Mae Klong
แม่กลอง · Samut Songkhram Province
Population
35K
Budget / Month
$314
Internet
35 Mbps
Best Season
November to February
About Mae Klong
Mae Klong, the capital of Samut Songkhram — Thailand's smallest province — would be unremarkable were it not for one of Southeast Asia's most extraordinary spectacles. The Talad Rom Hup (literally 'market that closes umbrellas') is built on and alongside active railway tracks, and eight times a day a commuter train slowly rolls through. Vendors calmly pull back awnings, shift produce inches from the tracks, and resume business moments later.
The market stretches hundreds of meters along tracks leading to Mae Klong station, the Maeklong Railway terminus. Fresh seafood (particularly famous river prawns), fruit, and vegetables spread on tables extending to the rails' edge. When the horn sounds, awnings fold, tables slide, and within 30 seconds of the train passing, everything snaps back to full operation.
Beyond the railway market, Mae Klong offers salt farms, a lively wet market, atmospheric temples, and serves as a gateway to Amphawa floating market 10 km away. Most visitors come for the train spectacle and leave within an hour, but those who linger discover genuine provincial town character and excellent seafood.
Historical Note
Mae Klong has been a trading settlement since the Ayutthaya period. The railway was built in 1905 and the market grew around the tracks over following decades. The 'railway market' became internationally famous in the 2010s after viral videos.
Best time to visit: November to February
At a Glance
Thai Name
แม่กลอง
Province
Samut Songkhram
Region
Central
Population
35,000
Area
416 km²
Elevation
2 m
Postal Code
75000
Local Language
Thai
Cost of Living
budget
/month11,300 THB
~$314 USD
comfortable
/month21,000 THB
~$583 USD
luxury
/month35,000 THB
~$972 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Market food (per dish) | 30 | 60 |
| Seafood meal (river prawns) | 80 | 200 |
| Coffee | 30 | 50 |
| Beer (local) | 50 | 70 |
| Water bottle (1.5L) | 10 | 15 |
| Coconut sugar sweets | 10 | 30 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget guesthouse | 400 | 700 |
| Mid-range hotel | 700 | 1,500 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Train ride (Mae Klong-Ban Laem) | 10 | 10 |
| Songthaew to Amphawa | 10 | 20 |
| Tuk-tuk around town | 30 | 50 |
| Boat tour on Mae Klong River | 300 | 500 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Massage (1 hour) | 200 | 300 |
| Dried seafood souvenirs | 50 | 200 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | 20 | 30 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
18% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
Market operates daily. Key train arrival times: 8:30, 11:10, 14:30, 17:40 (check current schedule). November to February has best weather. Combine with Amphawa for a full day.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33 | 22 | 10 | 65% |
| Feb | 34 | 23 | 15 | 65% |
| Mar | 35 | 25 | 30 | 68% |
| Apr | 36 | 26 | 60 | 70% |
| May | 35 | 26 | 150 | 75% |
| Jun | 34 | 25 | 120 | 75% |
| Jul | 33 | 25 | 130 | 75% |
| Aug | 33 | 25 | 150 | 78% |
| Sep | 33 | 25 | 200 | 80% |
| Oct | 33 | 24 | 180 | 78% |
| Nov | 33 | 23 | 40 | 68% |
| Dec | 32 | 22 | 10 | 65% |
Things to Do
Watch the Train at Talad Rom Hup
ตลาดร่มหุบ
The world-famous railway market where vendors fold their awnings and pull back produce as a train passes through. Completely real, not staged.
Ride the Maeklong Railway
Take the commuter train from Mae Klong to Ban Laem for a cheap, authentic Thai rail experience through rural scenery.
Browse the Wet Market
Beyond the tracks, a large wet market offers excellent fresh seafood, produce, and prepared food at local prices.
Salt Farm Tour
Traditional salt evaporation farms in the surrounding lowlands where salt has been harvested for generations.
