Maeklong Market, Bangkok

Often seeing in the photo sharing networks, Maeklong Market’s picture deeply captured in my heart. Thus, I decided to make a trip to Bangkok just to visit the place. We, the three backpackers were all set to Bangkok then.

Upon reaching, I had difficulties to approach the  Thais to ask about the best route to the market. Some don’t know, some don’t understand and some even ask, ‘Got such place?’.

To my surprise, people there do not recognize the market as Maeklong Market. It is best known as Dangerous Market or Train Market.

As usual, the local Tuk-Tuk drivers refer us to the Tourism Office for us to get the best package to the market. Trust me! The packages are EXPENSIVE. Just follow our route, which we followed from another blogger with the train schedule has been updated to the latest one. Personally, I would like to thank www.migrationology.com to provide us the route info.

If you are staying in Khao Sarn road or nearby to the city centre, get the metered taxy to Wang Wian Yai Station. The best to be at the train station is by 8.30am. The train from Wang Wian Yai leaves at sharp 8.35am. You will have to cross the overhead bridge if you get down at the opposite of the station. So plan your timing correctly so that you don’t miss the train.

[caption id="attachment_100" align="alignleft" width="300"] Train Schedule[/caption]

8.35am                 -              Train leaves Wang Wian Yai to Maha Chai.

9.30am                 -              Arrive at Maha Chai Station. You need to walk to the ferry from here. The route is little bit confusing. Get down at your left, just walk straight to the right for 100 meters. You will see markets along the way, but don’t worry. Take your own sweet to round the place as you have ample of time for the next train.

11.00am               -              Take ferry to cross the river. It’s very quick and frequently departs. So not to worry too.

11.15am               -              Arrive at Ban Laem ferry pier. Walk to the right, as you see the sign board to the station.

11.40am               -              Arrive at Ban Laem train station. Purchase your ticket at the counter and wait   for the train to arrive. The route to the train stations looks abandoned but that is the right one.

12.05pm               -              Train leaves Ban Laem to Maeklong Station.

13.05pm               -              Train arrives at Maeklong Station.

14.30pm               -              Train leaves Maeklong to Ban Laem (Last train of the day)

[caption id="attachment_98" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Ban Laem Train Station Route[/caption]

It was pretty excited to see the train arrives and everyone were ready with their gadgets ready. Photographers were prepared with tripod and their correct camera settings to get the best shot. Me…I was just with my iPhone :)

[caption id="attachment_92" align="alignleft" width="300"] Ticket to Maha Chai[/caption]

If you wonder how much it cost you roughly, here is the calculation (per pax):

Taxi from Khao Sarn to Wang Wian Yai Station = THB 200

Wang Wian Yai to MaHa Chai by train  = THB 10

Maha Chai Ferry to Ban Laem Ferry Pier = walking distance

Ban Laem Ferry across river to Ban Laem Train Station = THB 3

Ban Laem to Maek Long by train = THB 30

Per way = THB 243 for 2 hours beautiful journey.

Return will be the same cost too. Unless if you have decided to take taxi from Ban Laem Station to Khao Sarn Road, it will cost you approximately THB 350 - THB 400 depending on the traffic and the journey is about 1 hour.

The reason why did I say travel by yourself cost you lesser is because via tour group, it costs you at least THB 1000 for the trip. There are few cheap ones at Khao Sarn road, which costs about THB 250 but I rather not to choose them due to safety issue.

So what else? Start packing then!



With love.