1. What is Maeklong Railway Market?
Maeklong Railway Market, also known as Talad Rom Hoop, is a popular tourist attraction located in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand. It is a traditional Thai market that is famous for its unique location along a working railway track. The market is situated on top of the railway tracks and vendors set up their stalls with umbrellas and goods laid out on both sides of the track. When the train approaches, vendors quickly move their merchandise and awnings to make way for the train to pass through. As soon as the train has passed, everything goes back to normal and the market continues as usual. This phenomenon has made Maeklong Railway Market one of the most fascinating and exciting markets to visit in Thailand.
2. Where is the market located?
The market is located on the east side of Portland in the Central Eastside Industrial District.
3. How did the market get its name?
There are a few different theories about the origin of the market’s name:
1. Some believe that it was named after the “bull and bear” statues on either end of the New York Stock Exchange building, which represent bull and bear markets.
2. Another theory is that it was named after an early Dutch settlement in Manhattan called “Bouwerie” or “the farm,” which over time became known as the “Bowery.” The market was located near this area, so it may have been called the “Bowery Market.”
3. Similarly, another theory suggests that the market was named after a nearby street called “Bouwerie Lane,” which later became known as “Bowery Lane” and eventually just “Bowery.”
4. There is also speculation that the market got its name from a Native American word for a path or trail, since there were many trading paths in this area during colonial times.
Ultimately, the exact origin of the market’s name remains unclear and there may be multiple factors that contributed to its current name.
4. What is the history of Maeklong Railway Market?
The Maeklong Railway Market, also known as Talad Rom Hoop or the “umbrella pulldown market,” is located in Samut Songkhram province in central Thailand. The market has a unique history dating back to the late 18th century.
During this time, there was no formal railway system in Thailand, and transportation relied heavily on canals and waterways. The Maeklong River passed through the area where the market is located, making it a popular trading spot for locals to sell their goods.
In the early 20th century, plans were made to build a train track connecting Bangkok to neighboring provinces. The railway line was completed in 1905, and it ran directly through the Maeklong area.
Instead of relocating the market, which would have been costly and disruptive to the local economy, vendors decided to adapt to this new mode of transportation. As a result, they set up their stalls along either side of the train tracks, with their goods displayed on mats spread out on the ground.
Since then, the Maeklong Railway Market has operated continuously along with train schedules, attracting both locals and tourists with its unique setup.
In recent years, as tourism has increased in Thailand, so has interest in visiting this fascinating market. Many visitors come specifically to see the vendors quickly pull back their awnings and merchandise as a train passes through multiple times a day.
Today, the Maeklong Railway Market remains an essential hub for local trade and continues to be an exciting tourist attraction that offers a glimpse into traditional Thai culture and commerce.
5. What kind of goods can be found at the market?
The market may sell a variety of goods, including fresh produce, meats, seafood, dairy products, baked goods, household items, clothing and accessories, crafts and artisanal products. It may also offer services such as haircuts or repairs. The specific goods available will depend on the location and type of market.
6. Is the market open during the day or at night?
The market is open during the day, typically from 9:30am to 4:00pm Eastern Standard Time (EST). After-hours trading is also available, but with more limited hours.
7. How crowded does the market get?
It depends on the day, time, and location of the market, but it can get quite crowded during peak hours and on weekends. Some popular markets may also have a larger crowd compared to others.
8. Are there any unique or unusual items sold at Maeklong Railway Market?
Maeklong Railway Market is known for its unique location along the railway tracks, but there are also some unusual items sold by vendors at the market. These include exotic fruits and vegetables, such as rambutan and mangosteen, live animals like frogs and alligators, handmade crafts and souvenirs, as well as traditional Thai snacks and treats. Additionally, tourists can also find a variety of local delicacies such as fried insects and seafood dishes. The market is constantly changing so it’s worth visiting to see what new and unusual items are on offer.9. Are there any street performers or entertainment at the market?
It depends on the specific market. Some markets may have street performers or live entertainment, while others may not. It is best to check with the specific market for their schedule and offerings.