Wat Phet Samut Worawihan
วัดเพชรสมุทรวรวิหาร
Beautiful riverside temple near the station housing a revered Luang Pho Ban Laem Buddha image.
Combine with Amphawa
Amphawa floating market is just 10 km away — visit Mae Klong in the morning, Amphawa in the afternoon for a full day.
Food & Dining
กุ้งแม่กลอง
Kung Mae Klong (River Prawns)
Locally caught river prawns — grilled, steamed, or in tom yum. The signature local specialty.
100-300
Market stalls and riverside restaurants
ปลาทู
Pla Too (Short Mackerel)
Grilled or fried short mackerel — Samut Songkhram's famous fish, best eaten fresh from the market.
30-60
Wet market stalls
น้ำตาลมะพร้าว
Coconut Sugar Sweets
Samut Songkhram is famous for coconut sugar. Local sweets and candies made from it are sold at market stalls.
10-30
Market stalls throughout the area
หอยลายผัดพริก
Hoy Lai Pad Prik (Stir-fried Clams)
Stir-fried clams with chili paste and Thai basil — excellent fresh from the nearby coast.
60-120
Seafood restaurants in town
Food Streets
- Talad Rom Hup market strip
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
250 - 400
THB / night
Budget Hotel
400 - 700
THB / night
Mid-Range
700 - 1,500
THB / night
Luxury
1,500 - 3,000
THB / night
Studio /mo
4,000 - 7,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
5,000 - 9,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Mae Klong is primarily a day trip destination with limited accommodation. Consider staying in Amphawa instead for more options and the floating market.
Getting There from Bangkok
Minivan from Victory Monument
1.5-2 hours
70-100 THB
Self-drive
1-1.5 hours
Fuel THB
Organized tour (Mae Klong + markets)
Full day
800-2,000 THB
Getting Around
Walking
WidespreadThe market and station area is entirely walkable.
Free
Songthaew
LimitedTo Amphawa and surrounding areas.
10-20
Tuk-tuk
LimitedFor short trips around town.
30-50
Neighborhoods
Railway Market Area
Bustling market chaosThe blocks surrounding Mae Klong station where Talad Rom Hup operates. The wet market extends beyond the tracks.
Best for: The main attraction and food
Riverside
Peaceful waterfront townMae Klong River waterfront with temples, restaurants, and views of fishing boats. Quieter than the market area.
Best for: Temples and strolling
Festivals & Events
Pla Too Festival
Celebration of the famous short mackerel with parades, cooking demonstrations, and food events.
Loy Krathong
ลอยกระทง
Floating krathongs on the Mae Klong River with intimate, local-scale celebrations.
Practical Info
Hospital
Samut Songkhram Hospital
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Common
Language Tip
Thai only. Minimal English spoken anywhere.
Drinking Water
Bottled water only
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Common
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Amphawa Floating Market
Weekend floating market with canal-side food, firefly tours, and traditional wooden architecture.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Thailand's most famous floating market — more touristy but an iconic experience.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the train come through?
Trains arrive approximately at 8:30, 11:10, 14:30, and 17:40. Departures at 6:20, 9:00, 11:30, and 15:30. Always confirm locally.
Is it safe?
Yes, with common sense. Stand clear of the tracks. The train moves slowly but clearance between train and stalls is minimal.
How long should I spend?
1-2 hours. Watch one train, browse the market, eat seafood, then continue to Amphawa or Damnoen Saduak.
Can I ride the train?
Yes. The Mae Klong to Ban Laem line costs 10 THB one way and passes through rural scenery.
Is the spectacle genuine or staged?
Completely real. The market has operated around the tracks for decades. The vendors' routine is their daily reality.
Can I combine with other markets?
Yes. Classic itinerary: Mae Klong (8:30 AM) then Damnoen Saduak then Amphawa (afternoon/evening on weekends). All within 30 minutes of each other.