Maeklong Railway Market Train Ride and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Highlights
- Ride the train into Maeklong Railway Market rather than only watching it
- See the awnings fold back from inside the carriage
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market by longtail boat
- Back in Bangkok by mid-afternoon
- A later 08:30 start than the usual dawn pickups
Description
Most Maeklong tours stand you in the market to watch the train come through. This one puts you on the train instead, which is a small change that alters the whole experience. You board an ordinary local service at Ban Kalong at 10:45 and ride in through the farmland. As the train slows into Maeklong you watch the awnings folding back and the produce being pulled clear from inside the carriage, with the stalls close enough to touch. Then you get off, walk the market, and see the same performance from the outside when the train pulls out again at 11:30. The best spot is an open window on the left as you come in.
Pricing
This tour requires a minimum of 2 persons per booking
- Step 1
08:30 Meet at Khaosan Road
Meet the group and transfer to Ban Kalong train station. This tour has a later start than the full-day trips.
Board at Ban Kalong and ride towards Maeklong past farms and local villages.
Come into the market by train, then get off and explore the stalls on foot.
Watch from the market as the train pulls out and the awnings fold back a second time.
Transfer to the floating market with free time among the canal stalls.
Boat along the canal past the stilt houses and the riverside life.
Depart Damnoen Saduak for the drive back.
Drop-off at Khaosan Road.
Included
- Return trip by air-conditioned minivan
- English-speaking local guide
- Train ticket from Ban Kalong to Maeklong
- Maeklong Railway Market
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Longtail boat ride
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Drinking water
- Travel insurance
- Optional paddle boat at the floating market (150 THB per person)
- Hotel drop-off (150 THB per person, minimum 2 people)
- Sun protection and a hat
- Cash in small notes for the market stalls
- Comfortable walking shoes
This tour starts at one of these meeting points. Pick the one that suits you when you book. No extra charge.
- Open in Google Maps
Khaosan / Chana Songkhram Police Station
Check-in 08:30
In front of Chana Songkhram Police Station at the end of Khaosan Road, opposite Wat Chana Songkhram.
- Open in Google Maps
Korea Town / Sukhumvit Plaza fountain
Check-in 07:45
At the fountain in front of Sukhumvit Plaza (Korea Town), between Sukhumvit 10 and 12, ~200 m from Asok BTS exit 2.
The timings on this tour belong to the state railway rather than to us, since the ride in is on the real timetabled service. If the train runs late, the rest of the day slides with it, and there is nothing anyone can do about that. At Damnoen Saduak the longtail is included, but the little paddle boat that works the narrow channels between the vendor stalls is a separate 150 THB, paid on the day and entirely optional. The walkways give you a perfectly good view of the market if you would rather keep the money.
FAQs
You ride the train into the market instead of standing on the platform waiting for it. You see the awnings being pulled back from inside the carriage as the train comes through, then watch the same thing from the market side when it leaves.
The longtail boat ride is included. The small paddle boat that weaves between the stalls is optional and costs 150 THB per person, paid on the day. You can walk the market on the walkways instead.
About 15:30 at Khaosan Road. This is a half day, so the afternoon and evening are yours.
Yes, this tour needs at least two people to run. Group sizes vary with the season, from about two to nine people on a quiet day up to twenty or more in high season.
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour starts and get a full refund. Inside 24 hours the tour is non-refundable, because the seat and the guide are already committed.
