Visiting Mae Klong Railway Market
If you’re looking for an unforgettable market experience in Thailand—one that literally moves for trains—then visiting Mae Klong Railway Market, also known as Hoop Rom Market, should be at the top of your list. I went expecting a quirky local market… and left feeling like I’d been part of a real-life action. In fact it was the hi light of our trip to Bangkok and it is just 1 hr 20 minutes from ther, so it is a perfect place to visit. This is everything you need to know about Visiting Mae Klong Railway Market in Thailand.
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Mae Klong Railway Market: The Market That Moves for Trains!
Visiting Mae Klong Railway Market in Thailand is a must do and so worth it! not only is it a great market with food stalls and cheap merchandise it is ultra quirky with the train coming through. We loved our visit to the market, we had food in a lovely little cafe on the railroad and even bought some souvenir’s. So let me walk you through what it’s really like to visit this famous (and slightly chaotic) market.
What Makes Mae Klong Market So Unique?
Mae Klong Market isn’t just any local market. This bustling stretch of stalls—roughly 100 metres long—sits directly on the railway line in Samut Songkhram Province. And I mean on the tracks!
It’s affectionately nicknamed the “life-risking market” by locals, not because it’s dangerous, but because it has a built-in excitement. Every few hours, a train travels through the middle of the market. Vendors race to perform a perfectly choreographed stance as umbrellas go up, goods get pulled back, and seconds later, a train rolls through like it owns the place.
Then, just as quickly, everything is back to normal—awnings come down, goods are rolled back into place, and the hum of business resumes as if nothing happened.
This seamless routine is second nature to the locals. The market has operated here since before the railway was constructed in 1905, so what might seem thrilling to visitors is just another day for those who call this market home.
When to See the Train Pass Through
If you’re going to visit, you’ll want to time it right so you can catch the famous “umbrella fold.” There are eight train crossings per day, and trust me, the show is worth the wait. Get there early and find yourself a perfect spot.
Trains arrive at Mae Klong Station at:
- 8:30 a.m.
- 11:10 a.m.
- 2:30 p.m.
- 5:40 p.m.
Trains depart from Mae Klong Station at:
- 6:20 a.m.
- 9:00 a.m.
- 11:30 a.m.
- 3:30 p.m.
I went for the 2.30 p.m. arrival which was perfect for a spot of lunch before. We then walked through the market and found a small bar to sit and watch the train.
The Food, the Vibe, the Local Charm
Beyond the thrill of the train, this is a genuine Thai fresh market and goods market. Think: seafood on ice, mountains of colourful fruit, spices, meats, and every kind of local snack you can imagine. It does smell a bit as you go through the market as you can imagine, but part of that is the Durian fruit which smell like something rotting. Nice I know!
They also sell all of the regular souvenirs that are priced well! It is definitely not a rip off market.
Despite the spectacle, it’s still a working local market, so you’ll see local Thai people buying vegetables alongside tourists snapping selfies.
Food and eating Mae Klong Train Market
There are lots of food options at Mae Klong Train Market. We found a great cafe at the station. There are also a few dotted along the tracks where you can watch the train pass. You will have to stand, though, as the train passes through, or you will not see people standing in front of you.
Where to Stay Near the Maeklong Train Market
Staying in the Maeklong area is relatively easy and cheap. Hotels are as cheap as chips!
Getting to Maeklong Station by Car or Taxi:
Take the Thonburi-Pak Tho route until you reach the 63rd kilometre. From there, stay left and head into central Samut Songkhram. After a couple of traffic lights (and a quick right over the railway), you’re there.
You can also take a Taxi. Barter for a taxi! We got a taxi from one of the tour touts near the royal palace. We were charged around 1000 Thai Baht ( about £22 ) This is cheap he took us for the whole day to the market and the Damnoen Saduak Market.
But beware! Dont get scammed for a tour!
Please don’t get scammed like we did at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market! While visiting the Royal Palace in Bangkok, we saw taxis offering trips to places like the floating market and railway market.
One man quoted us 1000 baht (around £22) for a full-day taxi, saying we could choose any destinations but would have to pay our own entry fees. We agreed, and our driver picked us up at 9 a.m. outside the Shangri-La Hotel.
He took us to what we thought was the floating market, but it wasn’t the actual entrance. Turns out, it was his first time too—he had to call someone for directions. We arrived at an area filled with upsells: tiger village, elephant rides, etc.— all of which we didn’t want to do. Still, they tried charging us 3000 baht each (about £140 total) just for a boat ride around the market.
Visiting the Market By Train:
If you’re up for a full-day experience, do the train-ferry-train combo:
- Start at Wongwian Yai Station in Bangkok.
- Take the train to Mahachai Station.
- Hop on a ferry to cross to Tha Chalom.
- Then take another train from Ban Laem Station straight to Mae Klong.
It’s like stepping back in time— very slow-paced and scenic.
Tips for First-Time Visitors to Mae Klong Train Market
- Get there early to beat the crowds and heat
- Don’t stand in the road between the market, you’ll miss the vendors pulling down the awnings.
- Find a bar seat further down
- Check the train schedule so you don’t miss the main event.
- Bring cash (small bills are best).
- Don’t be shy—chat and barter with vendors
- Be respectful and stay off the tracks until it’s safe
- Walk to the end of the station for the perfect photo op with a wooden train.
Are there Toilets at Mae Klong Train Market?
Yes, there are toilets at the end of the market near the station. They cost 10 Thai Baht, and they give you toilet paper.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It? Absolutely.
Mae Klong Railway Market is one of those places that sounds almost too crazy to be real—until you see it for yourself. It’s part market, part theatre, part adrenaline hit. If you’re in Thailand and want to do something authentic but unforgettable, this is your spot.
Whether you’re there for the sights, the snacks, or that perfectly timed photo of the train rolling through baskets of mangoes, Talad Rom Hoop is a must-see slice of local life.
