Maeklong Railway Market and Amphawa floating market

A market on the railway tracks and an evening floating market with fireflies.

Area

Day trips

Start from

Bangkok

Distance

about 80 km

Time needed

1 day

Best season

All year; weekends for Amphawa

Difficulty

Easy

Transport

Minibus or tour

Tickets & rules

None

Why go

At Maeklong, vendors sell goods directly on the railway tracks and quickly pull back their awnings when the train passes. Amphawa is a canal town with an evening floating market and firefly boat trips.

Both give a glimpse into local life outside Bangkok.

The Maeklong market is a real local market, selling fish, vegetables and fruit. When the train approaches, vendors quickly pull back their goods and awnings, and the train passes just centimetres away.

Amphawa is a quieter canal town, with wooden houses, cafés and seafood restaurants.

The story

The railway market grew around the tracks, and vendors adapted to the trains.

Amphawa's canals have been trading routes for centuries.

The Maeklong railway line was built in the early twentieth century. The market developed alongside it, and vendors learned to adapt.

Amphawa is known for its fireflies, which gather in trees along the river.

Getting there

Minibuses run from Bangkok to Maeklong; tours often combine both markets.

Check train times for the railway market.

A suggested plan

1. MorningMaeklong Railway Market.
2. AfternoonAmphawa.
3. EveningFloating market and firefly boat trip.

Where to stay

Homestays in Amphawa.

Good to know

• Check train schedules.
• Amphawa is busiest on weekends.
• Stay overnight in Amphawa for a quieter experience.