Bangkok: Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market

If you are visiting Bangkok and wondering what activities will make your trip memorable, have you considered a day trip to the Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market? Here are some FAQs about the tour:

What is the Damnoen Saduak Market?

The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a traditional Thai market that has been in existence for over a century. The market is located in Ratchaburi province in Thailand, and it is famous for trading goods and local produce via boats. As a tourist, you can take a short boat ride to the market and explore the various stalls selling authentic Thai food, souvenirs, and spices.

What is the Maeklong Railway Market?

The Maeklong Railway Market, also known as the ‘umbrella pulldown market,’ is a unique market that runs alongside a railway track. When the train comes, vendors’ stalls are pulled away from the tracks, making way for the train to pass. Once the train passes, the vendors replace their stalls back in the same spot. The market offers local produce like seafood, fruits, and vegetables, as well as clothes and other souvenirs.

What happens on this day trip?

This day trip starts with a visit to the Damnoen Saduak market, where you will take a short boat ride to explore the various stalls. You can bargain and buy authentic items like local produce, Thai spices, and souvenirs. After the market tour, you will head to the Maeklong Railway Market, where you will get to witness the train passing through the market followed by pulldown and replacement of the stalls which is a unique experience. The tour ends with a visit to the Wat Bang Kung temple.

What is the duration of the tour?

The Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market day trip lasts about six to seven hours, with pick-up and drop-off at your Bangkok hotel.

Why should you book this tour?

This tour offers a unique experience of traditional Thai markets complete with local and authentic items that you cannot find anywhere else. You can enjoy exploring the various stalls on a short boat ride at the Damnoen Saduak market and witness an unusual shopping experience at Maeklong Railway Market. Additionally, the tour includes a visit to the Wat Bang Kung temple, offering an historical and religious aspect to the trip.

How to book this tour?

You can book this tour easily through GetYourGuide website or app. It is recommended to book in advance to secure your spot, especially during the busy tourist season.

What should you wear and bring?

It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes and avoid revealing clothing. Don’t forget to carry a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and an umbrella to shield yourself from the heat. Bring a camera to capture the unique experience and cash if you want to buy anything while exploring the markets.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

The tour is suitable for all age groups and individuals, including solo travellers, couples, and families. However, the boat ride in the market might not be suitable for those who have difficulty walking or standing for an extended period.

In conclusion

Make your visit to Bangkok memorable by booking a Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market day trip. Explore the local culture and unique shopping experience that these two markets offer. And book in advance through GetYourGuide to secure your spot.

Bangkok: An Insider’s Guide to Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is known for its vibrant street life, bustling culture, and delectable cuisine. The city offers a plethora of sights and experiences that are unique to Thai culture. In this guide, we will explore two of the most famous markets in the city – Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market – along with some other attractions that are worth visiting.

Damnoen Saduak Market

Located around 100 Kilometers southwest of Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak Market is one of the oldest and the most famous floating markets in the country. The market is well-known for its narrow canals and the traditional Thai boats that glide through them. If you plan to visit the market, it is best to arrive early as the market is bustling with activity in the morning.

While wandering through the market, you will find vendors selling local Thai fruits, vegetables, snacks, trinkets, and souvenirs. The market offers an excellent opportunity to taste local snacks and street food like coconut pancakes, pad Thai, and fried bananas.

Maeklong Railway Market

Maeklong Railway Market, also known as the ‘umbrella market’, is one of the most unique markets in Bangkok. The market is located in Samut Songkhram province, around 70 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. What makes this market stand out is that the railway track cuts right through its heart, making it necessary for shopkeepers to make way every time a train passes through.

If you plan to visit Maeklong Railway Market, you can witness how the shopkeepers skillfully remove their goods from the tracks and close their awnings in a matter of seconds before the train passes through. Don’t forget to try some of the local delicacies while you are there, such as grilled seafood and coconut ice cream.

Bangkok’s Other Attractions

Apart from these two famous markets, Bangkok also offers a host of other tourist attractions that are worth visiting.

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

The Grand Palace is one of the most spectacular and revered buildings in Bangkok. It was once the home of Thai kings and now serves as a museum and a major tourist attraction. The palace houses Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand, which is known for its intricate architecture and glittering decorations.

Wat Pho

Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok and is famous for its 46-meter-long reclining Buddha statue, which is the largest of its kind in Thailand. The temple was also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, and visitors can experience a massage while they are there.

Chinatown

Bangkok’s Chinatown, also known as Yaowarat, is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood that offers a glimpse into Chinese culture in Thailand. As you explore the colorful streets of Chinatown, you will come across street vendors selling a variety of Chinese and Thai delicacies, Buddhist temples, and traditional Chinese shops.

Off-the-beaten-path Suggestions

Apart from the mainstream tourist attractions, Bangkok also hides some off-the-beaten-path wonders that are worth exploring.

Khlong Toei Market

Khlong Toei Market is one of the largest fresh markets in Bangkok and offers an authentic glimpse of Thai life. The market offers a vast array of fresh produce, meat, and seafood, and is a great place to savor the sights, smells, and sounds of Bangkok.

Soi Cowboy

Soi Cowboy may not be for everyone, but it is an exhilarating place to wander around for those who are curious. It is a nightlife entertainment district and is dotted with neon signs and flashing lights. While you are there, you can enjoy some drinks, listen to live music, and people-watch in this vibrant neighborhood.

Conclusion

Bangkok is a city that offers a unique blend of ancient culture, modern attractions, delectable cuisine, and vibrant streets. Whether you are interested in exploring traditional Thai markets or wandering through the neon-lit streets of Soi Cowboy, Bangkok never ceases to amaze. So, pack your bags, grab your camera and explore this incredible city for a truly unforgettable experience.