10. Is it safe to visit Maeklong Railway Market at night?
It is not recommended to visit Maeklong Railway Market at night. The market operates primarily during the day and is not well-lit at night, making it difficult to navigate and potentially unsafe. Additionally, the train schedule is less frequent at night, so visitors may not have the opportunity to witness the unique experience of the vendors quickly packing up their goods when a train approaches. It is best to experience Maeklong Railway Market during its operating hours for safety reasons.
11. Are there any popular bars or clubs near the market for nightlife activities?
Yes, there are several popular bars and clubs near the market for nightlife activities. Some popular options include The Drake Underground, The Horseshoe Tavern, Rebel Nightclub, and EFS Toronto. These locations often feature live music or DJs, and offer a variety of drinks and food options.
12. Can visitors sample local Thai cuisine at the market?
Yes, visitors can sample a variety of local Thai cuisine at the market. Many vendors offer small tasting portions or full meals for purchase. Some popular dishes to try include pad thai, tom yum soup, and mango sticky rice.
13. Are there any organized tours or activities that include a visit to Maeklong Railway Market and nightlife in Samut Songkhram?
Yes, there are several organized tours and activities that include a visit to Maeklong Railway Market and nightlife in Samut Songkhram. These can typically be found through tour companies or travel agencies in Bangkok or online.Some examples of tours that include both the market and nightlife in Samut Songkhram are:
1. Maeklong Railway Market and Floating Market Tour – This full-day tour includes a visit to Maeklong Railway Market, a stop at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and an evening visit to Amphawa Floating Market for some shopping and local street food.
2. Samut Songkhram Street Food Night Tour – This evening tour takes you through the bustling street food scene in Samut Songkhram, including a visit to the railway market where vendors set up their stalls on the train tracks.
3. Half-day Tour of Tha Kha Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market – This half-day tour includes visits to both Tha Kha Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market, with free time in between to explore the surrounding area on your own.
4. Cultural Nightlife Experience in Samut Songkhram – This guided tour offers an immersive experience into local culture, taking you to local markets, temples, traditional performances, and ending with a night out at a popular bar or club in Samut Songkhram.
It is best to research different tour options and read reviews from previous travelers before booking one that suits your interests and schedule.
14. Do vendors speak English, or do visitors need to know basic Thai to communicate?
In tourist areas, many vendors will speak English or have some basic understanding. However, it is always helpful to know simple Thai phrases to communicate with locals.
15. Can visitors bargain for better prices at the market?
It depends on the market and the seller. Some markets are known for haggling and bargaining, while others have fixed prices. It is always acceptable to politely ask for a discount or try to negotiate a lower price, but it ultimately depends on the seller whether they are willing to do so or not.
16. Are credit cards accepted at the market, or is it cash only?
Most markets accept both credit cards and cash, but it is always best to check with individual vendors or the market organizers beforehand. Some vendors may only accept cash while others may offer the option to pay with a credit or debit card. It is always a good idea to have cash on hand as well, in case you come across a vendor that does not accept cards.
17. How long has Maeklong Railway Market been operating for?
Maeklong Railway Market has been operating for over 100 years, since the late 19th century.
18. Does the market have a website or social media presence where visitors can stay updated on events and promotions?
The market may have a website or social media presence, but it varies depending on the specific market. You can check their website or search for them on social media platforms to see if they have an official page.
19. What is the best time to visit Maeklong Railway Market for a lively nightlife experience?
The best time to visit Maeklong Railway Market for a lively nightlife experience is in the evening, particularly on weekends. The market is open until late at night and there are often live performances, music, and street food vendors that create a lively atmosphere. Additionally, the train schedule is more frequent in the evening, so visitors can see the train passing through the market multiple times.
20.Would you recommend visiting Maeklong Railway Market as a solo traveler or with a group of friends for an entertaining night out in Samut Songkhram?
I would recommend visiting Maeklong Railway Market with a group of friends for an entertaining night out. The market can get quite crowded and chaotic, so having the support and company of friends can make the experience more enjoyable and safer. Moreover, exploring the market with others allows for sharing food and trying different items together. However, solo travelers who are comfortable navigating crowded environments may also enjoy visiting the market on their own at their own pace.