As the train approaches, the vendors swiftly pack up their wares, clearing the tracks to allow the train to pass through. Once the train has safely gone by, the vendors quickly re-establish their stalls, and the lively market continues uninterrupted. This one-of-a-kind experience offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the daily life and resilience of Thailand’s local communities.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Arrive at Maeklong Railway Market |
| 8:15 AM | Witness the vendors quickly packing up as the train approaches |
| 8:20 AM | Train passes through the market |
| 8:25 AM | Vendors swiftly re-establish their stalls |
| 8:30 AM | Explore the bustling market and its diverse offerings |
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Next, the tour heads to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where visitors can experience the vibrant and colorful hustle and bustle of local Thai life.
Travelers board a traditional paddleboat and meander through the bustling waterways, passing by vendors selling a variety of fresh produce, street food, and handicrafts.
The sights, sounds, and smells of the floating market create a truly immersive experience, allowing visitors to get a glimpse into the daily lives of the Thai people.
After exploring the market, the tour includes a tasting of traditional Thai cuisine and a refreshing coconut ice cream, providing a delicious conclusion to the day’s activities.
Traditional Thai Food Tasting
Tasting traditional Thai cuisine caps off the day’s adventures, allowing visitors to savor the vibrant flavors that define the country’s culinary heritage.
As part of the tour, guests have the opportunity to sample a variety of classic Thai dishes, from spicy curries to sweet desserts.
The experience includes:
-
Sampling authentic Thai street food at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where vendors offer a tantalizing array of local specialties.
-
Trying coconut ice cream, a refreshing treat that perfectly complements the tropical climate.
-
Indulging in other traditional Thai delicacies that showcase the country’s renowned expertise in blending complex spices and ingredients.
Through this culinary journey, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for the vibrant and diverse flavors that make Thai cuisine so beloved around the world.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes roundtrip transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, an official guide, a boat ride through the floating market, and travel insurance.
However, there are some restrictions and exclusions to keep in mind. The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or those over 220 lbs (100 kg). Guests also can’t bring along any luggage or large bags.
Plus, the consumption of alcohol or drugs isn’t permitted during the tour.
Mobility and Luggage Restrictions
This tour has some important restrictions regarding mobility and luggage. Travelers with mobility impairments or weighing over 220 lbs (100 kg) aren’t able to participate in the tour. Plus, guests can’t bring along any large bags or excessive luggage.
These restrictions are in place for a few key reasons:
The boat ride through the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market requires the ability to maneuver in and out of the small boats with ease.
The tour involves navigating crowded market areas, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Bulky luggage could pose a safety hazard and make it difficult to move around comfortably during the tour.
Tour Schedule and Duration
Although the tour lasts between 7-8 hours, the actual duration can vary depending on traffic conditions and the group’s pace.
The tour begins with an optional pickup from hotels in the Silom and Pratunam areas, though shared pickup services may experience delays.
The tour then heads to the Maeklong Railway Market, where travelers witness the dramatic twice-daily ‘closing’ of the market as the trains pass through.
Next, visitors take a boat ride through the vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, sampling traditional Thai food and coconut ice cream along the way.
Finally, the tour drops off guests at ICONSIAM in Bangkok.
With a balanced itinerary and reliable transportation, the Railway and Floating Market Tour offers an immersive Thai cultural experience.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, visitors can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour package includes a boat ride through the floating market and tasting of traditional Thai cuisine. Bringing outside food or beverages is not permitted.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. However, it may not be suitable for young children or infants due to the length of the tour and the boat ride through the floating market.
Can I Leave the Group During the Tour?
Guests are generally expected to stay with the group during the tour. Leaving the group may not be permitted, as it could disrupt the schedule and pose safety concerns. Travelers should check with the tour operator about their policies on leaving the group.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Unfortunately, there is no option to extend the tour duration. The tour has a fixed schedule of 7-8 hours. Participants must adhere to the set itinerary and timeline. Extending the tour is not possible based on the provided details.
Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Shared One?
Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a shared one. Private tours offer more flexibility and personalized attention, but they typically cost more than shared tours. Check with the tour operator about availability and pricing for a private tour.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Famous Thai Street Food Tasting Experience!
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Train Market Tour
- Private Tour to the Floating Market and Bridge Over River Kwai
- Experience Typical Thailand at Night With Streetfood Dinner & Foot Massage
- Full-Day Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market Private Tour From Bangkok
- Nakhon Nayok Adventure Full Day Trip With Lunch
- So Thai Pleasure Spa Package (3 Hours)
- Bangkok: Temple Tour and Canal Cruise by Longtail Boat
- Chachoengsao One Day Trip From Bangkok : Historic Market and Buddhist Temples
- Bike & Bite With Boss: Explore Bangkok
- Heritage & Street Art Walking Tour (Bangkok)
- Off the Beaten Path Thai Cooking Class
- Private Transfer – Bangkok Airport Arrival to Pattaya City Hotel
- Private Longtail Boat Bangkok Canal Tour
- Bachelor Party Bangkok
Recap
The Bangkok: Railway & Floating Market Tour provides a unique opportunity to experience two of the city’s iconic markets.
Travelers can witness the dramatic ‘closing’ of the Maeklong Railway Market and explore the bustling Damnoen Saduak Floating Market via a relaxing boat ride.
The tour also includes a chance to taste traditional Thai dishes, offering a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Thailand.